Coughing in acute, chronic and obstructive bronchitis

Bronchitis refers to an acute or chronic form of respiratory disease, the trigger for its development being a disturbance in the microflora. Coughing with bronchitis is one of the leading signs of pathology and indicates tissue damage and mucus accumulation in the respiratory tract.

Any inflammation is always accompanied by a cough. This is explained by the fact that coughing is a natural defense mechanism that occurs in response to irritation of the mucous membrane. Accumulated mucus and bacterial microflora serve as the irritant that triggers the reflex mechanism. Coughing is needed to push out the accumulated mucus from the respiratory tract and free the respiratory tract. The nature and duration of the cough depend on the amount of sputum accumulated in the lumen of the bronchi.

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Causes bronchitis cough

It occurs as a result of irritation of the mucous membrane by mucus and phlegm. The inflammatory process occurs as a result of dysbacteriosis, prevalence of pathogenic microflora, and the addition of a viral infection. This can occur against the background of reduced immunity, activation of a chronic inflammatory process, hypothermia, and overwork. Sometimes the development of the inflammatory process can be provoked by neuropsychic factors: stress, overexertion, neuropsychic shock.

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Risk factors

The risk group includes people with reduced immunity, chronic diseases of the bronchi and respiratory tract, carriers of bacteria and viruses. People with poor nutrition, not getting the necessary amount of vitamins, and metabolic disorders are more at risk. Also at risk are people who are in contact with infectious patients, work with cultures of microorganisms and viruses, have increased workloads, stress, and are often exposed to hypothermia.

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Pathogenesis

The disease develops with weakened immunity, when the body's defenses are weakened and lose the ability to control the microflora. There is a sharp change in the ratio of pathogenic and opportunistic forms. Pathogenic forms become predominant, as a result of which the acute form develops.

Bronchitis is always accompanied by a cough. The main cause of coughing in bronchitis is reflex irritation of the walls and mucous membranes of the bronchi and larynx. Mucus formed during the inflammatory process accumulates on the walls and irritates the reflex zones. In response, a cough reflex is formed, during which the muscles contract sharply, trying to push the mucus out.

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Epidemiology

According to statistics, every third adult and every second child suffers from bronchitis every year. At the same time, 100% of bronchitis is accompanied by a cough. It can differ in form and severity. Thus, a dry unproductive cough bothers about 23% of patients, a wet, productive cough accompanies the disease in 37% of people. In 13%, there is a suffocating cough, in 7% - an obstructive cough. In the remaining 20%, the cough is inconstant and changes from one form to another. In 12% of people, the cough lasts from 3 to 14 days.

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Symptoms

In the early stages, a person may be bothered by a dry, annoying cough, which is accompanied by pain and lack of relief after a coughing fit. It can drag on for a long time, suffocatingly. There is no discharge of sputum.

A wet cough is considered a more productive, progressive form, which significantly brings a person closer to recovery. Such a cough leads to the fact that sputum gradually moves away from the mucous membrane, freeing the respiratory tract, and is removed to the outside. As a result, inflammation is significantly reduced, recovery is accelerated.

In the chronic form of the disease, the cough is usually wet and strong. Sputum is easily separated, but in insufficient quantities. Most of it, in a thickened form, settles on the walls of the bronchi and lungs, preventing them from being completely cleared. This type of cough is the most difficult to treat.

The most unpleasant form is the acute form of the disease. It is the most painful for a person, since it is often accompanied by a dry, unproductive cough, in which phlegm does not come off. The urge to cough becomes more frequent, irritation of the mucous membranes only increases. Gradually, other symptoms join the severe cough, such as pain in the sternum, in the intercostal muscles, a sore throat and dryness in the throat.

How long does a cough last with bronchitis?

The duration is determined by many factors. On average, a cough lasts from 5 days to 14 days. There are very rare cases when a cough goes away in less than 5 days. But most often, a cough does not go away for a long time, exhausts a person, and requires special treatment. In some cases, a cough can last more than 14 days, even up to several months. The most difficult to cure is obstructive and dry cough, while a wet cough goes away the fastest. Its appearance is a good sign, since it indicates a quick recovery.

The earliest manifestation of bronchitis is a dry, less often wet cough, in which sputum is released. Even if sputum is not released, but a person is simply tormented by a dry, prolonged cough, a sore throat - this may indicate the development of bronchitis. You should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

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Dizziness when coughing with bronchitis

Often, a strong cough that occurs against the background of bronchitis leads to dizziness. This is explained by the fact that the cough irritates the walls of the bronchi and mucous membranes too intensely. It can also indicate excessive filling of the bronchi and alveoli with mucus, as a result of which gas exchange is disrupted. Insufficient oxygen enters the blood, hypoxia (oxygen starvation) develops. The brain is most sensitive to oxygen deficiency, so it is the first to show a reaction, which occurs in the form of dizziness.

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Cough with bronchitis in a child

A child with bronchitis is accompanied by a cough for a long time, which is due to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the respiratory tract. Children produce a large amount of mucus that fills the respiratory tract. It is excreted for a long time, has a viscous consistency. Requires mandatory treatment.

