- This is a diffuse-inflammatory disease of the bronchi, affecting the mucous membrane or the entire thickness of the bronchial wall. Damage and inflammation of the bronchial tree can occur as an independent, isolated process (primary bronchitis) or develop as a complication against the background of existing chronic diseases and past infections (secondary bronchitis). Damage to the mucous epithelium of the bronchi disrupts the production of secretions, the motor activity of the cilia and the process of cleansing the bronchi. Share acute and chronic bronchitis, differing in etiology, pathogenesis and treatment.

ICD-10

J20 J40 J41 J42

General information

Bronchitis is a diffuse-inflammatory disease of the bronchi, affecting the mucous membrane or the entire thickness of the bronchial wall. Damage and inflammation of the bronchial tree can occur as an independent, isolated process (primary bronchitis) or develop as a complication against the background of existing chronic diseases and past infections (secondary bronchitis). Damage to the mucous epithelium of the bronchi disrupts the production of secretions, the motor activity of the cilia and the process of cleansing the bronchi. Share acute and chronic bronchitis, differing in etiology, pathogenesis and treatment.

Acute bronchitis

The acute course of bronchitis is characteristic of many acute respiratory infections (ARVI, acute respiratory infections). The most common causes of acute bronchitis are parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, adenoviruses, less often - influenza virus, measles, enteroviruses, rhinoviruses, mycoplasmas, chlamydia and mixed viral-bacterial infections. Acute bronchitis rarely has a bacterial nature (pneumococci, staphylococci, streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae, whooping cough). The inflammatory process first affects the nasopharynx, tonsils, trachea, gradually spreading to the lower respiratory tract - the bronchi.

A viral infection can provoke the reproduction of opportunistic microflora, aggravating catarrhal and infiltrative changes in the mucosa. The upper layers of the bronchial wall are affected: there is hyperemia and swelling of the mucous membrane, pronounced infiltration of the submucosal layer, dystrophic changes and rejection of epithelial cells occur. With proper treatment, acute bronchitis has a favorable prognosis, the structure and functions of the bronchi are fully restored after 3-4 weeks. Acute bronchitis is very often observed in childhood: this fact is explained by the high susceptibility of children to respiratory infections. Regularly recurring bronchitis contribute to the transition of the disease into a chronic form.

Chronical bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammatory disease of the bronchi that progresses over time and causes structural changes and dysfunction of the bronchial tree. Chronic bronchitis occurs with periods of exacerbations and remissions, often has a latent course. IN Lately there has been an increase in the incidence of chronic bronchitis due to environmental degradation (air pollution with harmful impurities), widespread bad habits(smoking), a high level of allergization of the population. With prolonged exposure to adverse factors on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, gradual changes in the structure of the mucous membrane develop, increased sputum production, impaired drainage capacity of the bronchi, and a decrease in local immunity. In chronic bronchitis, hypertrophy of the glands of the bronchi, thickening of the mucous membrane occurs. The progression of sclerotic changes in the bronchial wall leads to the development of bronchiectasis, deforming bronchitis. A change in the air-conducting capacity of the bronchi significantly impairs lung ventilation.

Classification of bronchitis

Bronchitis is classified according to a number of criteria:

According to the severity of the flow:

• mild degree
• medium degree
• severe

By clinical course:

Acute bronchitis

Acute bronchitis, depending on the etiological factor, are:

• infectious origin (viral, bacterial, viral-bacterial)
• non-infectious origin (chemical and physical hazards, allergens)
• mixed origin (a combination of infection and the action of physico-chemical factors)
• unspecified etiology

According to the area of ​​\u200b\u200binflammatory damage, there are:

• bronchitis with a primary lesion of the bronchi of medium and small caliber
• bronchiolitis

According to the mechanism of occurrence, primary and secondary acute bronchitis are distinguished. By the nature of the inflammatory exudate, bronchitis is distinguished: catarrhal, purulent, catarrhal-purulent and atrophic.

Chronical bronchitis

Depending on the nature of the inflammation, catarrhal chronic bronchitis and purulent chronic bronchitis are distinguished. By changing the function of external respiration, obstructive bronchitis and a non-obstructive form of the disease are distinguished. The phases of the process during chronic bronchitis alternate exacerbations and remissions.

The main factors contributing to the development of acute bronchitis are:

• physical factors (damp, cold air, sudden temperature changes, exposure to radiation, dust, smoke);
• chemical factors (the presence of pollutants in the atmospheric air - carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, chlorine vapors, acids and alkalis, tobacco smoke, etc.);
• bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse);
• stagnant processes in the pulmonary circulation (cardiovascular pathology, violation of the mechanism of mucociliary clearance);
• the presence of foci of chronic infection in the mouth and nose - sinusitis, tonsillitis, adenoiditis;
• hereditary factor (allergic predisposition, congenital disorders of the bronchopulmonary system).

It has been established that smoking is the main provoking factor in the development of various bronchopulmonary pathologies, including chronic bronchitis. Smokers suffer from chronic bronchitis 2-5 times more often than non-smokers. The harmful effects of tobacco smoke are observed in both active and passive smoking.

Predisposes to the occurrence of chronic bronchitis long-term exposure to harmful production conditions: dust - cement, coal, flour, wood; vapors of acids, alkalis, gases; uncomfortable temperature and humidity conditions. Atmospheric air pollution by emissions from industrial enterprises and transport, fuel combustion products has an aggressive effect primarily on the human respiratory system, causing damage and irritation of the bronchi. A high concentration of harmful impurities in the air of large cities, especially in calm weather, leads to severe exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.

Repeatedly transferred SARS, acute bronchitis and pneumonia, chronic diseases of the nasopharynx, kidneys can further cause the development of chronic bronchitis. As a rule, the infection is superimposed on the already existing damage to the respiratory mucosa by other damaging factors. The damp and cold climate contributes to the development and exacerbation of chronic diseases, including bronchitis. An important role belongs to heredity, which under certain conditions increases the risk of chronic bronchitis.

