Bronchitis is a disease of the bronchi from which air enters the lungs. This is the most common complication that occurs after hypothermia. Often, without proper attention, the acute form can become chronic, which is especially dangerous for health. There are many ways to reduce the likelihood of developing this disease, but it is important to know how bronchitis is treated.
Symptoms of bronchitis
1. Usually bronchitis begins with a cold. With inflammation, secretion of viscous mucus increases. It clogs the airways and makes breathing difficult.
2. Cough with bronchitis is a reaction to the presence of mucus in the bronchi. During treatment, it is excreted in the form of a sputum of a grayish or light yellow color. Chest pain may occur.
3. Additional symptoms: high body temperature and whistling.
Disease complications
Acute bronchitis is not dangerous for most. The treatment of bronchitis in adults, especially smokers, asthmatics and people suffering from other pulmonary diseases, must be very thorough. They have an increased risk of repeated cases of acute bronchitis with its further transition to a chronic form.
Frequent protracted bronchitis is dangerous in heart failure. If you notice that you are coughing up sputum with streaks of blood or green, then consult a doctor immediately. It could be pneumonia.
How to treat bronchitis at home?
1. You need to be warm and observe bed rest.
2. To liquefy and facilitate the separation of sputum, it is necessary to drink herbal infusions and decoctions.
3. In order to reduce discomfort and lower body temperature, you can take acetylsalicylic acid.
4. Humidification is required. It is useful to inhale hot air while taking healing infusions or even tea. The steam room will help reduce paroxysmal cough. But remember that warming up and inhalation are permissible only when there is no hyperthermia!
5. All, probably, more than once asked the question: “How is bronchitis treated?” It can be treated with over-the-counter drugs. From the pharmacy variety, an expectorant should be chosen that will improve sputum removal.
6. If for several days you do not feel better, it’s still difficult to breathe and fever, call a doctor. When repeating such cases, specialist advice is necessary, because these may be signs of chronic bronchitis, causing irreversible damage to the lungs.
How do doctors treat bronchitis
Bronchodilator drugs are prescribed for difficulty breathing. Quick breathing relief is given by inhalation of these drugs. Antibiotics are recommended for bacterial infections that cause inflammation.
A chest x- ray is prescribed for suspected pneumonia. Hospitalization may be necessary depending on the type and severity of pneumonia.
Bronchitis goes away in 7-10 days with outpatient treatment. If there is a suspicion of a bacterial infection, an analysis is performed: sputum culture.
In most cases, treating bronchitis comes down to alleviating the symptoms. Antibiotics are not prescribed until they establish the bacterial nature of bronchitis. But sometimes they can be prescribed as a prophylaxis for people who suffer from chronic lung diseases.
Preventive measures and recommendations for patients
Always close your mouth when coughing. Dishes should be individual so that the infection is not transmitted to relatives.
To avoid bronchitis:
• no smoking;
• Avoid contact with people who have colds.
• wear a special mask when working with chemicals, etc .;
• If you suffer from asthma, then be sure to discuss preventive measures for acute bronchitis with your doctor.
So you found out how bronchitis is treated and how to avoid it.
Take care of yourself!