We will look at the symptoms and treatment of obstructive bronchitis in children. What is this disease? Why is it dangerous? Severe inflammation of the bronchi, which is accompanied by obstruction, is called obstructive bronchitis. In other words, if as a result of inflammation, the lumen of the bronchi is narrowed and a large amount of mucus cannot fully exit. All this can lead to respiratory failure and swelling of the bronchi. This is also one of the most dangerous forms of bronchitis, and most often children suffer from it. But among adults, such a diagnosis also exists. We will consider what is the danger of this disease, how to correctly recognize and treat it.
Forms of obstructive bronchitis
From the Latin name, obstruction is translated as “obstruction” - it is a defeat of the bronchi as a result of the inflammatory process. This disease manifests itself in the form of a cough with sputum and severe shortness of breath.
Children are more prone to this disease and often suffer from it. The most active and severe variety is acute obstructive bronchitis. Such a diagnosis is usually made with prolonged cough with sputum. But if the treatment of obstructive bronchitis in children and adults was successful, then this disease no longer returns.
And if the therapy turned out to be ineffective, then the pathology becomes aggravated and becomes chronic. Mainly, this condition is characteristic of the more adult half of humanity. This disease has its own characteristics. The chronic form of pathology proceeds more globally, with damage to the respiratory system. Symptoms of obstructive bronchitis in adults are rather unpleasant.
The alveolar tissue is deeply affected - this is fixed in 90% of cases. A bronchial obstructive syndrome is detected, which can have both stable and reversible changes in the respiratory tract. Secondary diffuse emphysema is produced. Then hypoxia of blood and tissues is read due to inadequate ventilation of the lungs.
If bronchitis provoked a viral infection, then it can be contagious. And if it is asthmatic or allergic bronchitis, then it is not contagious.
It is imperative to know that the disease is most often recorded among a population that lives in a humid climate. Such weather conditions are favorable for the development of fungi and viruses, which give rise to recurrent obstructive bronchitis.
How is pathology formed? Under the influence of an unfavorable factor, the gradual extinction of ciliary epithelial cells occurs. And then a pathological change in the composition and density of the mucus occurs. After such a change, the entire bactericidal barrier is lost, and the bronchi remain unprotected. And the remaining number of cilia can not cope with such a stream of sputum and therefore completely slows down the movement. This leads to stagnation of mucus.
The severity of development depends on specific criteria and is of three degrees. The main indicator that allows you to determine the patient's condition is FEV1. This is the volume of a strong expiration that is performed in a second. After the indicator is obtained, one of the three stages of the disease is revealed:
- First stage. FEV1 exceeds 50%. This is a chronic obstructive bronchitis, in which treatment is not prescribed. Such a chronic disease does not create any inconvenience to the patient. And the risk of developing disorders is minimal, but, one way or another, the patient should be under the supervision of a doctor.
- The second stage of obstructive bronchitis. FEV1 is reduced to 35-49%. This stage of the disease greatly worsens the overall well-being of the patient, so they conduct sparing treatment and examination by a pulmonologist.
- Third stage. FEV1 is less than 34%. The symptomatology is bright, the quality of life is reduced. The patient is required to go to the hospital, in some cases outpatient treatment is allowed.
Depending on how the disease proceeds and what is the protective function of the body, both reversible and irreversible bronchial modifications can be detected.
Reversible changes:
- bronchospasm;
- overlap of the lumen of the bronchi;
- extensive swelling.
Irreversible changes:
- change in the tissues of the bronchi;
- narrowing of the lumen;
- emphysema and impaired air circulation.
Symptoms and treatment of obstructive bronchitis in children are often interrelated.
Causes of pathology
For the most part, regardless of age, the disease develops after pathogenic microorganisms enter the body. But the penetrated infection is not always aggravated. In order for a person to get sick, special conditions are necessary.
Recently, more and more people become ill with obstructive bronchitis after the following factors affect the body:
- Poor immune system.
- Improper nutrition.
- Chronic diseases of the internal organs or dysbiosis.
- Chronic respiratory diseases.
- States of stress. Symptoms of obstructive bronchitis in adults are discussed below.