Bronchitis symptoms

Acute bronchitis

The main clinical symptom of acute bronchitis - a low chest cough - usually appears against the background of already existing manifestations of an acute respiratory infection or simultaneously with them. The patient has a fever (up to moderately high), weakness, malaise, nasal congestion, runny nose. At the beginning of the disease, the cough is dry, with scanty, difficult to separate sputum, worse at night. Frequent bouts of coughing cause muscle soreness abdominals and chest. After 2-3 days, sputum (mucous, mucopurulent) begins to come off abundantly, and the cough becomes wet and soft. Dry and moist rales are heard in the lungs. In uncomplicated cases of acute bronchitis, shortness of breath is not observed, and its appearance indicates damage to the small bronchi and the development of an obstructive syndrome. The patient's condition returns to normal within a few days, the cough may continue for several weeks. Prolonged high temperature indicates the addition of a bacterial infection and the development of complications.

Chronical bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis occurs, as a rule, in adults, after repeated acute bronchitis, or with prolonged irritation of the bronchi (cigarette smoke, dust, exhaust fumes, chemical vapors). Symptoms of chronic bronchitis are determined by the activity of the disease (exacerbation, remission), nature (obstructive, non-obstructive), the presence of complications.

The main manifestation of chronic bronchitis is a prolonged cough for several months for more than 2 years in a row. The cough is usually wet, appears in the morning, accompanied by the release of a small amount of sputum. Increased cough is observed in cold, damp weather, and remission - in the dry, warm season. At the same time, the general well-being of patients almost does not change, coughing for smokers becomes a common occurrence. Chronic bronchitis progresses over time, the cough intensifies, acquires the character of attacks, becomes hoarse, unproductive. There are complaints of purulent sputum, malaise, weakness, fatigue, sweating at night. Shortness of breath joins with loads, even minor ones. In patients with a predisposition to allergies, bronchospasm occurs, indicating the development of an obstructive syndrome, asthmatic manifestations.

Complications

Bronchopneumonia is a common complication of acute bronchitis, which develops as a result of a decrease in local immunity and the accumulation of a bacterial infection. Repeatedly transferred acute bronchitis (3 or more times a year) lead to the transition of the inflammatory process into a chronic form. The disappearance of provoking factors (quitting smoking, climate change, change of job) can completely save the patient from chronic bronchitis. With the progression of chronic bronchitis, repeated acute pneumonia occurs, and with a long course, the disease can turn into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Obstructive changes in the bronchial tree are considered as a pre-asthmatic condition (asthmatic bronchitis) and increase the risk of bronchial asthma. There are complications in the form of emphysema, pulmonary hypertension, bronchiectasis, cardiopulmonary insufficiency.

Diagnostics

Treatment of bronchitis

In the case of bronchitis with a severe concomitant form of ARVI, treatment is indicated in the pulmonology department, with uncomplicated bronchitis, outpatient treatment. Therapy of bronchitis should be comprehensive: the fight against infection, the restoration of bronchial patency, the elimination of harmful provoking factors. It is important to complete the full course of treatment for acute bronchitis in order to prevent its transition to a chronic form. In the first days of the disease, bed rest, heavy drinking (1.5 - 2 times more than normal), a milk and vegetable diet are indicated. At the time of treatment is required to stop smoking. It is necessary to increase the humidity of the air in the room where the patient with bronchitis is located, as the cough intensifies in dry air.

Therapy for acute bronchitis may include antiviral drugs: interferon (intranasally), for influenza - rimantadine, ribavirin, for adenovirus infection - RNase. In most cases, antibiotics are not used, except in cases of bacterial infection, with a protracted course of acute bronchitis, with a pronounced inflammatory reaction according to the results of laboratory tests. To improve the excretion of sputum, mucolytic and expectorant drugs are prescribed (bromhexine, ambroxol, expectorant herbal collection, inhalations with soda and saline solutions). In the treatment of bronchitis, vibration massage, therapeutic exercises, and physiotherapy are used. With a dry, unproductive, painful cough, the doctor may prescribe medications that suppress the cough reflex - oxeladin, prenoxdiazine, etc.

Chronic bronchitis requires long-term treatment, both during exacerbation and remission. With an exacerbation of bronchitis, with purulent sputum, antibiotics are prescribed (after determining the sensitivity of the isolated microflora to them), which thin the sputum and expectorant drugs. In the case of an allergic nature of chronic bronchitis, it is necessary to take antihistamines. Mode - semi-bed, necessarily warm plentiful drink (alkaline mineral water, tea with raspberries, honey). Sometimes therapeutic bronchoscopy is performed, with bronchial lavage with various medicinal solutions (bronchial lavage). Respiratory gymnastics and physiotherapy (inhalation, UHF, electrophoresis) are shown. At home, you can use mustard plasters, medical cups, warming compresses. Vitamins and immunostimulants are taken to enhance the body's resistance. Outside of exacerbation of bronchitis, spa treatment is desirable. Very useful walks in the fresh air, normalizing respiratory function, sleep and general condition. If no exacerbations of chronic bronchitis are observed within 2 years, the patient is removed from the dispensary observation by a pulmonologist.

Forecast

Acute bronchitis in uncomplicated form lasts about two weeks and ends with complete recovery. In the case of concomitant chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system, a protracted course of the disease is observed (a month or more). The chronic form of bronchitis has a long course, a change in periods of exacerbations and remissions.

Prevention

Preventive measures to prevent many bronchopulmonary diseases, including acute and chronic bronchitis, include: elimination or weakening of the impact on the respiratory organs of harmful factors (dust, air pollution, smoking), timely treatment of chronic infections, prevention of allergic manifestations, increased immunity, healthy lifestyle.

