Chronic tracheobronchitis

Chronic tracheobronchitis often develops in smokers. This condition is characterized by constant expectoration of sputum with a strong cough. Such manifestations often occur in the morning. The general condition is supplemented by shortness of breath, weakness and hoarseness.

The disease can also develop against the background of certain working conditions. Thus, miners suffer most often, because their work is associated with increased dustiness.

The disease manifests itself in the form of coughing, which occurs in attacks. The disease is characterized by changes in the mucous membrane.

ICD-10 code

The ICD code is a special classification of all existing diseases that are directly related to human health.

Coding is especially important for doctors. This is how they code the disease, because not in all cases a person should know how serious his condition is. Often in a sick leave certificate, instead of the usual entry, you can see a code.

The standard classification includes 21 classes of diseases. All of them are divided into blocks. The first class includes infectious pathologies. (A00-B99). The second group contains neoplasms of various types (C00-D48). The third type is blood diseases (D50-D89. The fourth class is endocrine system disorders, digestive problems associated with metabolism (E00-E90). The fifth group is mental and behavioral disorders (F00-F99). The sixth type is nervous system disorders (G00-G99). The seventh class is diseases of the organs of vision (H00-H59). The eighth group is diseases of the organs of hearing (H60-H95). The ninth type is problems with the circulatory system (I00-I99). The tenth type is pathologies associated with the respiratory organs (J00-J99). The eleventh group is problems with the digestive organs (K00-K93). The twelfth class is diseases of the skin (L00-L99). The thirteenth type is diseases of the musculoskeletal system (M00-M99). The fourteenth group is pathologies of the genitourinary system (N00-N99). The fifteenth class is the birth period (O00-O99). The sixteenth type is problems occurring exclusively in the perinatal period (P00-P96). The seventeenth group is congenital defects (Q00-Q99). The eighteenth type is deviations from the norm of any type (R00-R99). The nineteenth class is injuries of various kinds (S00-T98). The twentieth type is the main causes of morbidity and general mortality (V01-Y98). The twenty-first class is factors that affect human health (Z00-Z99). Chronic tracheobronchitis belongs to the tenth class.

Causes of chronic tracheobronchitis

Chronic tracheobronchitis can be caused by many external factors. Incorrect treatment of acute bronchitis can influence the development of the disease. Viruses, bacteria and pathogenic fungi can provoke the disease. Parasites and helminths should be feared.

Physical and chemical factors play a special role. These include ordinary hypothermia, as well as irritating smoke and gas. Do not forget about bad habits. A chronic infection in the nasopharynx can affect the problem. Chest pathologies, a sharp decrease in the body's immune functions and congenital pathology are the main factors in the development of pathology. Specific infections can cause the disease. These include syphilis, tuberculosis. Diseases associated with damage to connective tissue.

All these reasons can easily cause chronic tracheobronchitis. But this form of the disease occurs only if the disease was not excluded at the initial stages. Diagnose the chronic type of the disease if the inflammation manifests itself quite often. The manifestation of the pathology depends on the degree of its development.

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Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of chronic tracheobronchitis is a violation of the secretory protection of the bronchi. In addition, they do not fully perform their cleansing and secretory functions. In a healthy person, clearance occurs without interruptions. The body is thoroughly cleansed of harmful microorganisms, not allowing them to reach the trachea. It creates a special layer of mucus, which does not allow further penetration. If we start from the normal indicators, then this layer should be renewed every 2 hours. The effectiveness of cleansing depends entirely on some factors. Thus, the rheological properties, as well as the actions of the ciliated epithelium, must be fully implemented.

So, the pathological anatomy of the whole process is not so simple. The disease begins to make its adjustments to the cells of the bronchial glands. The size and volume change several times. Goblet cells increase significantly, thereby leading to the emergence of metaplasia. This process is typical for small bronchi. As for large ones, all sorts of inflammatory modifications take place here. Moreover, they can be both superficial and localized in the mucous membrane.

The disease manifests itself in the form of changes in the walls of the bronchi and trachea. Significant infiltration of the walls is observed. In some cases, the process is accompanied by signs of sclerosis. As for morphological changes, they have not been fully established. It should be noted that the chronic manifestation of the pathology is characterized by the appearance of pulmonary emphysema. Moreover, it has a pronounced character, and spreads quite quickly.

