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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 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 parts of the respiratory system, involving the bronchi in the process.
Bacterial bronchitis is never primary, that is, it always manifests as a viral one, and only as a result of exposure to certain adverse factors does a bacterial complication join.
Symptoms of bacterial bronchitis
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, lacrimation;
An increase in body temperature to moderate values u38,5buXNUMXb(as a rule, the mark on the thermometer does not exceed XNUMX ° C);
The gradual transition of a dry cough into a wet one, which tends to increase at night;
The appearance of scanty, difficult to separate sputum.
Under the influence of a number of provocateur 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 during the daytime;
The symptoms of purulent bronchitis are added, which are expressed in the appearance of shortness of breath and sputum with the inclusion of pus and blood;
Sweating increases at night;
Growing symptoms of general intoxication of the body with chills, headaches, weakness, photophobia and malaise;
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, SARS, 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 possible complication of a viral infection, are as follows:
Exposure to physical factors – cold air, sudden temperature fluctuations, inhalation of dust and smoke, exposure to radiation, etc .;
Impact on the respiratory system of chemical factors – inhalation of air with pollutants included in its composition;
The presence of bad habits – smoking and alcoholism;
Chronic infections in the oral cavity and in the nasal cavity;
Allergic diseases, congenital disorders of the structure of the bronchopulmonary system;
Decline in the body’s immune defenses;
Lack of adequate treatment.
Treatment of bacterial bronchitis
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 group of cephalosporins. They do not have high toxicity, in particular, this applies to the third generation of these drugs. Their intake contributes to the destruction of the membrane of bacteria and their subsequent death.
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.
Preparations from the aminopenicillanic groupwhich are detrimental to bacterial cells.
Preparations from the group of fluoroquinols. They should be used with extreme caution as they have many side effects.
Auxiliary drugs for the treatment of bacterial bronchitis are mucolytics and expectorants.
In addition, bronchodilators are prescribed to help eliminate bronchospasm.
With an increase in body temperature, you will need to take antipyretics.
It is useful to perform breathing exercises, for the duration of treatment, the patient is shown a plentiful drinking regimen, physiological treatment and the use of antihistamines are possible.
If the disease is severe, the patient is hospitalized. In all other cases, it is necessary to adhere to a semi-bed rest, avoid hypothermia and exclude all irritating factors affecting the respiratory system.
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