Perhaps the most common disease of the bronchi is bronchitis. Very often, its symptoms can be confused with the symptoms of a common cold.

From year to year, the disease is diagnosed in various categories of patients, but people of young and old age are most susceptible to it.

Often bronchitis is accompanied by colds.

Depending on the course of inflammation in the bronchi, physicians distinguish between acute and chronic forms of the disease. If bronchitis is acute, there is swelling of the bronchial walls, an increase in the volume of secreted fluid (it is also called sputum, secret).

As a rule, this pathological process develops against the background of an infection or a virus, but it rarely acts as an independent disease.

In the acute form, the bronchi are completely covered with fluid, which consists of:

1. squirrel;
2. leukocytes.

In the advanced stages, the exudate penetrates into the inner layer of the bronchi, provoking the development of pneumonia (pneumonia). If the acute process is not treated or the therapy is ineffective, the pathology develops into obstructive bronchitis. In this case, it becomes very difficult for the patient to breathe due to damage to the small bronchi and constant spasms in them.

The next stage of the disease will be a chronic form. It happens if the treatment is started too late or it is not completed to the end. In this case, the disease of the bronchi also affects the tissues of the lungs. A long-term chronic inflammatory process has a debilitating effect on the human body and worsens 4-5 times a year.

There are several types that characterize the severity of chronic bronchitis:

• uncomplicated (simple);
• purulent;
• obstructive.

When there is no control and treatment of the disease, the patient runs the risk of serious irreversible disorders of the respiratory system.

Diagnosis of bronchial disease is carried out on the basis of complaints of the patient, examination of his body. You can see the affected areas with the help of fluoroscopy, ultrasound (ultrasound).

The doctor will prescribe a sputum sample to identify the causative agent of bronchitis and prescribe adequate treatment. It is important to know all the provoking factors.

Usually, acute bronchial disease develops as a result of the activity of pathogenic microorganisms that have entered the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract.

In the season of viral and influenza epidemics (in autumn, winter), all viruses and bacteria that enter the body and cause rhinitis and tonsillitis also cover the bronchi.

Weakened immunity is not able to cope with the causative agent of the disease, and therefore a common cold can turn into bronchitis.

In some cases, acute and chronic bronchitis develops when ingested

• pneumococci;
• streptococci.

The problem is aggravated by the poor ecological situation in the city, constant emissions of harmful substances and gases. The protective functions of the bronchi are reduced, creating ideal conditions for pathological processes in the respiratory system.

As for the chronic form of the disease, it happens not only due to untimely therapy, but also against the background of other factors, including:

1. bad habits (smoking)
2. reduced immune defense;
3. poor nutrition;
4. work in bad conditions.

Smoke can be safely called a dangerous irritant of all the mucous membranes of the respiratory system. A poor diet, the lack of a sufficient amount of vitamins, trace elements further complicate the situation.

Very often, workers of chemical enterprises, factories and residents of surrounding territories have health problems. The respiratory organs of such people are in constant contact with toxins, dangerous substances.

In addition, bronchial problems occur with congenital deficiency of the a-1-antitrypsin protein. Such a genetic disorder causes destructive processes in the structure of the bronchi and lungs.

It happens that bronchitis develops in people who are used to living in dry and warm weather conditions. As soon as they get into a humid climate, the disease makes itself felt, because it is very difficult for the body to adapt to dampness.

Patients with a history of allergies often experience allergic bronchitis. They cough immediately after contact with allergens. Unlike regular bronchitis, a coughing fit and other symptoms can be easily prevented:

1. completely eliminating allergic conditions;
2. drinking an antihistamine prescribed by the attending physician.

Signs of an acute inflammatory process can easily be confused with the manifestation of an acute respiratory viral infection, influenza. The main symptoms and signs of bronchial disease appear only after 3-4 days from the onset of inflammation.

The main symptom of bronchitis is coughing. Coughing attacks can be of a different nature and depend on the form of the disease and its type. Initially, the symptoms do not differ from a dry and irritating cough with a cold.

However, in the future, sputum gradually begins to stand out, sometimes with:

• streaks of blood;
• pus.

With an obstructive form of bronchial disease, the doctor will detect inflammation with wheezing and whistling on exhalation and inhalation. Even with slight physical exertion, the patient suffers from shortness of breath, which is caused by a narrowing of the lumen in the bronchial tree. The more severe the form of bronchitis, the more severe the narrowing.

The symptoms, in particular, may last for more than a few weeks. Translating it into a productive cough is very problematic. Characteristically, the seizures are significantly aggravated at night, when the patient lies in a horizontal position for a long time. To facilitate well-being, he will need to sit down with his legs dangling from the bed, and remain in this position for at least 10 minutes.

Chronic cough may persist for one to two months, when other symptoms have long since disappeared. Exacerbation of the disease occurs 3-4 times during the year, usually only in cold weather. A patient with chronic bronchitis will note:

1. permanent weakness;
2. chronic fatigue.

Sometimes there are attacks of asthmatic cough.

In the acute form of inflammation of the bronchi, cough and secretions change character as they recover. If initially a person coughed unproductively, then over time, sputum begins to gradually move away, every day freeing the inflamed bronchi from mucus.

General symptoms of bronchitis are observed only on the first day of the disease:

• headache;
• muscle aches;
• increase in general body temperature

Many patients report severe chest pain during coughing.

The doctor will treat the disease, starting from its form and course. The earlier the diagnosis is made and treatment is started, the greater the chances for a complete recovery, the absence of complications, and deterioration in health.

Positive dynamics in acute bronchitis can be achieved if the doctor prescribes a comprehensive treatment. It is necessary to influence the pathology, both from the inside and from the outside.

Treatment with drugs must necessarily be supported by the occupation of therapeutic physical education.

