Bacterial bronchitis
Bacterial bronchitis is a process of inflammation of the mucous membrane, or the thickness of the walls of the bronchi, caused by bacterial agents. Pathogenic microorganisms that cause bacterial inflammation in the bronchi are staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci, Haemophilus influenzae and the causative agent of whooping cough.
Bacterial bronchitis never begins immediately with inflammation of the bronchial tissue. First, infectious agents affect the upper respiratory tract - the nasopharynx, trachea, tonsils and gradually spread to the lower respiratory system, involving the bronchi in the process.
Bacterial bronchitis is never primary, that is, it always manifests itself as viral, and only as a result of exposure to certain adverse factors, a bacterial complication is added.
Content:
- Bacterial bronchitis symptoms
- Causes of bacterial bronchitis
- Bacterial bronchitis treatment
Bacterial bronchitis symptoms
Since the development of bacterial bronchitis is always accompanied by a viral infection, the onset of the disease will be accompanied by the following symptoms:
- The appearance of a low chest cough;
- Nasal congestion, watery eyes;
- Increase in body temperature to moderate values (as a rule, the mark on the thermometer does not exceed 38.5 ° C);
- A gradual transition from dry to wet cough, which tends to intensify at night;
- The appearance of scanty, difficult to separate sputum.
Under the influence of a number of provocative factors, the disease can turn into a bacterial form.
In this case, symptoms of bacterial bronchitis appear:
- The body temperature rises to high values (the mark on the thermometer exceeds the figure of 38.5) and lasts for more than three days;
- The cough intensifies, torments the patient not only at night, but also in the daytime;
- Symptoms of purulent bronchitis join, which are expressed in the appearance of shortness of breath and the separation of sputum with the inclusion of pus and blood;
- Sweating increases at night;
- Symptoms of general intoxication of the body with chills, headaches, weakness, photophobia and malaise are increasing;
- Shortness of breath appears even with little physical exertion.
A long course of bacterial bronchitis can lead to bacterial pneumonia, pneumonia and death of the patient.
Causes of bacterial bronchitis
The development of bacterial bronchitis is preceded by a viral infection, that is, the disease can occur against the background of influenza, acute respiratory viral infections, and infection with adenoviruses. If the immune system cannot cope with the infection, or it is not properly treated, then a complication arises - bacterial bronchitis.
The causes of bacterial bronchitis, as a likely complication of a viral infection, are as follows:
- Exposure to physical factors - cold air, sharp temperature fluctuations, inhalation of dust and smoke, exposure to radiation, etc.;
- Impact of chemical factors on the respiratory system - inhalation of air with pollutants included in its composition;
- The presence of bad habits - smoking and alcoholism;
- Chronic infections in the mouth and nose;
- Allergic diseases, congenital disorders of the structure of the bronchopulmonary system;
- Fall of the body's immune defenses;
- Lack of adequate treatment.
Bacterial bronchitis treatment
Treatment of bacterial bronchitis is reduced to the appointment of antibiotic therapy.
For this, patients are prescribed drugs of the following groups:
- Preparations from the cephalosporin group. They are not highly toxic, in particular, this applies to the third generation of these drugs. Their reception contributes to the destruction of the membrane of bacteria and their subsequent death. Most often, doctors prescribe Ceftriaxone, Cefotaxime, Ceftazidime, Cefoperazone, Cefixime.
- Preparations from the group of macrolides, which have a bacteriostatic and bactericidal effect, they make it impossible for the bacterial flora to multiply due to the production of a specific protein in their cells. Most often, doctors are prescribed: Azithromycin, Clarithromycin, Macropen, Sumamed.
- Preparations from the aminopenicillan group, which have a detrimental effect on bacterial cells. Such funds include: Amoxiclav, Amoxicillin, Augmentin, Amosin.
- Preparations from the group of fluoroquinols. They should be used with extreme caution as they have many side effects. These drugs include: Ofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin.
Auxiliary drugs for the treatment of bacterial bronchitis are mucolytics and expectorants. It can be Ambrobene, Lazolvan, Ambroxol.
In addition, bronchodilators are prescribed to help eliminate bronchospasm. These drugs include: Berodual, Euphyllin, Ventolin, Salbutamol.
When the body temperature rises, it will be necessary to take antipyretic drugs, including: Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, Aspirin, etc.
It is useful to perform breathing exercises, during treatment, the patient is shown an abundant drinking regimen, physiological treatment and the use of antihistamines are possible.
If the disease is severe, then the patient is shown hospitalization. In all other cases, it is necessary to adhere to a semi-bed regime, avoid hypothermia and exclude all irritating factors affecting the respiratory system.
Other treatments:
- Injections for bronchitis
- Massage for bronchitis
- Mustard plasters for bronchitis
As a rule, with the correct selection of the drug, the disease can be quickly eliminated. Most often, it takes 7 to 10 days of taking antibacterial agents to achieve full recovery. In the uncomplicated form of bacterial bronchitis, complete recovery occurs after two weeks.
Article author: Mochalov Pavel Alexandrovich | d. m. n. therapist
Education: Moscow Medical Institute. IM Sechenov, specialty - "General Medicine" in 1991, in 1993 "Occupational Diseases", in 1996 "Therapy".