Symptoms of chronic tracheobronchitis

The symptoms of chronic tracheobronchitis are practically no different from a common cold. The human respiratory tract is designed to receive clean air. Naturally, in the conditions of modern life, this is impossible. Yes, and in general, sterile air simply does not exist. Therefore, such organs as the nose and the mucous membrane of the bronchi serve for filtration. Unfavorable microorganisms, getting into the bronchi, cause a protective reaction of the body. The person begins to cough intensely, during this process, mucus is produced at an accelerated rate.

If the body is infected, the mucous membrane does not have time to recover. Thus, there is no barrier to the penetration of various microorganisms. The chronic form of the disease does not allow a quick response, so the person constantly feels discomfort. Often, this type of disease is typical for people working in industries with a lot of dust.

A person is bothered by a constant cough, and it intensifies directly in the morning hours. During this process, sputum may be released, this indicates the presence of complications. Temperature indicators are normal. Relapses in the chronic form of the disease are quite normal. It is enough to freeze very much or have a cold, the symptoms will not take long to appear. Sometimes, when coughing, sputum has an admixture of blood. This indicates the presence of complications, tuberculosis or lung cancer.

First signs

The first signs of chronic tracheobronchitis are the appearance of a strong, depressing cough. It begins to bother a person in the morning. The cough is deep and lingering. When coughing, sputum is released. It is important to pay attention to it. If there is no blood impurity, then nothing threatens a person's life. If there is blood, it is worth making an appointment with a specialist. Most likely, we are talking about a serious complication.

The chronic course of the pathology begins after the acute form has not been properly eliminated. Constant relapses indicate that it is not so easy to get rid of the disease. It will manifest itself periodically in the form of a strong cough. It appears only after contact with an allergen. At this stage, this is dust. The mucous membrane of the bronchi cannot accept dusty air, so it becomes irritated. As is known, a person should receive only sterile oxygen. It is obtained by cleaning with the help of cilia located in the nose.

In addition to coughing, a slight increase in temperature is possible. This symptom is rather one of the most rare. If a person has a high temperature, it is worth seeking help, it is quite possible that a serious infection has "started" in the body.

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Consequences and complications

The consequences of chronic tracheobronchitis depend entirely on its form. Thus, the acute course of the disease in most cases without proper treatment soon becomes chronic. That is why it is necessary to seek help from specialists in a timely manner. The main consequence can be respiratory failure. The body simply cannot be provided with the necessary amount of oxygen. Here it no longer matters what kind of air enters the body, sterile or not. The main problem is that there is simply not enough of it.

One of the most serious consequences can be the development of pneumonia. Usually, the disease occurs due to an advanced illness and the lack of quality treatment. Self-medication and the idea that everything will go away on its own are unacceptable! This will not solve the problem, but will significantly worsen it. It is not so easy to cure pneumonia after a chronic form of the pathology. And there is a high probability of tuberculosis.

Complications of chronic tracheobronchitis are not so common. The main reason for the emergence of serious health problems is ignoring timely and high-quality treatment. A person hopes that everything will go away on its own and does not make enough efforts to eliminate the disease. Meanwhile, the process starts in the body, the infection gets everything it needs. Against this background, pneumonia, tuberculosis and even lung cancer develop.

When coughing, pay attention to the sputum. If it has blood in it, things are bad. You should seek help immediately. Most likely, the process has dragged on, and new organs and systems have been involved. The appearance of blood may indicate the worst course.

Complications will never arise if a person is treated in time. The disease will not go away on its own, it is necessary to make an effort. Even the most harmless complication in the form of respiratory failure can cause serious harm.

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Diagnostics

Diagnosis of chronic tracheobronchitis is made in several stages. Thus, only a therapist or pulmonologist can make a diagnosis. But this is done after at least two years of observation of the patient. As is known, the chronic form of pathology develops over a given period of time. After all, there is a risk of confusing tarcheobronchitis with asthma or bronchiectasis.

