In this article, we will consider the symptoms and signs of bronchitis in an adult. Nowadays, a disease such as bronchitis is a common occurrence. And, probably, almost everyone is familiar with him, one way or another. He is sometimes confused with the usual SARS or the flu. However, here everything is more serious. The disease affects the lower respiratory tract, and in the mucosa of the bronchial tree and lungs, the process of inflammation. The causative agents can be infections, fungi, viruses, allergens and even chemicals.
In an adult, the immune system, like the respiratory system, unlike the child’s, is already formed. However, negative factors affect the body for a longer period of time. What are the causes of symptoms of bronchitis in adults? - let's try to figure it out.
How can a person get sick?
There can be many causes of the disease. Starting from smoking, ending with heredity and adverse ecology. It develops much faster in wet climates, where a constant change in weather conditions is considered the norm. Dust, smoke and other particles are provocateurs of sputum production and coughing, as attempts to get rid of it. Rains, fogs, sudden changes in air temperatures - all this can unpleasantly affect our body.
Mucous membranes can be damaged and bad habits. Smokers are three times more likely to suffer from a chronic form of the disease. Even alcoholism can sometimes lead to the development of an ailment.
No less dangerous consequences are harmful production. Workers in bakery, chemical and wool industries are also at risk. Which specialist should treat symptoms of bronchitis in adults without coughing or coughing?
Who to contact for help?
The diagnosis is made by a pulmonologist. This is a specialist in a narrow profile. In his area of responsibility is the diagnosis and therapy of the respiratory system (lungs, bronchi and trachea). The equipment used in the current period makes it possible to establish a diagnosis with great accuracy, while at the same time, the effectiveness of treatment increases.
A patient often receives a consultation with a pulmonologist according to the direction of a general practitioner - a general practitioner, he specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of patients who have reached the age of majority.
But there are symptoms of bronchitis in adults, the presence of which allows you to instantly go "to the address". Among them:
- Cough that does not respond to treatment for several weeks. Sometimes this is the only symptom, which means that there is no reason to think about bronchitis. However, in any case, the problem lies in the respiratory system. Coughing can lead to diseases of the nervous system, ENT organs, and impaired heart function. However, more often these are still pathological processes in the lungs and bronchi.
- Shortness of breath, in a calm state or at the time of physical activity (for example, when a person climbs up the stairs).
- Bouts of suffocation. Oxygen deficiency is a sign of bronchial asthma.
- Chest pain when breathing.
- Cough with fever up to 38 degrees.
- Sputum with blood.
All of the above symptoms of bronchitis in adults without cough may be present.
At the first appointment, an examination is underway. The doctor collects data on existing pathologies, a history of diseases of the bronchopulmonary system, and patient complaints at the moment. Phonendoscope listens to the lungs. In this case, the disease is diagnosed using the following methods:
- Lung scintigraphy. The ventilation potential is checked, it is detected whether there is a blockage.
- Spirometry. A special device measures respiration: lung volume, expiratory flow and inspiration.
- Endoscopic bronchosanation. Flushing the trachea and bronchial tree with pharmaceutical liquid or aerosol.
- Pulse oximetry. Sets the level of oxygen saturation of the blood.
- Peak flowmetry. The maximum exhalation rate is measured.
- Bronchoscopy Thanks to this method, the inner surface of the trachea and bronchi is examined. Before the study, it is forbidden to drink, eat, smoke. Also, on the night before the examination, the patient should take medications prescribed by the doctor in advance. And right before bronchoscopy, the bladder is emptied.
After a more detailed examination, the pulmonologist can refer to other specialists with a narrow profile.
Symptoms of bronchitis in adults vary depending on the type of pathology.
Classification of bronchitis
Specialists differentiate several types of this disease:
- tuberculous
- microbacterial;
- viral;
- allergic;
- infectious;
- toxic chemical.
Often there are symptoms of bronchitis in adults with a temperature of 37 degrees.
