Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi andaccumulation of mucus in them. Bronchi are an important part of the respiratory system, their structure resembles tubes that connect the trachea with the lung tissue itself. The trachea is connected to two bronchi, which branch many times, forming a whole network of large and small tubes (bronchi and bronchioles). When breathing, air enters the lungs through them. At the very tip of the bronchioles there is a micro sac (alveolus), in which oxygen from the air then enters the blood. With bronchitis, human bronchi become inflamed and because of this they secrete excess mucus into the lumen of the bronchus.

General information about bronchitis

Bronchitis is not just a cough; untreated bronchial disease can develop into more serious problems, including heart failure.

The main symptoms of bronchitis

Common symptoms of bronchitisis difficulty breathing, a feeling of heaviness and tightness in the chest. The second name of bronchitis is often used by the people - "chest cold". Most often, the symptoms of bronchitis appear as a result of viruses, as well as a complication of an upper respiratory tract infection. Bronchitis that is not treated in time becomes chronic. Therefore, timely treatment of this disease is extremely important, especially for children. Bronchitis is accompanied by general fatigue, headache, low body temperature, watery eyes, dry cough and sore throat. A common companion of bronchitis is a cold, the symptoms of which are almost identical. This form of the disease can last about two weeks. During this time, it is quite possible to get rid of the disease with the help of over-the-counter medications. But if all these symptoms are ignored, a dry cough can develop into a cough with mucus (from transparent to white or yellowish). Advanced bronchitis is characterized by tightness in the chest and a prolonged paroxysmal cough. At this stage of the disease, the thermometer may show the patient's body temperature at 40 degrees, and the mucus released during coughing may contain streaks of blood. With such symptoms, it is necessary to call a doctor immediately.

The main methods of treatment

There is a common misconception thatthat bronchitis is caused by pathogenic bacteria that will die under the action of antibiotics. It should be remembered that most often the cause of the disease are viruses, accordingly, the antibiotic will be powerless, moreover, even harmful. Usually bronchitis goes away on its own in 14-16 days, the human body fights the virus on its own. But if the body does not cope in two weeks or complications begin, it should be actively helped. If you feel tightness in the chest, you can use asthma inhalers, which will effectively help the airways open, reduce swelling of the bronchial tree. Also, during treatment, you should use drugs that suppress coughing and reduce the intensity of mucus secretion. Most often, such medications do not require a prescription. But most importantly, if you get sick, see a doctor.

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