The first thing the doctor does is order an X-ray. The resulting image can reveal existing pathologies. It is impossible to do without a general blood test. In addition, sputum is examined, a bacterial culture and sensitivity to antibiotics are taken. Respiratory functions are actively examined, and a bronchoscopy is performed. When studying the functions of the respiratory tract, a person should exhale air into a special device. Its main task is to determine the volume of the lungs and other necessary parameters.

Bronchoscopy is a common endoscopic examination. A special small-diameter tube is inserted into a person's respiratory tract, with a light at the end. This allows for a thorough examination of the bronchi and trachea, thereby seeing any deviations. This procedure is very important. It will help to confirm the presence of the disease and prescribe the correct treatment.

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Laboratory diagnostics

Tests for chronic tracheobronchitis play an important role. A person will have to take a general and biochemical blood test. These procedures will allow you to get a detailed answer. Based on the test results, it will be possible to track the level of leukocytes. Usually, with this disease, it exceeds the norm. Particular attention is paid to the rate of erythrocyte sedimentation. The disease is characterized by a sharp acceleration of this process.

In addition to blood tests, special attention is paid to sputum. A person will have to submit it for analysis. Here, it is possible to determine the presence of the pathogen that provoked the disease itself. Sputum is used to check sensitivity to antibiotics. This will allow choosing a truly high-quality and correct treatment. If there is no sputum, naturally, this analysis is omitted. There are no other methods for diagnosing the disease, except for hardware. But, it is difficult to identify the true cause of the pathology based on one analysis. The results of a comprehensive examination are required.

Instrumental diagnostics

Instrumental diagnostics of chronic tracheobronchitis includes several basic methods. These include radiography, bronchoscopy and bronchography.

• Radiography. The procedure is represented by the usual photographing of internal organs. In this case, the bronchi and trachea are examined. The technique will allow to determine the existing modifications, pathologies.
• Bronchoscopy. The procedure involves examining the trachea and bronchi by inserting a special thin tube with illumination. This will allow for a thorough examination and the necessary data.
• Bronchography. Allows you to examine the upper respiratory tract using contrast. For this, a special substance made from iodine is injected into the bronchi. This allows you to get high-quality images.

Computer tomography and spirography are widely used. They determine the gas composition of the blood. Examination of the body using X-rays is pointless. Often it does not give any results. Pathologies are not detected. Changes can be noticed if a person has been for a longer time.

Differential diagnostics

Differential diagnostics of chronic tracheobronchitis is the most important stage of the study of the human body. After all, the symptoms of this disease do not have any particular specificity. It can easily be confused with a cold or flu. That is why bacteriological examination of sputum is extremely important.

During the acute form of the pathology, it is important to diagnose it correctly, without confusing it with pneumonia. This period is characterized by active manifestations of heart failure, thromboembolism.

Diagnosing tracheobronchitis is not so easy, but only by differential means. After all, the leading place in this condition belongs to broncho-obstructive syndrome. The main differences between these diseases are special symptoms. Cough for this condition is characterized by its constancy and intensification in the morning. Shortness of breath does not occur so often.

Differential analysis is performed exclusively with tuberculosis and lung cancer. The first condition is characterized by pronounced symptoms of intoxication of the body. The person feels weak, he is bothered by a high temperature. Cough and shortness of breath are not persistent. With cancer, cough is accompanied by severe pain. They can also serve as a signal of the presence of purulent inflammation. The person loses weight significantly, feels weak.

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Treatment of chronic tracheobronchitis

Chronic tracheobronchitis is treated with medications. Drug-based therapy gives good results. However, it is not always possible to get rid of the disease in this way. Antibacterial agents, expectorant drugs, bronchodilators, and antihistamines are actively used to stabilize the condition. Physiotherapeutic methods are often used. An important criterion is achieving a normal lifestyle. Regarding the main drugs used for treatment, information will be provided below.

It is important to use all methods together. Naturally, you should not use a lot of medications at the same time. But, it is recommended to combine a healthy lifestyle with quality treatment. You can pay attention to folk remedies to combat the problem. However, they can only be used after the doctor's approval. Any procedures aimed at eliminating the disease should work for the good.

Drug treatment

Various medications are taken for chronic tracheobronchitis, everything depends on the complexity of the disease. Antihistamines, expectorants and many others are actively used.