Acute obstructive bronchitis is treated by a doctor with antibiotics of various spectrums of action. It is usually recommended to take a course of drugs:

• Augmentin;
• Cefodox;
• Amoxiclav;
• Ceftriaxone.

Depending on the age of the patient, the form of the antibiotic may vary: syrup, tablets, injection. The doctor determines the dosage and duration of treatment on an individual basis. Whatever medication is prescribed, it is very important to strictly follow the doctor's instructions. Otherwise, there will be a complication of the disease and its transition to the chronicle.

Additionally, funds are prescribed aimed at maintaining and restoring normal microflora in the intestine - probiotics. With an increase in the overall body temperature of 38 degrees, the doctor will advise taking antipyretic drugs. Usually, we are talking about drugs based on Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol.

Symptoms such as cough are treated with a mucolytic agent. Mucolytics thin the sputum and promote its evacuation from the bronchi. Usually these are:

1. Erespal;
2. Mukaltin;
3. Broncholitin;
4. Lazolvan;
5. Ambroxol.

It is very useful to treat bronchial diseases with massage. The doctor taps in the region of the bronchi with the edge of his palm. Steam inhalation will effectively cope with attacks of chronic and acute bronchitis. They are carried out with alkaline mineral waters with the addition of natural essential oils, for example, Borjomi water with a few drops of anise and eucalyptus oils will be an excellent combination.

If the doctor has allowed, treatment can be carried out with the help of traditional medicine. However, such therapy is used as an auxiliary treatment, but not the main one.

The disease is treated by bronchoscopy with bronchus flushing with solutions. Beneficial effect on the body:

1. breathing exercises;
2. physiotherapy (UHF, electrophoresis).

At home, the patient can use mustard plasters, warming compresses, medical cups.

To strengthen the immune system, the doctor will prescribe vitamins, immunostimulants. Outside the acute phase, it is useful to carry out a sanatorium-and-spa rehabilitation.

Bronchitis disease requires a serious approach to treatment, timely diagnosis. It is extremely important to follow the doctor's instructions, to complete the course of medical therapy to the end.

This will prevent the transition of the disease into a chronic form, which is sometimes impossible to get rid of forever.

Prevention and prognosis

Acute uncomplicated bronchitis usually lasts up to 14 days and ends with complete relief from the pathology if the patient treats it qualitatively. When the symptoms of the disease are aggravated by chronic pathologies of the heart and blood vessels, the patient suffers from an illness for a month or more.

In the chronic form of damage to the bronchial tree, periods of exacerbation and remission can last a very long time. If treatment is not undertaken, changes in the bronchi become irreversible.

To prevent the development of the disease should:

• live a healthy life;
• strengthen the immune system;
• avoid exposure to negative factors (dust, smoke);
• stop smoking;
• timely treat infectious diseases.

In addition, annual influenza vaccination is very important. If a person is protected from this disease, the likelihood of bronchitis decreases. Vaccination is especially relevant in the chronic form of the disease. The video in this article will tell you what bronchitis is.

1. Infection with bacteria, viruses, protozoa, parasites, fungi. The main microorganisms that cause diseases of the respiratory system are pneumo-, staphylo- and streptococci, as well as Haemophilus influenzae, tubercle bacillus, chlamydia, type A and B viruses.
2. Allergic reaction to house dust, fungi, animal dander, plant pollen, medicines.
3. Professional factors: work with substances, materials and reagents that irritate the respiratory system.
4. The presence of foci of chronic infection in the body.
5. Hereditary or genetically determined defects and anomalies in the structure of the bronchi and lungs, violations of their activity.
6. Depletion of the immune system, chronic alcoholism, drug addiction, nicotine abuse.

Symptoms of diseases of the bronchi and lungs

The clinical picture of this series of diseases is characterized primarily by respiratory disorders.

1. Shortness of breath - a change in the normal rhythm of breathing, an increase in its frequency, difficulty in inhaling or exhaling. A severe manifestation of this symptom is suffocation, it often accompanies attacks of bronchial asthma, it is observed with bronchial obstruction.
2. Cough is a protective reflex to inflammation and accumulation of mucus and microbes in the respiratory organs. It is divided into dry, without separation of liquid contents and wet, with sputum. By the nature of the cough, one can determine the form of the disease, for example, a hacking dry cough is observed with dry pleurisy, morning cough accompanies bronchitis, night cough - tuberculosis and lung tumors.
3. Hemoptysis - the appearance of blood in the sputum. This phenomenon is often observed in neoplasms, tuberculosis, lobar pneumonia.

A common symptom in diseases of the bronchi and lungs is pain, its localization and intensity depends on the prevalence and severity of the inflammatory process in the respiratory system.

Diagnostics

Identification of diseases of the bronchi and lungs begins with an examination of the patient. The doctor pays close attention to the shape of the patient's chest. It can be barrel-shaped with emphysema, asymmetric (increased or reduced) with pleurisy, pneumosclerosis, pneumonia.

The rhythm of breathing, the nature of the cough are carefully studied. Percussion is performed, with its help it is possible to establish the presence of compacted areas in the lungs, auscultation, which allows you to determine the type of breathing (vesicular or hard), detect wheezing and pathological crepitus.

The main instrumental methods are X-ray examination, tomography, fluorography. Bronchoscopy and thoracoscopy are widely used.

To assess the respiratory function, a series of functional tests is used: to assess the volume of the lungs (spirography), the study of the ability of the respiratory organs to normal work before the first signs of respiratory failure (ergospirography), the diagnosis of gases in the blood.

Significant for determining the type of pathogen is a laboratory study of sputum. To determine the severity of the inflammatory process, general blood and urine tests are used.

Treatment

Therapy of diseases of the bronchi and lungs is primarily to identify the cause of the disease. If it is caused by microbes entering the body, antibiotics and sulfa drugs are used. If the disease is allergic, corticosteroids or antihistamines are used. In the treatment of oncological processes, courses of chemotherapy and surgical treatment are prescribed.

