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Inflammation of the respiratory system is acute or chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract and parenchymal lung tissue.
Airway inflammation is the congestion and swelling of the bronchial mucosa, usually accompanied by increased mucus production by enlarged mucous glands and infiltration of the bronchial wall with ‘inflammatory cells’, causing the major bronchial constriction or even obstruction – usually temporary – of the smaller bronchi.
Increased secretion of mucus irritates the nerve endings, triggering a cough reflex usually associated with the production of mucus or – as in chronic infectious conditions – purulent sputum.
Depending on the nature of the sputum, we are talking about catarrhal:
• mucous,
• mucopurulent,
• ropnym,
• fibrinous (if sputum patients expectorate bronchial pseudo-membranes in the shape of bronchial casts).
From a clinical point of view, these may be acute or chronic inflammation of the airways. Acute conditions are usually accompanied by a dry cough with a feeling of irritation or pain in the upper respiratory tract.
On the other hand, the chronic condition is usually the production of gray-green or white-gray, stringy sputum.
The cause of inflammation (catarrh) of the bronchi can be:
• infectious agents (of bacterial or viral nature),
• physical factors (sudden changes in ambient temperature),
• chemical factors irritating the bronchial mucosa (gases, aerosols),
• parasites,
• foreign bodies, smoke, dust, etc.
Bronchitis, especially acute bronchitis, is usually accompanied by a general malaise, increased body temperature and chills. Chronic bronchitis usually develops as a secondary process as a result of acute bronchitis, or as a primary chronic process if the factors contributing to their formation are systematic and long-term. Chronic bronchitis can last for months or even years, with periodic exacerbations in climatically unfavorable seasons (fall, winter).
Chronic inflammations – as they last longer – usually damage the deeper layers of the bronchial wall, creating a predisposition for the penetration of inflammatory factors into the lung parenchyma and for bronchial dilatation (dilatation).
Home pre-medical help
We use:
• expectorants (syrups) and diaphoretic agents,
• symptomatic antipyretics in the initial stage of low-grade fever,
• general, warming rubs on the chest,
• linden flower infusion, raspberry juice, milk with honey (you can buy linden flower in the form of dried seeds at Medonet Market),
• if you have a strong, moist cough, fever and feeling short of breath and there is a heavy weight in the chest – cupping,
• in case of a feeling of general weakness – preparations supporting the activities of the circulatory organ.
In order to improve the functioning of the respiratory system, use prophylactically Respiratory system – Pharmovit drop extract, which improves the body’s immunity and helps to fight the first symptoms of infection, such as cough and sore throat.
If, after following the above recommendations, no improvement occurs within a few to several hours, medical assistance should be sought.