What are the causes of the development of this disease? Environmental factors include: smoking, occupational hazards, environmental pollution, alcohol abuse, low social and economic status, viral infections, bacteria and allergies. There are also internal causes that provoke symptoms of obstructive bronchitis: low birth weight, genetic predisposition.
Clinical manifestations of the disease
The main complaints of the patient are cough and shortness of breath. With bronchitis, signs of infectious toxicosis can also be observed: low-grade fever, headache,
dyspeptic disorders and general weakness. The main clinical manifestations of the disease are respiratory disorders.
Obstructive bronchitis in adults is characterized by an elongated wheezing exhale and dry wheezing, which can be heard even at a distance. The duration of the acute form of the disease can reach three weeks, and in case of repeated exacerbation of symptoms, the patient is diagnosed with chronic obstructive bronchitis.
Patient Examination
The long course of the disease, which is accompanied by the development of
emphysema, can be expressed by such signs: shortening of the neck, bulge of the chest, horizontally located ribs, protrusion of supraclavicular spaces. In severe disease, swelling of the cervical veins is possible during exhalation. Complications such as heart and respiratory failure can trigger the following symptoms of obstructive bronchitis: swelling of the lower extremities, blueness of the skin, especially on the tip of the nose, fingers and toes, lips and auricles, as well as epigastric pulsation. In order to alleviate the condition, patients take a sitting position.
Lung examination
Tapping the chest reveals an expansion of the lungs and a decrease in the mobility of their lower part. When listening, you can determine the extension of exhalation and vesicular breathing, as well as dry wheezing. Disorders in the respiratory system can lead to the development of tachycardia and increased blood pressure. With an excess of carbon dioxide in the blood, such symptoms of obstructive bronchitis as insomnia, muscle twitching, loss of appetite, increased sweating and headache, which intensifies at night, can be observed. The complications of the disease include pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, and chronic pulmonary heart disease.
Treatment methods
First of all, it is necessary to exclude factors contributing to the progression of the disease. During exacerbations, patients are prescribed antibiotic therapy, taking into account the results
of sputum analysis. Of particular importance are expectorants, whose action is aimed at improving sputum production. A low-calorie diet that limits carbohydrate intake effectively helps relieve symptoms of obstructive bronchitis. It is very useful to carry out inhalations, acupressure and various types of therapeutic treatment, including electrophoresis. Sanatorium treatment with a seaside climate, which is prescribed only during the period of remission of the disease, will help to improve the quality of life.