To eliminate bacteria from their body, it is necessary to use special medications. Often prescribed such drugs as Augmentin, Macropen, Avelox. All of them fight the manifestations of the main signs of intoxication.

• Augmentin. The dosage is prescribed individually. Usually 30 mg/kg is enough. The drug is administered intravenously. It cannot be used by people with impaired renal and hepatic function. Pregnancy and lactation limit the use of the drug. Side effects are possible: nausea, vomiting, exacerbation of existing symptoms.
• Macropen. The product is used exclusively by children, it is not suitable for adults. The drug can be taken 2 times a day, the dosage depends on weight. Usually it varies from 3.75 to 22.5 ml. The product cannot be used in case of hypersensitivity to its main components. Side effects are nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.
• Avelox. The drug should be used once a day, the maximum dose does not exceed 400 mg. The duration of treatment is 7-10 days. The exact dosage is prescribed by the doctor. Pregnant women, women during breastfeeding and small children should not take the drug. Side effects are possible. They are characterized by gastrointestinal disorders.

Medicines with expectorant action are actively used. ACC, Flavamed are often prescribed.

• ACC. The daily dose of the drug should not exceed 800 mg. The duration of the course of treatment can be up to 6 months. Take the drug after meals. The optimal dose is calculated by a specialist. People with ulcers, pulmonary hemorrhages, impaired liver and kidney function should not take the drug. Possible side effects: tinnitus, nausea, headache, vomiting.
• Flavamed. Children are given the drug in the amount of 15 mg, divided into two doses. For adults, the daily dose is 60-90 mg. This is true for the drug in the form of a solution. The tablets are taken twice a day for two jokes. The drug cannot be used in case of intolerance to some components of the drug, renal failure, pregnancy. Side effects are possible.

In addition to all the above-described drugs, bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory agents are actively used. Atrovent and Ventolin are used for this purpose.

• Atrovent. The drug is used in the form of inhalations. 2-3 injections up to 5 times a day are enough. The duration of treatment is discussed individually. The drug can cause a number of side effects. These include nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, cough. The drug cannot be used during pregnancy, hereditary intolerance to some components, cystic fibrosis.
• Ventolin. The drug is used only on doctor's orders. The permissible dosage is prescribed by him. The drug can cause a number of side effects. These are: hives, nausea, vomiting, headaches and complete deterioration of the condition. The drug can be used with extreme caution.

In case of tarechobronchitis, special inhalations are applicable. Any medication (naturally, from among the permitted ones) can be used as a drug used during this process. You should pay attention to Dioxidine and Lazolvan.

• Dioxidine. Refers to a group of antiseptic agents with a broad antibacterial effect. The medication can be used during periods of chronic disease. A single dose should not exceed 4 ml.
• Lazolvan. This drug is a mucolytic. For one inhalation, 3-5 ml of the drug is enough. The duration of administration and dosage are coordinated by a specialist.

Traditional treatment of chronic tracheobronchitis

Traditional medicine is acceptable for complex elimination of the disease. There are several good recipes that allow suppressing the main symptoms of the pathology

1. Recipe 1. Take a glass of boiling water and pour it over a tablespoon of linden flowers. Wrap it all up well and leave it alone for an hour. Then strain the resulting remedy. You can take it 2-3 times a day, a whole glass at a time.
2. Recipe 2. Boil 1.5 liters of raw water. Then add 400 grams of bran. Cool the resulting product, then strain. You can use the "medicine" instead of tea.
3. Recipe 3. Two ripe bananas are mashed, then poured with boiled water. One glass of liquid is enough, it is important to sweeten it. The resulting mixture is heated and used for a nagging cough.
4. Recipe 4. Black radish is finely grated and strained through cheesecloth. The resulting juice is mixed with honey. The remedy is used before meals, 2 tablespoons.
5. Recipe 5. Beetroot syrup will help get rid of a cough. It is easy to get. Just wash the vegetable, cut it, sprinkle with sugar and bake in the oven. You can eat the remedy without limitation.

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Herbal treatment of chronic tracheobronchitis

Herbal treatment is quite effective, it is important to choose the right ingredients. Yarrow actively fights the manifestations of tracheobronchitis. However, it should be used together with other ingredients. This will allow you to achieve maximum results.

