Coughing is a symptom of many ailments of the respiratory system. This is a natural defense of the body. Minor coughing several times a day is the norm. But sometimes people are tormented by dust bronchitis. Its causes and treatment are described in the article.
What it is?
Dust bronchitis is a type of ailment of the bronchial tree, in which inflammation does not appear from infection, but from the chemical or mechanical effects of dust microparticles. Usually, the disease is detected in people who have to work in conditions of increased dust and pollution. Therefore, they call dust bronchitis an occupational disease.
Causes
There are many industries where there are conditions for the disease of dust bronchitis. Usually the problem occurs in:
- miners;
- metallurgists;
- builders;
- miners;
- textile workers;
- cotton and flax processors;
- woodworkers.
It turns out that the main cause of dust bronchitis is dust. If you timely identify the ailment, as well as change jobs, you can avoid complications.
Disease development
After air enters the body before it enters the lung tissue, it is cleaned. This process is performed in the bronchi. On the tubular walls of the organ there is a mucous membrane with cilia and villi. When a person inhales dusty air, the dust settles on the cilia, is enveloped in mucous contents, and is removed with a cough.
If there is a lot of dust, it is not removed in a timely manner and therefore accumulates. Coughing requires smooth muscle contraction. But when the dust content exceeds the norm, it settles so tightly that the ciliary epithelium is blocked and cannot contract.
As a result, mucus cannot be produced normally. The contents will be thick, irritation appears, and coughing begins. With the defeat of many tissues, the bronchial passages are able to overlap. In this case, we are talking about obstruction of the bronchi.
Kinds
Professional dust bronchitis is divided into:
Both ailments have their own characteristics. These are chronic dust bronchitis. In the dust form, pathology begins due to the high dust content. With the toxic-dust form in the air there are toxic components that negatively affect the respiratory system.
It is important to be careful:
- metal oxides;
- ethylene glycol;
- nitrites;
- formaldehydes;
- sulfur compounds.
Symptoms of dust bronchitis appear faster if a person is in dusty conditions on hot and humid days. They also occur when smoking, overwork or congenital malformations of the respiratory system. Dust and toxic-dust bronchitis is difficult.
Signs
Symptoms of dust bronchitis may vary depending on the stage of the disease. There are 3 stages of the course of the disease. The first symptoms of chronic occupational bronchitis occur several years after the start of work in negative conditions. But severely, the disease manifests itself in some only after 10-15 years of pathological effects.
Chronic dust bronchitis at the 1st stage manifests itself in the form of:
- periodic bouts of dry cough;
- the presence or absence of sputum;
- exacerbations 1-2 times a year;
- shortness of breath while doing physical work;
- hard breathing when listening to the device, and sometimes dry rales appear.
If, according to these signs, it was possible to identify the ailment at the initial stage, it will be possible to successfully cure the ailment. When chronic dust bronchitis goes into stage 2, the appearance of:
- prolonged coughing attacks;
- small amount of sputum;
- frequent attacks;
- asthma attacks;
- difficulty breathing;
- prolonged exacerbations;
- increased volume of sputum;
- pus;
- discomfort during exhalation.
It is possible to identify dust bronchitis to an average degree with the help of an X-ray examination. The picture will show an increase in the pattern of the lower parts of the lung, thickening of the walls of the bronchi, swelling of the mucous membrane, symptoms of emphysema. When the state of the respiratory system changes, processes will start in the heart. Probably the expansion of the departments of the organ and the appearance of other signs of a pulmonary heart.
Professional chronic dust bronchitis can be at the 3rd stage. This stage develops when the pathology has not been previously identified and cured. In severe stages, the following symptoms are observed:
- a lot of sputum;
- shortness of breath - not only with hard work, but also with the usual activities;
- on x-rays, a noticeable strong allocation of the basal pattern of the lungs;
- asthma attacks
- some parts of the bronchial tree are impassable;
- frequent exacerbations;
- lowering the level of oxygen in the blood.
At the last stage, common symptoms are noticeable. There is weakness, drowsiness, high sweating. There is still discomfort in the chest, tension in the neck veins.
