Symptoms
of chronic bronchitis
The inflammation of the bronchial lining progresses
slowly in chronic bronchitis. In the course of the disease, those affected
initially cough persistently, especially in the morning with expectoration of
mucus. The bronchi are not yet constricted and those affected have no
shortness of breath. Therefore, many do not recognize these early symptoms
as warning signs of developing chronic bronchitis. Smokers in particular,
who are most frequently affected by this disease, often have a chronic cough
and therefore believe that these early signs of chronic bronchitis are quite
normal. Therefore, most patients do not see a doctor until the symptoms
worsen and they suffer from shortness of breath - and thus miss the chance of a
cure.
In the next phase, the symptoms of “ persistent coughing ” and “ sputum” are accompanied by increasing damage to the
airways, and sometimes the bronchi are narrowing. As a result, the air you
breathe has to overcome greater resistance in order to get in and out of the
lungs. This is noticeable in those affected who are short of breath and
are not able to perform well . Experts refer to this as
chronic obstructive bronchitis, also known as COPD.
If this shortness of breath is initially only
noticeable under exertion, those affected suffer from shortness of breath at
rest as the chronic bronchitis progresses. The reason: Because the air
exchange through the narrowed bronchi becomes more and more difficult,
breathing air remains in the lungs, inflates the lungs excessively (pulmonary
overinflation, pulmonary emphysema) and thereby destroys the alveoli. But
they are necessary so that an exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen can take
place between the lungs and the blood.
In addition, the right heart can become overloaded
as it is difficult for the blood to get to the lungs. This can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, water retention ( edema )
and a considerable lack of oxygen, which manifests itself in blue lips, among
other things .
It is true that smokers most often develop chronic
bronchitis. But it can also affect children . They often get
it in the first three years, caused by viruses and accompanied by shortness of
breath. Noises when exhaling, such as rattling or whistling, are
typical. Fever does not usually occur in chronic
bronchitis, but only in the early stages of acute bronchitis.
Treatment
of chronic bronchitis
The therapy for chronic bronchitis depends on the
severity of the disease. First of all, any kind of respiratory
tract irritation should be avoided , especially pollutants such as
smoke or dust. Since patients with chronic lung diseases have to be
particularly careful with influenza viruses and pneumococci, the Standing
Vaccination Commission (STIKO) recommends appropriate vaccinations.
To relieve shortness of breath, people with chronic
bronchitis can inhale medications that widen the airways. Initially, these
will usually be short-term remedies that the person concerned uses when
necessary. Sprays are often used later to widen the bronchial tubes and
which the person concerned uses regularly. In the case of coughing with
strong sputum, so-called mucopharmaceuticals can loosen stuck bronchial mucus
and support the coughing up. Cortisone is used to prevent chronic
bronchitis from worsening acutely (flare-ups) or when there is acute shortness
of breath.
The treatment guidelines also recommend patient
training, an individual training program and, if necessary, breathing therapy
that makes it easier to cough up the mucus. In severe cases of chronic
bronchitis, inpatient treatment (rehabilitation) or, very rarely, surgical
removal of severely damaged or destroyed lung tissue (emphysema) may be
necessary. Another treatment option is long-term therapy with oxygen.
It is hardly possible to cure chronic bronchitis;
it usually lasts for life. How the lung
disease progresses depends on the patient, his understanding and his
consistency. Chronic bronchitis does not have to progress any
further. Those affected can contribute to their own well-being, for
example by:
- protect the lungs from irritation
- Prevent infections as much as possible
- take the medication conscientiously and as
needed
- go to physical therapy (can reduce coughing
attacks and improve performance)
- Regularly complete supportive physical
training (movement makes you more resilient)
- control their weight
- go to the doctor as soon as deterioration is
noticeable
Chronic bronchitis is a serious disease and
requires specialist treatment. If left untreated, it can develop into
chronic obstructive bronchitis, also known as COPD, a serious lung disease that
can seriously affect everyday life.
Treating chronic bronchitis with
homeopathy or other alternative methods such as
acupuncture can relieve the discomfort. However, such measures should only
complement conventional medical treatment. There is no scientifics proof
of the effectiveness of globules and Co.