To relieve various symptoms that accompany respiratory diseases, antitussives, drugs that thin sputum, dilate the bronchi, antipyretic drugs, oxygen and infusion therapy, and inhalations are used. In the stage of subsiding inflammatory processes, physiotherapy, swimming, and walking are prescribed.

Common diseases of the bronchi and lungs

1. Bronchitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the bronchial mucosa. The acute course of the disease begins with a dry cough and soreness behind the sternum, weakness and malaise, there may be a rise in temperature. Soon, the cough becomes wet with a mucous or mucopurulent sputum. On average, the disease lasts 1-2 weeks and, with proper and timely treatment, ends with a complete recovery. Chronic bronchitis is characterized by a persistent cough, the general condition usually does not suffer. This form of the disease requires a longer and more intensive treatment.
2. Pneumonia is an inflammatory disease of the lung tissue. They are characterized by an acute course, severity of intoxication, exhausting cough, wheezing in the lungs. Patients are treated in a hospital, they often require drip administration of drugs, intramuscular and intravenous injections. With proper treatment, patients recover within 2 weeks of starting anti-inflammatory therapy.
3. Bronchial asthma is a chronic disease of the bronchi, caused by their sharp spasm and swelling due to exposure to an allergen. It proceeds with attacks of suffocation, severe shortness of breath, constant coughing shocks. The disease requires the immediate use of bronchodilators and antihistamines. Asthma is a lifelong disease.

Prevention

Measures to prevent diseases of the respiratory system include maintaining a healthy lifestyle: quitting smoking, alcohol, physical education, outdoor recreation, walking.

It is necessary to monitor your health: undergo scheduled fluorographic examinations on time and treat chronic diseases. People suffering from increased allergic sensitivity should avoid interaction with irritating agents.

More about individual diseases of the bronchi and lungs

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What are lung diseases: treatment and prevention

Diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract are the third most common in the world. And in the future, they may become even more common. Lung diseases are inferior only to cardiovascular ailments and liver pathologies, which affect every fifth person.

Lung diseases are a common occurrence in the modern world, perhaps this is provoked by an unstable environmental situation on the planet or by excessive modern people smoking. In any case, pathological phenomena in the lungs must be dealt with as soon as the first symptoms of the disease appear.

Variety of diseases

Modern medicine copes very well with pathological processes in the lungs of a person, the list of which is quite large. What are the diseases of the lungs, their symptoms, as well as ways to eliminate today we will try to analyze together.

So, a person has lung diseases of varying severity and intensity of manifestation. Among the most common are the following:

• alveolitis;
• asphyxia;
• bronchitis;
• bronchial asthma;
• lung atelectasis;
• bronchiolitis;
• neoplasms in the lungs;
• bronchospasm;
• bronchiectasis;
• hyperventilation;
• histoplasmosis;
• hypoxia;
• pulmonary hypertension;
• pleurisy;
• chronic obstructive disease (COPD);
• pneumonia;
• sarcoidosis;
• tuberculosis;
• pneumothorax;
• silicosis
• apnea syndrome.

For the majority of little-informed people without medical education, the list of such names does not mean anything. To understand what exactly this or that lung disease means, we will consider them separately.

Alveolitis is a disease that consists in inflammation of the pulmonary vesicles - alveoli. In the process of inflammation, fibrosis of lung tissue begins.

Asphyxia can be recognized by a characteristic attack of suffocation, oxygen stops flowing into the blood and the amount of carbon dioxide increases. Atelectasis is the collapse of a certain part of the lung, into which air stops flowing and the organ dies.

Chronic lung disease - bronchial asthma, is very common in recent times. This disease is characterized by frequent attacks of suffocation, which can be of different intensity and duration.

Due to a bacterial or viral infection, the walls of the bronchioles become inflamed, signs of a disease called bronchiolitis appear. In the case of inflammation of the bronchi, bronchitis manifests itself.

Bronchospasm manifests itself in the form of frequent muscle contractions, as a result of which the lumen is significantly narrowed, causing difficulties in the entry and exit of air. If the lumen in the vessels of the lungs narrows gradually, then the pressure in them rises significantly, which causes dysfunction in the right chamber of the heart.

Bronchiectasis is characterized by permanent expansion of the bronchi, which is irreversible. A feature of the disease is the accumulation of pus and sputum in the lungs.

Sometimes the mucous membrane of the lungs - the pleura - becomes inflamed, and a certain plaque forms on it. Similar problems of the respiratory organs are called pleurisy in medicine. If the lung tissue itself becomes inflamed, then pneumonia is formed.

In cases where a certain amount of air accumulates in the pleural region of the lung, pneumothorax begins.

Hyperventilation is a kind of pathology that can be congenital or occur after a chest injury. It manifests itself in the form of rapid breathing at rest.

The causes of hypoxia can be different, ranging from trauma to nervous tension. This disease is characterized by obvious oxygen starvation.

tuberculosis and sarcoidosis

Tuberculosis can deservedly be called a modern plague, because every year this disease affects more and more people, as it is very contagious and transmitted by airborne droplets. The causative agent of this disease is Koch's wand, which can be treated with constant exposure to drugs.

Among the lung diseases that still have unexplained causes of education, sarcoidosis can be noted. This disease is characterized by the appearance of small nodules on the organ. Quite often, cysts and tumors form on these paired organs, which must be removed surgically.

Fungal lesions of the lungs are called histoplasmosis. Fungal lesions of the lungs are dangerous diseases, they can be caught by constantly being in damp, unventilated areas. If a person's living or working conditions are associated with dusty premises, then an occupational disease called silicosis may develop. Sleep apnea is an unreasonable stoppage of breathing.

The chronic form can develop in each of the above diseases. The main provoking factor is ignoring the signs of the disease and the lack of qualified assistance.