• Recipe 1. Take yarrow, some coltsfoot leaves, clover and adonis. Mix all of this together. Then take just one tablespoon of the mixture and pour a glass of water over it. Bring it all to a boil and then let it steep for 3 hours. You can take the resulting “medicine” half a glass at a time up to 3 times a day. It is important to do this before meals.
• Recipe 2. Rye straw has a good effect. Take 200 grams of this ingredient and steam it in 2 liters of water. To achieve the maximum effect, you will have to add a teaspoon of valerian tincture and alcohol. The resulting remedy does not need to be drunk, it is enough to simply inhale it. After this, the straw can be applied to the chest for about 40 minutes.
• Recipe 3. A mixture of sage and milk generally works wonders. It is enough to take a tablespoon of the herb and mix it with a glass of milk. Bring it all to a boil, then leave it alone for about 40 minutes. Pass the solution through a sieve, boil again. It is worth drinking it before bed.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is used quite actively to eliminate chronic tracheobronchitis. For this purpose, special preparations are used that have anti-inflammatory, expectorant and antiseptic effects.

It should be noted right away that the prescription of medications depends entirely on the clinical picture of the disease. If a person is constantly bothered by pain behind the breastbone, it is worth paying attention to Bryonia. In case of a strong inflammatory process, preference is given to Belladonna. In case of viscous sputum, Kalium Bichromicum is used. All these drugs must be in the third and sixth dilution.

If the disease begins to actively bother in damp weather, then it is worth giving preference to Ipecacuanha. Senega is recommended for elderly people, but only in the third decimal and third dilution. In severe forms, pay attention to Phosphorus. Arsenicum Album and Arsenicum Iodatum have an active effect.

It is impossible to use all the above-mentioned drugs independently. Because there is no universal dosage. Everything is carried out under the supervision of a specialist, based on the constitutional features of the structure of a particular person.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment of chronic tracheobronchitis is extremely rare. Usually, drug treatment of the disease is sufficient. Special health procedures are often used, lifestyle changes are made, and bad habits are eliminated. Usually, this is enough to suppress the main symptoms. However, there are cases when the best methods are not able to provide the necessary assistance. Then surgical intervention comes to the rescue.

It is used extremely rarely. Mainly in case of severe complications. These include emphysema. This condition requires immediate lung transplantation. Naturally, the operation itself is complicated. And the recovery period after it is long. Therefore, it is advisable not to allow such a development of the situation. Everything can be eliminated at the initial stages. But many people ignore the existing disease and are in no hurry to see a doctor. Thus, aggravating their own condition. Surgery is really an extreme measure.

Prevention of chronic tracheobronchitis

Prevention of chronic tracheobronchitis consists of following several basic rules. Thus, people working in dusty factories should wear a mask at all times. Smoking enthusiasts will have to give up their bad habit. After all, these two negative criteria taken together only accelerate the process of the disease.

It is advisable to get vaccinated against flu every year. After all, tracheobronchitis is a consequence of an untreated infection or cold. It is recommended to take special medications that help strengthen the immune system. This is especially important during seasonal exacerbations of the disease.

Compliance with personal hygiene rules is an important criterion. A person should wash their hands more often, not visit crowded places when there is a flu epidemic raging outside. It is easy to get sick, but eliminating the disease is not as easy as it seems. Anyone can allow the development of a chronic form of pathology, but it is easier to prevent all this.

Prognosis of chronic tracheobronchitis

The prognosis for chronic tracheobronchitis is positive. Naturally, this is possible if a person has started effective treatment on time. This form of the disease occurs due to an untreated illness that appeared earlier. Therefore, it is important to eliminate the inflammatory processes that preceded the appearance of this one. This will allow achieving a positive result. The prognosis is favorable.

There are cases when the disease entails a number of complications. This is due to ignoring the established treatment method. The appearance of blood impurities in the sputum is especially dangerous. This should affect the person and force him to act. Such a manifestation is typical for tuberculosis, blood cancer. You should not hesitate under any circumstances. This can entail serious problems. Naturally, the prognosis is extremely unfavorable. The result of the treatment depends on the person himself, on how quickly the disease was diagnosed and effective treatment was started. It is difficult to say for sure what the prognosis will be.