Allergic predisposition in humans also plays a significant role in the development of the disease. For example, if a child from an early age has allergic manifestations, then the chances of getting obstructive bronchitis increase. There are reasons that can contribute to the development of the disease:
- work in a harmful environment (workers in chemical plants, miners, metallurgists);
- penetration of toxic substances into the lungs;
- smoking for many years;
- living in an area with poor ecology.
There are also so-called internal provocateurs of obstructive bronchitis. The formation of the disease is affected by the second blood group, which is genetically formed so that immunoglobulin A deficiency is manifested, as well as enzyme deficiency.
In addition to the main reasons, adolescents and children have several concomitant factors. Thus, children at risk include:
- diagnosed rickets;
- poor performance in the Apgar school after birth;
- low weight in the perinatal period;
- neurodermatitis, diathesis, or other allergic diseases;
- chronic viral diseases;
- breast-fed babies;
- secondhand smoke (smoking parents).
Symptomatology
Symptoms of acute obstructive bronchitis depend on the age of the patient and the functioning of his immune system, as well as on the characteristics of the body. In addition, the ailment can manifest itself in different ways depending on its form: active or chronic.
Manifestations in children
Children suffer the most symptoms of obstructive bronchitis. At an early age, this acute form of pathology often develops due to the penetration of viruses such as adenovirus and cytomegalovirus.
Such a disease in children is particularly difficult against the background of a general deterioration in health status. The first signs that are observed in children are symptoms of a common SARS, fever and cough appear.
As already noted, the symptoms and treatment of obstructive bronchitis are closely related.
Further more specific manifestations are noted:
- The heat does not subside, it is difficult to lower it with special antipyretic drugs.
- The cough becomes stronger, there are attacks of difficulty breathing.
- Sputum becomes yellow-greenish or absent.
- On the exhale, wheezing is noticeable, shortness of breath is noted. Symptoms of obstructive bronchitis in children are more pronounced than in adults.
- Very quick breathing.
- Inflamed and reddened throat.
- There are headache attacks, increased sweating.
- the child swallows air.
- Severe anxiety, crying, drowsiness, refusal to eat with obstructive bronchitis in children.
Very important! This symptomatology may be similar to other diseases, therefore, for the full treatment of the child, competent diagnosis is required, which will distinguish illnesses from each other. Treatment of obstructive bronchitis should be under the strict supervision of a physician.
And if the child is incorrectly diagnosed and he received inappropriate therapy, the disease will go to a more severe stage with characteristic signs:
- the baby cannot take a calm and deep breath;
- the skin acquires a bluish tint;
- fever rises;
- special medicines do not relieve shortness of breath;
- bubbling breath while lying down;
- severe headaches, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
Symptoms of obstructive bronchitis in adults
In adults, this form of the disease is rare, but the symptoms will be similar. Is that the intensity is less pronounced.
Usually in adults, a chronic form of the disease is immediately recognized. In this case, the patient may have a slight shortness of breath, cough and mucus secretion.
Inflammation may worsen after an acute respiratory viral infection. It is accompanied by such signs:
- The color of sputum changes, it may be mixed with pus and blood streaks.
- Frequent cough with a characteristic whistle.
- Intense shortness of breath, it is difficult to move quickly with severe inflammation of the bronchi.
- Due to oxygen deficiency from shortness of breath, cyanosis appears on the face (blueing of the nasolabial part).
- High blood pressure, headaches and aching muscles.
- There are panic attacks on the background of difficulty breathing.
Diagnostics
This disease is quite easily diagnosed. The first indicators are its symptoms. During auscultation (listening to breathing), wheezing and wheezing are determined. An X-ray is then performed to confirm the diagnosis. On the x-ray, the stage of the defeat of the bronchi is easily determined. And to obtain a more accurate picture of the disease, additional diagnostic procedures are prescribed:
- A biopsy of bronchial tissue if it is not possible to identify the causative agent of obstructive bronchitis.
- Spirography. Determination of the volume and speed of inspiration and expiration by a special apparatus.
- Pneumotachometry. This procedure can calculate the degree of airway obstruction using the quantitative determination method for exhaled liters of air in one second.