Symptoms of respiratory diseases

The above lung diseases have their own characteristics and nature of manifestation, but there are a number of symptoms that are characteristic of all diseases of the respiratory system. Their symptoms are quite similar, but they can have different intensity and duration of manifestation. Typical symptoms include:

• asthma attacks accompanied by coughing;
• weight loss;
• loss of appetite;
• expectoration of pus and sputum;
• spasms in the sternum;
• fever, chills and fever;
• dizziness;
• decreased performance and weakness;
• increased sweating;
• whistling and wheezing in the chest;
• frequent shortness of breath;
• chest pain.

Treatment regimens for the lung disease itself and its symptoms are selected only by a qualified doctor based on examinations and test results.

Some people try to treat themselves, but you should not do this, because you can cause a number of serious complications, which will be much more difficult to get rid of than the original disease.

Treatment and prevention

In most cases, antibacterial, antiviral and restorative therapy is prescribed to eliminate respiratory diseases. Antitussive expectorants are used to combat coughs, and pain relievers are prescribed to reduce pain. The selection of drugs is carried out taking into account the age, weight and complexity of the patient's disease. In the most severe cases, surgery is prescribed with further chemotherapy in case of oncology, physiotherapy and sanitary-resort treatment.

There are many reasons for the development of respiratory diseases, but prevention will help prevent lung diseases. Try to spend more time outdoors, quit smoking, pay attention to the cleanliness of the room you are in, because it is the dust and mites that live in them that provoke spasms and asthma attacks. Eliminate allergic foods from your diet and avoid breathing chemical fumes that can come from powders and room cleaners. By following these simple rules, you may be able to avoid diseases that can affect the lungs and airways. Do not neglect your health, because it is the most valuable thing you have. At the first sign of lung disease, immediately contact an allergist, therapist or pulmonologist.

Human lung diseases: list, causes, symptoms and treatments

Lesions of the human pulmonary system go far beyond the limited spectrum that is considered to be critical. So, many people know what pneumonia or tuberculosis is, but such a deadly disease as pneumothorax can be heard for the first time in the doctor's office.

Each department of the respiratory apparatus, and in particular the lungs, is important for its irreplaceable functionality, and the loss of one of the functions is already an irreparable disruption in the operation of the entire complex mechanism.

How do lung diseases occur?

In the modern world, it is customary to open a list of human lung diseases with a long list of vices acquired due to poor environmental conditions. However, in the first place among the causes, it would be more appropriate to bring congenital pathologies. The most severe lung diseases belong specifically to the category of developmental anomalies:

• cystic formations;
• additional lung lobe;
• "mirror lung"

The next in line are diseases that are not related to the patient's living conditions. These are genetic lesions, that is, inherited. A distorted chromosomal code becomes a frequent culprit for such anomalies. An example of such a congenital bookmark is a lung hamartoma, the causes of which are still the subject of discussion. Although one of the leading causes is still called weak immune defense, which is laid in the child in the womb.

Further, the list of human lung diseases continues the list of acquired disorders formed by the penetration of pathogenic microflora into the body. First of all, the bronchi and trachea suffer from the activity of the bacterial culture. Against the background of a viral infection, inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia) develops.

And they complete the list of lung diseases in humans, pathologies provoked by conditions environment, environment or lifestyle of the patient.

Lung diseases affecting the pleura

Paired organs - the lungs - are enclosed in a transparent membrane called the pleura. A special pleural fluid is placed between the sheets of the pleura, which facilitates the contractile movements of the lungs. There are a number of diseases that disrupt the distribution of lubricant in the pleural plane or are responsible for the entry of air into the sealed cavity:

1. Pneumothorax is a life-threatening disease, as the air leaving the lungs fills the voids in the chest and begins to compress the organs, limiting their contractility.
2. Pleural effusion, or otherwise - the formation of liquid filling between the chest wall and the lung, prevents the full expansion of the organ.
3. Mesothelioma refers to a type of cancerous lesion, often a late consequence of frequent contact of the respiratory system with asbestos dust.

Below we consider one of the most common diseases of the pleura - pleurisy of the lungs. Symptoms and treatment of this pathology depend on the form in which it develops.

Pleurisy of the lungs

Factors provocateurs of pleural inflammation are any conditions that contribute to the incorrect functioning of the lungs. These can be protracted diseases that have not responded to treatment, or have not been treated:

Sometimes pleurisy develops as a result of a heart attack or severe physical injury to the sternum, especially if the patient had a fracture of the ribs. A special place is given to pleurisy that developed against the background of tumors.

Varieties of pleurisy determine two directions for the development of pathology: exudative and dry. The first is characterized by a painless course, since the pleural cavity is filled with moisture, which conceals inconvenience. The only sign of illness will be pressure in the sternum, the inability to take a full breath without feeling tight.

Dry pleurisy causes pain in the chest when inhaling, coughing. Sometimes discomfort and pain are transferred to the back and shoulders. The difference in the symptoms of two types of the same disease is expressed by the presence or absence (as in this case) of fluid filling in the pleural cavities. Moisture does not allow the sheets of the shell to rub in and cause pain, while a small amount of it is not able to form a sufficient friction barrier.

As soon as the symptoms of pleurisy of the lungs are identified and the treatment of the underlying disease is scheduled, they begin to stop the alarming consequences. So, to pump out excess fluid, which creates pressure on the organs and prevents complete breathing, a puncture is used. The procedure has a dual meaning - it restores the ability of the lungs to normal contraction and provides material for laboratory analysis.