Symptoms of toxic dust form
This is a type of professional dust bronchitis that is triggered by dust particles mixed with toxic components. This ailment manifests itself in the form of:
- increase in body temperature;
- purulent discharge;
- the presence of chemical components in sputum;
- changes in the biochemical composition of blood.
Symptoms that will be detected only by x-ray do not differ much from signs of ordinary dust bronchitis.
Diagnostics
Diagnostic measures should be performed by a qualified doctor, as he is able to differentiate dust bronchitis from asthma and other pathologies of the respiratory system. This usually requires the execution of:
- general and biochemical analysis of blood;
- urinalysis;
- biochemical and bacteriological studies of bronchial mucus;
- X-ray.
Depending on the results of the analysis, to clarify the ailments, the following is allowed:
- spirography, which determines the air capacity of the lung;
- spirometry - shows the volume of forced expiration;
- capnography, which determines the content and pressure of carbon dioxide;
- electromyography - shows the ability of the muscles of the bronchi to contract;
- bronchography;
- MRI of the bronchi.
These manipulations are necessary to exclude pathologies such as tuberculosis, oncology, chronic pneumonia. Procedures allow you to accurately determine the type of ailment.
Who to contact?
Ailments of the bronchopulmonary system are handled by a pulmonologist. Not every clinic has a doctor. At the first symptoms, you need to consult a therapist and undergo a diagnosis.
The sooner an ailment is detected and treatment is carried out, the more chances there are to eliminate the ailment. Therefore, you need to undergo medical examinations on a regular basis.
Danger of illness
Chronic dust bronchitis is a serious pathology that can lead to irreversible processes in the lungs. As the disease develops, it leads to a state of the pulmonary heart, when the right parts of the organ increase. This condition makes the prognosis of therapy pessimistic.
Pulmonary heart disease with progression causes irreversible degenerative destruction of the muscle tissue of the heart. In complex cases, a chronic illness can lead to disability and disability.
Therapy
Treatment of dust bronchitis is prescribed by a doctor after laboratory tests and confirmation of the diagnosis. Drug therapy is effective. Its purpose is to restore patency of the bronchi, normalize the condition of the mucous membrane and remove accumulated sputum.
The drugs can reduce symptoms and accelerate the process of elimination of sputum. The following tools are commonly used:
- "ACC".
- "Lazolvan."
- "Ambroxol".
- "Acetylcysteine."
- Bisolvon.
It is necessary to eliminate coughing attacks. For this, spasms are prescribed. Effectively work such drugs as "Teopeck" and "Terbutaline."
Mode
In the presence of this ailment, you must adhere to several rules for the regime:
- With an exacerbation of the disease, heavy drinking is necessary. An adult should use it in an amount of 3-3.5 liters per day. Useful alkaline fruit drink, hot milk with Borjomi in an amount of 1: 1.
- We need a complete diet, in which there are a lot of proteins and vitamins. Need to eat more fruits and vegetables.
- It is necessary to get rid of the physical and chemical factors leading to the occurrence of cough - dust and smoke.
- With dry air, the cough will manifest itself more strongly, so you need to moisten the air in the room. To do this, use an air purifier and a humidifier. It is advisable to perform daily wet cleaning of the patient.
Other methods
Treatment of dust bronchitis is also carried out with the help of auxiliary procedures - physiotherapy. UHF and electrophoresis helps. During therapy, you must adhere to a balanced diet. Apply vitamin complexes to strengthen the immune system and activate the body's natural forces.
Folk remedies are also allowed. Infusions and decoctions based on licorice root allow you to get rid of symptoms. You can make a composition based on coltsfoot and the root of the marshmallow. Alkaline inhalations have a beneficial effect. They are able to soften mucus and easily remove it.
Although this ailment is serious, with timely therapy it will be possible to complete the pathological process. Running cases negatively affect the heart and blood vessels. Without qualified assistance, there can be absolute disability and disability.
Physiotherapy
The essence of the procedures is the impact of physical types of energy on body tissues, which provides positive effects. With bronchitis, experts prescribe:
- Ultra-high frequency therapy (UHF). It involves exposure to a high-frequency electric field for 5-15 minutes. The generated energy is absorbed by the tissues of the body, which leads to a positive result. There is an improvement in microcirculation in the bronchopulmonary system. The course of therapy is 7-10 procedures. They are performed every day or every other day.
