Obstructive bronchitis is an inflammatory disease of the airways with the lesion the mucous membrane of bronchi accompanied with their obstruction.
As for the duration and symptom load, acute and chronic obstructive bronchitis types are distinguished. Acute obstructive bronchitis occurs suddenly and has strongly pronounced symptom load. For chronic obstructive bronchitis, long-lasting cough syndrome with seasonal aggravations are typical, as a rule, in the autumn-winter period. The acute type of the pathology is frequent for tender-age infants, and chronic obstructive syndrome is diagnosed, as a rule, in adults (COPD is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
Its frequent symptoms are stertorous and stridulous breathing, cough, in case of severe degree – skin paleness, nasolabial triangle cyanosis (in children) are possible. Temperature elevation, weakness, decreased appetite are possible among common symptoms. Children usually have more intense aggravation, which requires increased alertness on the arising of life-threatening symptoms.
A specialist will prescribe additional tests after check-up of a patient and study of the medical history. Test results will allow for correct diagnosing.
Laboratory tests are clinical blood analysis, C-reactive protein, general sputum analysis, sputum culture.
Instrumental examinations include X-ray radiography and spirometry, pulseoximetry. It is very important to differentiate obstructive bronchitis from bronchial asthma. After diagnostic procedures a doctor will tell how to treat obstructive bronchitis and how to prevent the development of acute exacerbation.
The main therapy of obstructive syndromes of children and adults with acute or chronic type of the disease includes the use of bronchial spasmolytics and inhaled glucocorticoids. In some cases, antibacterial therapy, antileucotrienes or antihistamines may be used.
Determination of treatment approach for the patients with recurrent attacks often requires multidisciplinary solutions with the participation of allergologist, pulmonologist, rehabilitologist, etc.
Article author: Bogdan Smal
Publication date: 03.12.2020
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