Lung diseases affecting the airways

The defeat of the respiratory tract is diagnosed by several indicators:

1. Shortness of breath, shortness of breath, or shallow, shallow breathing. With advanced forms of the disease, acute asphyxia is observed. For all types of disorders in the work of the respiratory organs, a failure of the respiratory rhythm is characteristic, which manifests itself in a painless or painful form.
2. Cough - wet or dry, with or without blood in the sputum. According to its nature and time of day, when it manifests itself most, the doctor can make a preliminary decision on the diagnosis, having only a package of primary studies.
3. Pain, different localization. When referring to a doctor for the first time, it is important to correctly assess the pain sensations that arise as sharp, pulling, pressing, sudden, etc.

The list of lung diseases in humans that reflect the indicated symptoms includes:

1. All types of asthma - allergic, nervous, hereditary, caused by toxic poisoning.
2. COPD is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that underlies pathologies such as lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory failure. COPD is divided, in turn, into chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
3. Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary anomaly that prevents the regular removal of mucus from the bronchi.

Consider below the last disease of the list as the least known of those listed.

Cystic fibrosis of the lungs

The manifestations of cystic fibrosis are noticeable in the first year of a child's life. Expressive signs are a cough with heavy sections of thick viscous mucus, lack of air (shortness of breath) with little physical effort, indigestibility of fats and a lag in height and weight relative to the norm.

The origin of cystic fibrosis is blamed on the distortion of the seventh chromosome, and the hereditary transmission of the damaged gene is due to a high percentage(25%) when diagnosing pathology in two parents at once.

Often, treatment involves the removal of acute symptoms with course antibiotics and replenishment of the enzyme composition of the pancreas. And measures to increase the patency of the bronchi depend on the severity of the patient's condition.

Lung diseases affecting the alveoli

The bulk of the lungs are alveoli - voluminous bags saturated with air, covered by a dense capillary network. Cases of fatal lung diseases in humans are usually associated with damage to the alveoli.

Among these diseases are:

• inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia) as a result of infection with a bacterial environment;
• tuberculosis;
• pulmonary edema caused by direct physical damage to the lung tissue or disruption of the myocardium;
• a tumor localized in any segments of the respiratory organ;
• pneumoconiosis, which belongs to the category of "occupational" diseases and develops from irritation of the lungs with dust elements of cement, coal, asbestos, ammonia, etc.

Pneumonia is the most common lung disease.

Pneumonia

The main symptom of pneumonia in adults and children is a cough - dry or wet, as well as an increase in temperature in the range of 37.2 ° - 37.5 ° (with focal inflammation) and up to 39 ° C in a standard clinic.

The influence of pathogenic bacteria is called the main cause of pneumonia. A smaller percentage is attributed to the action of viruses and only 1-3% is attributed to fungal infections.

Infection with infectious agents occurs by airborne droplets or by transferring the agent from the affected organ. The second situation often occurs with advanced caries.

Hospitalization with severe symptoms of pneumonia in adults occurs in severe cases, in milder forms of inflammation, the patient is prescribed home treatment with bed rest. The only effective method against pneumonia are broad-spectrum antibiotics. In the absence of a positive reaction of the patient's body to the selected remedy after three days, the doctor selects an antibiotic of another group

Interstitial lung disease

The interstitium is a kind of framework that supports the alveoli with an almost invisible but strong tissue. With various inflammatory processes in the lungs, the interstitium thickens and becomes visible during a hardware study. The defeat of the connective membrane is caused by various factors and can be of bacterial, viral, fungal origin. It is not excluded the impact of non-removable dust elements, drugs.

Alveolitis

Idiopathic fibrosing alveolitis refers to a progressive disease affecting the alveoli through interstitium involvement. The symptomatology of diseases of this group is not always clear, as well as the nature of the pathology. The patient is tormented by shortness of breath and a dry, agonizing cough, then breathing difficulties lead to the fact that the simplest physical effort, such as climbing to the second floor, becomes beyond the power of the person. Treatment of idiopathic fibrosing alveolitis, up to the complete reversibility of the disease, is possible in the first three months after the first signs appear and involves the use of glucocorticoids (drugs that stop inflammation).

Chronic nonspecific lung diseases

This group includes various lesions of the respiratory organs of an acute and chronic nature, characterized by similar clinical manifestations.

The leading factor in nonspecific lung diseases is the negative environmental conditions, which include the inhalation of harmful substances of chemical production or nicotine tar when smoking.

Statistics distribute the ratio of COPD cases between the two main diseases - chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma - and attribute the percentage balance (about 5%) to other types of respiratory tract damage. In the absence of proper treatment, nonspecific pulmonary diseases progress to tuberculosis, oncological diseases, pneumosclerosis, and chronic pneumonia.

There is no general systemic therapy for the treatment of COPD. Treatment is carried out based on the results of the diagnosis, and involves the use of:

• antimicrobial agents;
• UV and microwave;
• bronchodilators;
• immunomodulators;
• glucocorticosteroids.

In some cases, for example, with an acute and chronic lung abscess that has developed, a decision is made to remove a section of the affected organ in order to stop the further spread of the disease.

Prevention of lung diseases

The basis of measures to prevent the development of pulmonary diseases is an affordable diagnostic procedure - a fluorogram, which must be taken every year. It is equally important to monitor the health of the oral cavity and urinary system, as areas where infections are most often localized.

Any cough, shortness of breath or a sharp increase in fatigue should serve as a reason for contacting a therapist, and pain in the sternum, in combination with any of these symptoms, is a good reason to book an appointment with a pulmonologist.

Pulmonary diseases

The lungs are the main organ of the respiratory system. human body occupying almost the entire cavity of the chest. Like any other, lung diseases are acute and chronic and are caused by both external and internal factors, their symptoms are very diverse. Unfortunately, lung diseases have recently become quite frequent and widespread and represent one of the most important threats to human life and health. Lung diseases are the 6th leading cause of high mortality worldwide, often leading to disability and early disability. All this depends on the high costs of hospitalization and medical drugs needed to treat them.

