Bronchitis is a type of infectious disease caused by inflammation of the bronchi that connect the trachea with the lungs. There are two bronchi that separate from the trachea to both lungs.
What is Bronchitis?
Just like tree branches, the inflammation of the parts called bronchioles that divide into branches and disperse into the lungs is called bronchiolitis. Bronchitis, which is generally more common in the winter months, brings with it negativities such as wheezing and cough in addition to the typical cold symptoms, causing a more severe cold picture than normal. Since it may progress to pneumonia if left untreated, an appropriate treatment plan should be initiated immediately after diagnosis in patients with bronchitis symptoms. Inflammation of this mucosa is called bronchitis. Bronchitis; It can lead to bacterial or viral origin, in other words, it can be microbial as well as non-microbial inflammation. Under normal conditions, there is a system that ensures the cleaning of the mucous layer covering the inner surface of the bronchi, and this system removes the foreign substances that enter through the respiratory tract. Microbial or non-microbial agents prevent this clearance mechanism, causing
inflammation to occur and exacerbate. Bronchitis, which can be acute or chronic, can become chronic, usually in people who smoke, are exposed to cigarette smoke for many years, or have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Frequent infections in these patients are chronic cough and persistent presence of bronchitis symptoms. The incidence of bronchitis may vary according to age, season and accompanying health problems of the person. It is of great importance to be diagnosed in time and treated as soon as possible in terms of protecting lung health. As a result, it may occur by descending into the bronchi. In addition, in some cases, inflammation may begin directly in the bronchi and bronchioles. Symptoms of the disease are general It manifests itself similarly in all patients. The most common symptoms of bronchitis are:
- Cough (It can become persistent and intense, causing coughing fits.)
- Sputum
- High fever
- Anorexia and weight loss
- Respiratory distress, wheezing and shortness of breath
- Pains in the rib cage and abdomen
What are the Causes of Bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis usually occurs after infections of the upper respiratory tract, especially if they are not treated in a timely manner. These infections can be of microbial or viral origin, or in some cases, they can occur in situations such as polluted air or exposure to allergens. Other than that, some conditions that can cause bronchitis are:
- Infectious diseases
- Inhalation of certain chemical agents
- Chronic respiratory diseases
- Smoking and Use of other tobacco products or exposure to tobacco smoke
How to Diagnose Bronchitis?
As it usually causes similar symptoms in acute or chronic bronchitis, regardless of the cause, the above Pre-diagnosis can be made in patients who apply to health institutions with the symptoms of bronchitis given in Since acute bronchitis caused by the progression of upper respiratory tract infections and bronchitis seen in asthma patients cause almost the same picture, the two conditions can be confused with each other, especially in undiagnosed asthma patients. During the physical examination, the throat area should be lighted by the physician. Lung sounds can be heard during breathing. The patient's complaints are listened to, and it is learned in detail whether there are accompanying chronic diseases and medications that are constantly used.
Although the physical examination provides important information for the diagnosis, some patients may be referred to a chest X-ray, some other medical imaging tests and blood tests. Sputum or swab samples can be taken and sent to the relevant laboratories for examination in order to determine whether the infection is microbial, and if it is microbial, which type of microorganism is causing bronchitis. Considering the symptoms seen after the diagnosis of the disease, the severity of the disease as mild, moderate or severe is determined and the treatment plan is shaped accordingly. The causative factor should be determined exactly. Antibiotic applications made unconsciously without this determination will not lead to any improvement in non-bacterial bronchitis types, and may be a harmful practice as it may cause deterioration of the existing flora.
For this reason, as a result of the examination of sputum or swab samples taken from patients under laboratory conditions, the causative agent of the disease should be determined exactly, and antibiotic or antiviral drug applications that will affect the microorganism species in question should be started in cases where it is determined to be microbial. In the majority of acute respiratory tract infections, supportive and symptom-relieving drug treatments are administered, rest and plenty of fluid intake are recommended. Some patients whose bronchi become hypersensitive as a result of bronchitis may require the use of asthma medications, even if they do not have asthma.
In more severe cases of bronchitis, especially when there is respiratory distress, bronchodilator drugs that expand the bronchi and relieve breathing can be used. Again, in severe cases, corticosteroid drugs can be used in some cases. In patients with asthma or allergies, the use of corticosteroids or antihistamines is usually recommended. Chronic disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) In addition to bronchitis treatment and symptomatic treatments, additional treatment should be applied for the underlying disease. The entire treatment process should be followed regularly by the physician, and the patients should pay attention to fully comply with the physician's recommendations. In some cases, mouthwashes with antiseptic content, obtained from pharmacies or made with salt water prepared at home can help relieve cough and phlegm. However, a physician should be consulted for these applications. Especially in people with shortness of breath, dehydrated (dry) air and an airless environment increase this complaint. For this reason, the patient should regularly ventilate the room in a natural way. In order to reduce edema, mucus secretion and therefore sputum, at least 2-2.5 liters of water should be consumed daily.
Although it is known that hot drinks are good for respiratory tract infections, consumption of very hot drinks can exacerbate the disease by increasing irritation and inflammation in the throat area. Therefore, apart from the daily water need, the consumption of warm drinks that are not too hot or too cold can be beneficial in terms of relieving the throat and relieving cough.
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