There are two forms of the course of the disease: acute and chronic. Symptoms vary depending on the type and form, and subsequent treatment is determined. The latter, by the way, must be implemented in a timely manner. There is always a dangerous chance of complications. Among them: a violation of the heart (sometimes it can even develop into a pathology), pneumonia, and chronic lung diseases.
Symptoms of bronchitis in adults
The first, and probably most obvious symptom is a cough. At the beginning of the disease, it is dry, but a little later sputum is added to it. Her color can also tell a lot.
White is the most common. Discharges in large quantities can indicate a chronic form of the disease.
Green - the result of cell breakdown, characterizes an infection that has been in the body for a long time. Pus may be present in the mucus.
Yellow sputum is a signal to consult a doctor immediately. This is a clear sign of a heavy smoker or a signal about the development of bronchitis in the chronic stage. In this case, only the doctor will tell you what type: allergic or infectious.
The treatment of symptoms of bronchitis in adults with folk remedies is discussed below.
Sputum, in which a large number of red blood cells, is red or pink. Perhaps there was a rupture of blood vessels.
When red blood cells break down and release hemosiderin, the pigment becomes dark yellow, often brown.
The temperature is often not high. A disease can even go away without it. In rare cases (for example, when bronchitis is a complication of the flu), the thermometer rises to 40 degrees.
Also, a person, as with other diseases, experiences general ailments. Among them are drowsiness, lack of appetite, weakness in the body.
The symptoms of bronchitis in adults with a temperature of 38 are especially dangerous.
Symptoms of various types of disease
Infectious bronchitis of a mild form, one might say, is one of the most harmless types. But, it is worth repeating, treatment should not be neglected in any case. Symptoms
- general weakness and "weakness";
- dry cough periodically becomes wet.
Patients also often complain of uncomfortable chest pressure. Breathing is accompanied by wheezing.
With moderate severity of infectious bronchitis, the cough is much stronger. This provokes not just discomfort, but serious pain in the chest and even in the stomach, as the muscles begin to work for wear. In the sputum - pus. Heavy breathing is accompanied by dry or wet rales. Weakness is stronger than in the previous case.
What other symptoms of bronchitis do adults have?
Allergic bronchitis is intense, but general ailments are less pronounced. No temperature. Upon contact with the allergen, there is an exacerbation, however, as soon as the patient is protected from the provoking factor, remission occurs. The rales are scattered and dry. It is difficult to breathe, and dyspnea usually occurs when you exhale.
Chemical, as well as toxic, appears when acids, vapors, sulfur and carbon monoxide gases, dust enter the body through the respiratory tract. A person immediately begins a period of intoxication. The cough is excruciating, from which, accordingly, sharp chest pains. Choking shortness of breath and respiratory distress. Oxygen in the body is not enough, so hypoxia develops, Rats are dry. The victim suffers from a headache. No appetite.
Symptoms of asthmatic bronchitis in adults are presented below.
Asthmatic bronchitis is a disease that causes a variety of infections or allergies. There is an increase and swelling of the bronchi, as well as their hypersecretion.
The asthmatic form can be determined by the following signs:
- the presence of paroxysmal cough;
- shortness of breath, hoarse and wheezing;
- expiratory dyspnea;
- sore throat;
- runny nose;
- chills;
- deterioration in the general well-being of the patient.
Symptoms and treatment of asthmatic bronchitis in adults are interrelated. Its main difference from asthma is that a person cannot suffocate, he does not have asthma attacks, but modern pulmonology considers this disease in conjunction with asthma.
Acute bronchitis
Consider the symptoms of bronchitis in an adult with fever.
In 85% of cases of acute bronchitis caused by a respiratory viral infection. This form of the disease is characterized by an unexpected manifestation and an acute course. A dry paroxysmal cough gradually becomes wet. At night, it intensifies, especially when lying down.
Chest pain and discomfort at this time of day is a common occurrence. In addition, symptoms of SARS are observed. Increased fatigue, loss of appetite, weakness, headache, “aches” of muscles and joints, drowsiness. Sometimes even patients complain of sore throat and runny nose (rhinitis). When breathing, wheezing is heard, dry or wet, depending on the stage of disease progression. You can identify them when listening with a stethoscope, and without examination by instrumental means.