- Microwave therapy (UHF). Exposure to ultra-high electromagnetic waves improves microcirculation, relaxes the bronchial muscles and widens the lumens of the bronchi. The course consists of 8-12 procedures that are done every day for 5-10 minutes. If necessary, the course is repeated after a month.
- Electrophoresis This method is based on the fact that when in an electric field, drugs move from one electrode to another, penetrating into tissues and organs. With bronchitis, iodide or calcium chloride preparations are used, as well as anti-inflammatory and painkillers. The procedure is 15-20 minutes, and the course includes 7-10 sessions, which are carried out every other day.
- Ultrasound Therapy Under the influence of ultrasonic waves, fluctuations appear in the bronchial mucus and in the mucous plugs. This is the separation of mucus and its excretion.
Which procedure to use should be decided by the doctor. The method of therapy is selected based on the condition of the person, the diagnosis.
Breathing exercises
Therapeutic exercises allow you to learn how to breathe. Inhalation is performed sharply and deeply. Nose is actively drawing in air, with noise. Exhalation is performed by mouth, slowly and quietly.
It is important that air flows through the airways freely. The rhythm must be controlled by a score that matches the marching pitch scheme. Exercises are performed while sitting or lying down, it all depends on the severity of the disease.
Is the disease contagious?
If the mucous membrane is inflamed from infection, then it can be transmitted to people who come in contact with the patient. But the cause of infectiousness in this case is considered not so much the disease itself as a based infectious disease, such as angina.
The infection is transmitted to healthy people by airborne droplets. The contact path of infection is considered less common when people become infected by direct contact with the patient’s things or personal items. To reduce the risk of infection, the patient must follow the rules of personal hygiene.
Wear a mask during a conversation. After visiting the room where the patient lives, you need to wash your hands. You should not use the things of a person who is sick with bronchitis.
Inhalation
A nebulizer is a special device that sprays a drug onto microparticles, which are then inhaled. This method of drug administration is considered effective. With a nebulizer use:
- Expectorants (Fluimucil). They thin the mucous plugs and facilitate their removal. Adults for 1 session of inhalation (5-15 minutes) need 3 ml of the drug, which is diluted in 0.9% sodium chloride solution (the same amount). The finished solution is added to a special compartment of the device, after which it turns on. The procedures are performed 2 times a day. The dose for children is set based on age and body weight.
- Bronchodilators (Berodual). With them, the muscles of the bronchi are relaxed and their lumen expands. This relieves shortness of breath and other symptoms of respiratory failure with bronchitis. Adults require 3 ml of sodium chloride, in which 40 drops are diluted. Children under 6 years of age require 10 drops per 3 ml of saline.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs ("Rotokan"). The preparation contains extracts of calendula, chamomile and yarrow. Procedures slow the progression of the disease. To get a solution, you need 1 ml of the drug, which is diluted with 40 ml of sodium chloride. Then the product is added to the nebulizer with 4 ml of the ready-made solution for 1 procedure. The session should be performed 3 times a day.
- Immunostimulating agents ("Interferon"). Procedures increase the body's defense. The product is made in powder ampoules. To get the solution, you need to open the ampoule and add 2 ml of distilled water. For 1 procedure, 1 ampoule is needed. Sessions are performed 2 times a day.
Before starting any treatment, it is necessary to consult a specialist. Only a doctor is able to prescribe a therapy that will bring positive results. Before taking any medication, you need to read the instructions, which contain information about the dosage, duration of treatment.
Prevention
To protect against an ailment, prevention of dust bronchitis is needed. It consists in refusing to work in hazardous industries. If this is not possible, then the respiratory system and body should be protected from dust pollution.
Wear protective masks and special clothing. With the help of planned medical examinations, pathology is detected in the early stages and timely assistance is provided. It is important to prevent the development of a picture of the pulmonary heart, since in complex cases this leads to death.
When the first symptoms appear, consult a doctor. At the fast pace of development of the disease, the place of work should be changed. With the help of proper and timely treatment, it will be possible to maintain a normal state of the lungs and bronchi, as well as to prevent complications.