The essence of the problem

The main function of the lungs is gas exchange - the enrichment of blood with oxygen from the air inhaled by a person and the release of carbon dioxide - carbon dioxide. The process of gas exchange occurs in the alveoli of the lungs and is provided by active movements of the chest and diaphragm. But the physiological role of the lungs in the work of the whole organism is not limited only to the process of gas exchange - they also participate in metabolic processes, perform a secretory, excretory function and have phagocytic properties. The lungs are also involved in the process of thermoregulation of the whole organism. Like all other organs, the lungs are also subject to the emergence and development of various diseases, which can be both inflammatory and infectious in nature - due to the ingress of various kinds of bacteria, viruses or fungi into them.

List of the most common lung diseases:

Pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma

Pneumonia is an inflammatory process that develops in the lungs as a result of the ingestion of various pathological microorganisms: bacteria, viruses or fungi. Sometimes the causative agents of pneumonia are various chemicals that have entered the human body. Pneumonia can develop both on all tissues of the lung, on both sides, and on any, separate part of it. Symptoms of pneumonia are quite painful sensations in the chest, coughing, difficulty breathing, chills, fever, and sudden feelings of anxiety. Pneumonia is treated with penicillin antibiotics and is the most serious and dangerous lung disease, often leading to the death of the patient.

Bronchitis is an inflammatory disease of the mucous membrane of the lungs, bronchioles. Most often occurs in young children and people of fairly advanced age due to infection of the upper respiratory tract, as well as as a result of allergic reactions. A symptom of bronchitis is a dry, irritating, harsh cough that gets worse at night. Bronchitis is of two types: acute and chronic, the characteristic symptoms of which are shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of the upper body, a strong and persistent cough, accompanied by copious secretion of mucus and sputum, the skin of the face becomes bluish, especially in the area of ​​the nasolabial triangle. Sometimes, in parallel with chronic bronchitis, a person develops obstructive bronchitis, its symptom is extremely difficult breathing, which is prevented by narrowing of the lumen (obstruction) of the upper respiratory tract caused by inflammation and thickening of the walls of the bronchi. Chronic obstructive bronchitis is a lung disease that occurs mainly in smokers.

Bronchial asthma is also a chronic disease that manifests itself in attacks of dry, irritating cough, ending in suffocation. During such attacks, there is a narrowing and swelling of the bronchi and the entire chest, which makes breathing difficult. Bronchial asthma progresses quite quickly and leads to pathological damage to lung tissues. This process is irreversible and has characteristic symptoms: a constant debilitating cough, cyanosis of the skin due to a constant lack of oxygen and rather heavy, noisy breathing.

Tuberculosis, emphysema, cancer

Tuberculosis is a lung disease caused by mycobacterium - Koch's bacillus, transmitted by airborne droplets. Infection occurs from the carrier of the disease and at the initial stage is almost asymptomatic. This is because the antibodies produced immune system human, envelop these mycobacteria in the so-called cocoons, which can be in the lungs of a person in a dormant state for quite a long period of time. Then, depending on the state of health of a person, his lifestyle, external factors, the number of mycobacteria that have entered the body, the disease begins to progress and manifests itself in the form of a sharp weight loss, excessive sweating, rather reduced performance, weakness and constantly elevated to 37 ° C body temperature.

Emphysema - destruction of the walls between the alvioli of the lungs, which leads to an increase in lung volume and narrowing of the airways. Pathological tissue damage leads to a violation of gas exchange and a significant loss of oxygen, which leads to breathing difficulties. For the lungs, emphysema disease is quite secretive, its symptoms appear already with significant damage - a person develops shortness of breath, he rapidly loses weight, the skin turns red, it becomes difficult, almost impossible to breathe, and the chest becomes barrel-shaped.

Another disease is lung cancer. A pathological, fatal disease that is almost asymptomatic, especially at an early stage of its development. Cancer can sometimes be identified by the presence of chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, and hemoptysis. Cancer diseases are characterized by the rapid growth of pathological cells (metastasis), which spread to all organs and systems of the body. Therefore, cancer is considered a deadly disease and practically cannot be cured, especially at the stage of metastasis.

Sometimes there are cases of pneumonia without coughing. This is a more dangerous disease, since when you cough, the body is naturally cleared of mucus and sputum, which contain a fairly large number of pathogenic microorganisms that cause inflammation. Cough signals a pathological process in the lungs and allows you to start the necessary treatment on time, which reduces the risk of complications. In the absence of cough syndrome, the bronchi are not cleared of sputum and mucus, which leads to an aggravation of the inflammatory process and the appearance of pus in mucus and sputum.

What should be the treatment?

For any, even not very strong cough, you need to see a doctor, do the necessary laboratory tests and undergo a diagnosis. After identifying the cause, the symptoms of a lung disease must be treated with medication prescribed by a doctor according to the disease and its degree of development. In addition to drug therapy, you can use fairly simple and no less effective means folk medicine:

1. Lung balm based on aloe leaves - prepared from crushed aloe leaves, which should be poured with grape wine and mixed with liquid honey. Infuse the mixture in a cool place for several weeks, then strain and consume 3 times a day daily for any lung diseases.
2. A therapeutic mixture of juice of carrots, beets, black radish with the addition of alcohol and honey must be infused in a dark place for 10 days, shaking occasionally. Then drink 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day until the infusion is over. Then take a break while preparing a new mixture. This composition helps well in removing and alleviating the symptoms of all lung diseases.
3. You can prepare such a healing paste, which should be consumed 3 times a day, washed down with a glass of goat's milk, or smeared on bread, making a sandwich: 10 yolks from fresh chicken eggs mix with sugar, add melted chocolate, lard and grated apple. Mix everything thoroughly and store in the refrigerator. This mixture is an excellent expectorant, and also has properties to strengthen the immune system.

But still, in order to correctly determine the diagnosis, take medications and folk recipes, you should consult a doctor.