Bronchitis is an inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract. Adults and children are equally affected by it. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment, the patient must then undergo an examination. In most clinical cases, it is possible to detect bronchitis on an x-ray.
It is especially important to know how the disease manifests itself in pediatric patients. Thanks to this, parents can make an appointment with a pediatrician in a timely manner. Only after receiving the results of the tests and examining the child, the doctor will prescribe treatment.
When is a snapshot scheduled?
The procedure for x-ray examination is associated with irradiation of the body. In this regard, people are interested in whether it can detect the disease, or whether you can do without it. If a common cold develops, then treatment can be prescribed after obtaining the results of a blood test, listening to the respiratory system and assessing the appearance of the mucous membranes.
If you ask the therapist if bronchitis is visible on an X-ray of the lungs, he will answer yes. With an average or mild degree of acute respiratory viral infections, such a study is not prescribed so as not to be irradiated once again. The main indications for diagnosis are:
- Suspicion of pneumonia.
- The likelihood of developing obstruction of the lungs.
- There is no positive dynamics after the therapeutic course.
- It is necessary to conduct dynamic monitoring of the patient's condition after treatment.
X-ray bronchitis is determined, and almost always accurately. Assign a shot necessarily people who suffer from coughing for a long time, have shortness of breath, note active sweat. All of these symptoms may be signs of developing tuberculosis.
What can be seen?
Symptoms of bronchitis on an x-ray will be specific. The inflammatory process itself is not determined, but attention should be paid to the shadows. Since the rays penetrate the wall and air space of the alveoli, with the development of the disease, ring spots will be visible. The chronic form also manifests itself.
You can suspect bronchitis in an x-ray according to the following indicators:
- the pattern of the lungs and blood vessels changes (in appearance it resembles a branching in a tree);
- proliferation of connective tissue is defined as condensed roots;
- in some places there are subsidence of organ tissue.
X-ray bronchitis looks like alternating zones of low and high airiness. The roots of the lungs are subject to a detailed examination, since their deformation occurs. It is these changes that are clearly defined in the picture, as well as the excessive growth of fibrous tissue. Knowing how bronchitis looks on x-rays, you should not try to independently decipher it. Description should be done by an experienced doctor.
Signs of obstruction with bronchitis
First of all, a marked decrease in the structure of the roots of the organ is noted, their borders are fuzzy, as in a healthy person, the walls of the bronchi are thickened. In severe cases of the disease, patients develop obstruction.
In this case, bronchitis on an x-ray will have additional signs:
- Flattened chest.
- Low diaphragm location.
- Limit the diaphragm mobility.
- The pulmonary background has increased transparency.
- The heart muscle is located vertically.
Deciphering x-rays with bronchitis is a responsible matter. If a specialist performs an incorrect description, they will make an incorrect diagnosis. As a result, the treatment prescribed to the patient will be ineffective, and the pathological process will take on a neglected form.
X-ray contrast study
With the progression of bronchitis, an increase in lung size is noted. As a result, the organ exerts increased pressure on the heart. If there is a suspicion of a bilateral lesion, then two images may be prescribed with an interval of 5 days. Another type of diagnosis is bronchography.
This is also an X-ray technique, but using a contrast medium. It is administered to the patient intravenously, immediately before the procedure. Due to this, the structure of the lungs is clearly visualized. This method is rarely resorted to, since the patient may be allergic to contrast, as well as experiencing pain during manipulation.
Difference of X-ray from fluorography
When there is a suspicion that bronchitis develops, a doctor prescribes fluorography or x-ray. Not every patient understands how these diagnostic methods differ. Therefore, the issue needs to be dealt with in more detail. The first unifying feature is that both methods allow you to identify the inflammatory process.
In turn, during the performance of fluorography, the body receives a larger portion of radiation than with an x-ray. That is why it is prescribed only if it is suspected that a person has tuberculosis, which is also accompanied by severe cough. Through fluorography, there is no way to diagnose bronchitis.
X-ray contraindications
Chest x-ray can be performed on virtually every person. There are no specific contraindications to the procedure. Restrictions apply only to women bearing a child, and patients in serious condition.
In this case, the diagnosis is made based on the results of analyzes, the list of which will be expanded. But if there is a clear threat to life, and an x-ray is necessary, it will certainly be performed even if there are contraindications. During pregnancy, additional safety measures are taken. In order for the fetus to receive less radiation, a lead plate is placed on the stomach that does not transmit rays.
Symptoms of bronchitis in a child
The respiratory system in children has certain features. Unlike adults, they have narrow paths, so with the development of edema on the mucous membrane of the larynx, the process of their overlap is faster. In most clinical cases, the disease develops against a background of viral infection.
When symptoms of bronchitis develop, a pediatrician should treat children. Parents are advised to seek qualified help if the baby feels a sore throat, he begins to cough, wheeze, hoarse voice and there are pronounced signs of conjunctivitis.
At the first stage of the development of the disease, the cough will be dry, already on the fifth day it becomes softer. From the seventh day, you can notice the active separation of the mucous secretion. Body temperature remains within 38 degrees. On average, the period of complete recovery with adequate therapy is 10-14 days.
Treatment of bronchitis in children
During the acute stage of the disease, the child must comply with strict bed rest. Active games are strictly not allowed. The baby should be calm, and he also needs to give plenty of warm drink. It is important to balance nutrition, saturate it with useful products containing vitamins.
The principle of developing specific therapy directly depends on why the child started bronchitis. Symptoms and treatment in children may vary throughout the course. If the nature of the disease is viral, then the administration of cephalosporin, penicillin or macrolide antibiotics is indicated. The complex may also include antifungal medications.
Without fail, patients are prescribed medications from the group of mucolytics, which have the ability to thin the mucous secretion, which contributes to its better discharge from the respiratory tract. If the cough is dry, Oxeladine or Prenoxdiazine is indicated. If a child has allergies, it is necessary to take antihistamines.
Physiotherapy and prevention of bronchitis
A good therapeutic result is shown by the physiotherapeutic treatment of bronchitis. Patients are prescribed inhalations with drugs on an oil or alkaline basis. Recently, nebulizer treatment is increasingly being carried out, using UV, UHF, chest electrophoresis.
As for preventive measures, first of all, it is necessary to create conditions that will help to avoid or minimize the frequency of acute respiratory viral diseases. Antiviral prophylaxis is also recommended during peak seasons (fall / spring), and contact with the allergen should be avoided.
You can avoid the development of bronchitis, if you do not stay in the cold for a long time, do hardening of the body. Patients in the children's age group need to be promptly vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcal infection. A child suffering from a recurring or chronic form of pathology should visit a pulmonologist every two years.
If the patient suspects that his bronchitis is progressing, he needs to immediately undergo a medical examination. To do this, make an appointment with a therapist or pediatrician if the child is sick. With a timely diagnosis, a full treatment, a full recovery occurs, and complications do not develop.