- General analysis of biological fluids - urine, venous blood, sputum.
Such a comprehensive diagnosis has the ability to more fully understand the stage of bronchial damage, to determine the condition of bronchial tissues, as well as the cause of inflammation.
Therapy
Consider the treatment of obstructive bronchitis in children and adults. It has its own differences.
Treatment of obstructive bronchitis in children always occurs in a hospital setting; in adults, outpatient treatment may be allowed. Relying on the patient's age, the degree of FEV1, blood count and general condition, the patient is given a therapeutic course.
Adult Treatment
To treat obstructive bronchitis in an adult, especially if it proceeds in a chronic form, it is necessary to identify its provocateur (this may be smoking, an improper lifestyle, poor nutrition, etc.), and then it is completely isolated.
If there is no exacerbation, then the patient is shown treatment for increasing immunity, a properly balanced diet, a long pastime in the fresh air and a healthy lifestyle.
And if an exacerbation is already present, in this case the patient needs to take bronchodilator drugs and antibiotics for obstructive bronchitis in adults.
If there is a strong discharge of sputum with pus, antibiotics such as Amoxil, Sumamed, and Augmentin may be prescribed. In order to facilitate breathing, bronchodilating drugs are used - “Berotek”, “Atrovent”. Drugs that contribute to the discharge of sputum - "Ambroxol", "Mukaltin." No less good during illness is vibration massage, which is aimed at relaxing the muscles of the chest.
Treatment in children
Treatment in children is carried out exclusively in hospitals. It consists of several important points:
- Antihistamine medications. They are prescribed if there is an allergic component - Diazolin, Erius, Loratodin.
- Infusion with vitamins for a long-term complication of the disease, in case the child refuses food and drink.
- Mucolytics. They help to accelerate the discharge of sputum, but if the bronchi are clogged, their purpose is contraindicated. With the permission of the attending physician, you can take "ACC", "Lazolvan", "Mukaltin."
- Bronchodilators. Accepted to restore respiratory function.
- Antibiotics - for an infectious cause of the disease, the appointment is considered only by a doctor.
- Drinking mode. Increased fluid intake to allow for quick discharge of sputum.
- Inhalation.
An important place here is a walk in the fresh air, preferably wet. And then the question may arise: is it possible to walk with a child who is ill with such bronchitis? The answer is absolutely positive. But some factors must be taken into account: if the child does not have high temperature and severe frost on the street (it is allowed to go up to -10 degrees).
Treatment with folk remedies
There are many popular recipes that can effectively fight obstructive bronchitis. They will help relieve bronchial edema, inflammation and improve sputum discharge. Here is some of them:
- Decoction of elecampane. Pour one teaspoon into enameled dishes, pour 200 milliliters of boiling water there and put on a small fire. After 15 minutes, the broth will be ready, and then you need to set it aside and let it brew for 3-4 hours. Then strain and take inside 1 tablespoon 4 times a day. What else is used in the treatment of obstructive bronchitis in adults and children?
- Radish with honey. Make a groove in the black radish. Put 1 teaspoon of honey in the hole and wait until the juice starts to ooze out of the radish. You need to take 4 tablespoons per day with an interval of 3 hours.
- Mandarin tincture. Take 25 grams of dry tangerine peel and 500 milliliters of water. Simmer on fire. After an hour, add 25 grams of candied tangerines and cook for another hour. Then cool and take five tablespoons in the morning and every hour one tablespoon less. All this will help get rid of acute obstructive bronchitis.
Prevention Tips
What can help prevent the disease? Doctors recommend:
- conducting hardening procedures from an early age;
- avoidance of crowded places with seasonal exacerbations of viral infections;
- the child should receive daily vitamins, fresh vegetables and fruits, natural juices;
- walks in the air;
- if there is a likelihood of an allergic reaction, measures must be taken to prevent this;
- carry out ventilation and wet cleaning in the room where the child is.
Conclusion
But do not forget that home treatment is not a substitute for professional specialist advice and the right course of treatment. See a doctor on time, take care of yourself and your health, and remember that curing chronic obstructive bronchitis on your own is impossible. Remember prophylaxis and lead a healthy lifestyle.