The stage of productive cough in acute viral infections is consistent with the onset of recovery from a cold. Body temperature is normalized, and intoxication of the body is on the decline. If on the third or fifth day this does not happen, the patient should immediately consult a doctor. There is a risk of complications or bacterial infections.
With proper and timely treatment, the patient quickly returns to normal - on average per week.
However, after this period, the body continues to recover for about three weeks. The cells of the bronchi that were affected by the infection are regenerated and by the end of this period a full recovery occurs.
In this case, the course of the disease can take place in different ways. A severe, moderate or mild degree is determined by the doctor by analyzing sputum, blood, X-rays and examining bronchial lesions.
Two types can be distinguished: non-obstructive and obstructive bronchitis, depending on the degree of obstruction of the bronchi.
Nonobstructive or in other words a simple form is expressed by a large or medium inflammatory process, there is no blockage. Often the causes of the disease are non-infectious agents and a viral infection. If the treatment is timely and correct, sputum is gradually exhausted, as the disease progresses. Oxygen deficiency does not develop.
In an adult without bad habits, recovery occurs after two to three weeks. The lower respiratory tract is fully restored.
Inflammation in acute obstructive form of a catarrhal-purulent or purulent character. Shortness of breath is the first alarming symptom. She appears even at rest. Coughing is painful and lasting. Amplified by inspiration. A blockage is present. Exudate fills the cavity of the bronchi. Reflex contraction of muscle walls provokes spasms. And, as a result, respiratory failure, as a result, flows into oxygen starvation.
A serious form of the disease in an adult is much less common than in children. The risks to health and life are far less dangerous. However, the prognosis still proceeds from the severity of respiratory failure. In obstructive acute form, respiratory failure depends on the level of blockage by exudate and the area of bronchospasm coverage.
More often, people who are addicted to smoking, older people, those who already have a diagnosis of bronchial asthma, and people who are prone or have chronic heart and lung diseases, may get sick.
In this case, coughing as a protective mechanism, helps to remove blockage - exudate from the bronchi. On the third - fifth day, when sputum production occurs, a person feels some relief. On average, a full recovery takes a month.
Symptoms of bronchitis in an adult with a temperature are quite unpleasant.
Stage and symptoms of chronic bronchitis
Adults are often sick, in children it appears only with immunodeficiency and various kinds of anomalies in the development of the respiratory tract.
The process of inflammation in this case develops for a rather long time - from three months or more. It occurs with intermediate remissions and exacerbations. The main symptom of chronic bronchitis is a small cough, usually in the morning - immediately after sleep. In addition, shortness of breath is observed, after physical exertion, it intensifies.
In general, the prerequisites of a protracted form may be regular exposure to aggressive environments, adverse working conditions, which are accompanied by exposure to the body of gases, smog, burning, soot, chemical fumes. And even more often provokes an exacerbation - tobacco smoke is passively or actively inhaled.
The disease worsens with bacterial and viral infections, as well as with cold, high humidity and changing climatic conditions. Without therapy and appropriate treatment, the disease can progress. Exacerbations are more severe and respiratory failure is increasing. These are the main symptoms of bronchitis in adults without fever. Dry cough causes severe discomfort.
In the early stages and in remissions, coughing disturbs immediately after sleep. And after that shortness of breath is added during exertion, fatigue, nightly coughing attacks, and also when lying down.
If the disease is started, the shape of the chest may undergo changes. Wet rales become frequent and pronounced. The cough is accompanied by purulent sputum, the skin becomes earthy, the nasolabial triangle turns blue.
At a later stage, it becomes more difficult to conduct therapy. And without treatment, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can develop.
Consider treating adult bronchitis symptoms with antibiotics.
Drug therapy
Before using any drugs, a doctor’s consultation is required:
- For better sputum discharge, bronchodilator medications are prescribed.
