Chronic obstructive bronchitis can lead to pulmonary failure and, as a result, to hypoxia . The patient’s medical history contains data that suggest a slow but steady damage to the lung tissue. At its core, bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi, and when it lasts at least 3 months a year, we can already talk about its chronic form.
If
treatment for obstructive bronchitis does not start on time, then the amount of sputum becomes more and more, it is much more difficult to remove. The cough becomes strong and frequent, and after a few years is generally continuous. The whole process is accompanied by the loss of cilia of the epithelium, which are a natural defense against various kinds of microorganisms. As a result, the mucus becomes purulent yellowish or gray.
Causes of occurrence
There may be many reasons for the appearance of obstructive bronchitis , however, the following are the most significant pulmonologists:
- Tobacco smoke.
- Respiratory disease.
- Pathology of the nasopharynx.
- Metabolic disorders, obesity.
- Genetic predisposition (rare).
- Polluted air. The chance to get sick is great for people living in megacities, and those who often work with household chemicals, perfumes, paints and varnishes, etc.
Of course, the presence of any of these factors does not mean one hundred percent disease, but their combination increases the probability by several times.
Symptoms of the disease
At the initial stage of obstructive bronchitis (when the small bronchi are affected), symptoms may not appear at all. About 5-10% of patients may not even cough. When the inflammatory process begins to spread, a cough begins. He is usually the most worried in the morning. After a certain period of time, the cough becomes jerky, wet and long-lasting (sometimes even a whole day). In addition, muscle pain is felt, sweating and shortness of breath intensify. In many cases, such symptoms are recorded by the medical history . Obstructive bronchitis (pediatrics confirm this) may be accompanied by high fever. Of course, against the background of such symptoms, general weakness arises (the same as with the flu).
Diagnosis
An exact diagnosis can be made by a therapist, pediatrician (if a child is sick) or a pulmonologist. The patient should be followed up for two consecutive years. During this period, the patient has to undergo such tests and undergo the following procedures:
- blood test (biochemical, general);
- fluorography (x-ray of the lungs);
- bacteriological culture of sputum;
- bronchoscopy.
The latter method involves the introduction of a thin tube into the respiratory tract, which makes it possible to examine the bronchi.
Although this procedure is not pleasant to patients, it is still very necessary, because it can also be used to suck out fluid, take tissue samples for research, and introduce the necessary medications.
Treatment
Identification of obstructive bronchitis provides an urgent rejection of bad habits. Treatment is determined by the doctor based on each specific case. Basically, the patient is prescribed antibiotics, mucolytic and expectorant drugs. In addition, inhalations and rinses are carried out (thanks to bronchoscopy).