- Expectorants. The average duration of treatment is about two weeks.
- Antibacterial therapy is used for the complex course of acute bronchitis, when there is no effectiveness from symptomatic and pathogenetic treatment, in weakened individuals, with a change in sputum to purulent. The most commonly used drugs are from the group: penicillins (Amoxiclav); macrolides (azithromycin); cephalosporins (ceftriaxone); fluoroquinolones (Levofloxacin). The dosage is determined by the doctor. With uncontrolled intake, intestinal microflora are disrupted and immunity is significantly reduced.
- Antiseptics. Used in the form of inhalation through a nebulizer with solutions of "Rivanol" and "Dioxidine."
The prognosis for rational therapy in adults is favorable. With late diagnosis and improper treatment, chronic respiratory failure is possible. It is also effective in treating the symptoms of bronchitis in adults with folk remedies.
Folk methods
Below are some time-tested recipes:
- 2 drops of fir, pine, eucalyptus or tea tree oil are added to boiling water. You should bend over and breathe steam for 5-7 minutes.
- In a black radish make a recess in which they put a teaspoon of honey. This honey juice is consumed three times a day for a tablespoon.
- 2 tablespoons of calendula flowers are poured with a glass of boiling water and heated in a water bath for 15 minutes. Take 1-2 tablespoons three times a day before meals.
- Four parts of horseradish are passed through a grater, mixed with five parts of honey. Take one tablespoon after a meal.
- 2 parts of licorice root and 1 part of lime blossom, pour a glass of boiling water, prepare a decoction. Apply with dry cough.
- 10 g of dried and chopped tangerine peel is poured with half a glass of boiling water, insisted, filtered. Take 1 tbsp. l 5 times a day before meals. It is an effective expectorant.
Treatment of symptoms of bronchitis in adults with folk remedies is effective, but we recommend consulting a doctor. Self-medication often leads to dangerous complications. If the cough does not go away after a month, you should definitely go to the clinic.
Prevention
To reduce the risk of disease to a minimum, you need to follow the recommendations of experts: give up smoking, eat right, strengthen immunity in every way, seek medical help in a timely manner and not refuse to treat any type of disease.
Workers in hazardous work are bound to adhere to safety precautions and wear a face shield.
To dress according to the weather, not to allow the body to become cold, to try to get away from stressful situations and not to overwork.
Drinking enough water is also a good precaution. Eight glasses a day will keep the body's water balance in good shape.
It is useful to breathe moist air, it is only important that it is not too cold. It helps to liquefy sputum and mucus accumulated in the lungs and bronchi. During a hot shower or bath, you can breathe steam over hot water. The effect is stronger if the head is covered with a towel. There are also many air humidifiers on sale now. It is useful to turn it on during sleep.
Now you know what symptoms in bronchitis in adults are.
Interesting statistics
Continuous increasing coughing, which lasts more than 3 months and manifests itself as “outbreaks” for several years, is considered the main indicator of a protracted form. So, according to statistics:
- Every tenth citizen suffers from chronic bronchitis.
- In 20% of adults, specific properties of the disease sometimes arise, of which every tenth shows signs of obstructive bronchitis.
- The prevalence of the disease is increasing every year. Over 50% of patients suffer from the disease in 40-50 years, and from time to time critical stages occur over the next 30 years.
- Two-thirds of all patients never see a doctor. They are trying to cure the disease on their own: over-the-counter and folk remedies.
- In the stronger sex, the disease occurs much more often than in women. Doctors attribute this trend to the fact that smoking men are many times more.
- In 10% of patients, a chronic form of the disease is formed against the background of a previous serious pulmonary infection, for example, pneumonia in infancy or adolescence.
- Considering the different categories of patients with bronchitis, we can conclude: in 60%, the disease goes away without any complications, in 30%, acute colds develop at the same time, in 10%, the disease develops in a mild form.
We examined the symptoms and treatment of bronchitis in adults without and with fever. We hope you find the information useful.