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Cough in chronic bronchitis

With chronic bronchitis, the cough is usually dry and unproductive. Mucus is poorly removed, creating viscosity in the bronchi and alveoli, which makes breathing difficult and creates additional irritation, increasing inflammation. Such a cough occurs quite quickly even with minor exposure to unfavorable factors on the body. For example, hypothermia can lead to activation of the inflammatory process and its transition from chronic to acute.

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Cough in acute bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is most often characterized by a dry, unproductive cough that torments a person and does not go away for a long time. It is necessary to convert a dry cough into a wet one. Only then is a quick recovery possible.

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Cough in obstructive bronchitis

Obstructive cough is a narrowing of the airway lumen. It is characterized by the presence of wheezing. Inflammation is accompanied by edema and hypersecretion. The danger of this condition is that the lumen of the bronchi can be completely blocked by phlegm, resulting in an attack of suffocation and the development of intense spasm.

The risk of asthma increases. The cause of such a reaction is the addition of allergies. In this case, antibiotic treatment is inappropriate, since antibiotics cause additional sensitization and allergization of the body.

Antibiotics for obstructive bronchitis are prescribed only in the most extreme cases: when green sputum, high temperature, and also if the disease does not go away for a long time and the person is in serious condition. With a relatively mild form, traditional, folk remedies are enough. It is better to spend time at home, wrapped in a warm scarf, under a warm blanket. It is recommended to drink herbal decoctions, hot tea, milk, and products that help liquefy and remove sputum. Nutrition should be balanced, rest is needed.

Also, in case of acute bronchitis, it is recommended to perform steam inhalations and plant extracts and balms. You can put mustard plasters and rub the chest and back with fat, oil, massage oil, cough balms.

You need to drink plenty of fluids, because water thins mucus very much. It is better to breathe humidified air. You can use special humidifiers. Essential oils that have a calming effect on the nervous system are recommended.

Cough with allergic bronchitis

In allergic bronchitis, cough may occur as a reaction of the body in response to the action of irritants of an allergic nature. Such cough is long-lasting, spasmodic. In this case, sputum is not released. Such cough is dangerous because it can cause suffocation. Antihistamines are required. Antibiotics should not be prescribed, since they only increase allergies.

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Severe cough with bronchitis

Bronchitis is often accompanied by a strong cough, which indicates a severe lesion of the respiratory system. Increased cough indicates the transition of the infection from the respiratory tract and bronchial tree directly to the alveoli. This indicates that bronchitis has already moved to the next stage - bronchopneumonia. The risk of developing pneumonia increases. Immediate treatment is required. The use of antibiotics and antitussives is mandatory.

A strong cough is usually accompanied by a high temperature, fever, weakness. The illness can last very long, up to 10 days or more.

Cough with bronchitis and pneumonia

With bronchitis, the cough is very strong, accompanied by whistling in the bronchial area. Pain in the sternum area may be felt. The cough can be either dry or wet. The transition of bronchitis to pneumonia is indicated by an increase in cough. It is often accompanied by pain in the area of the tops of the lungs (above the shoulder blades), as well as in the intercostal spaces. Whistles and wheezing in the lung area are also heard.

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Coughing attacks with bronchitis

Bronchitis attacks occur quite often, especially in children. Most often, attacks occur with obstructive or allergic bronchitis, when the lumen of the bronchi is closed with phlegm, or a spasm develops. The danger of such forms of bronchitis is that a person can suffocate. In addition, a complication may occur - bronchial asthma. Antiallergic, antihistamine drugs are prescribed. Antibiotics are contraindicated, since they only increase sensitization and allergization of the body.

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Cough at night with bronchitis

The cough intensifies at night due to the fact that at night the amount of histamine usually increases, the inflammatory process intensifies. In addition, the smooth muscles of the bronchi and alveoli relax, as a result of which mucus more freely comes out into the lumen of the bronchi, causing their reflex contraction. At night, enzymes, hormones, biologically active substances are produced that help relax the muscles and liquefy sputum.

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Stages

Coughing with bronchitis occurs in several stages. The first stage is a dry, unproductive cough. In this form, sputum is not released, but remains in the bronchi, increasing inflammation and not bringing relief to the person.

The second stage is the transition of a dry cough to a wet, productive one. This cough promotes the discharge of sputum and its removal from the body. Accordingly, inflammation and the infectious process are reduced. This is the form of cough that is sought when treating bronchitis. The appearance of a wet cough is a good sign that indicates a quick recovery.

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Forms

There are several types of cough, depending on the characteristic that underlies the classification. According to the nature of the cough, there are five main types: dry, suffocating, wet and lingering. Coughing up blood is a separate category.

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Dry cough with bronchitis

Most often, bronchitis is accompanied by a dry cough. Its peculiarity is that this form of cough reflex occurs immediately after inflammation has occurred. It develops within 2-3 hours and then persists for 3-4 days. Such a cough is practically untreatable, it is very difficult to soften and eliminate it.

It is distinguished by the fact that with such a cough, practically no sputum is separated. However, it accumulates in the bronchi and alveoli, closing the lumen and thereby increasing inflammation. Almost always, chest pain appears against this background. With a strong cough that does not go away for a long time, vomiting may occur.

The cough can only go away if it becomes wet. For this, mucolytic drugs are taken, which promote lysis (dissolution of mucus and its subsequent removal from the respiratory tract). The treatment is long-term, at least a week. However, you cannot stop taking the drugs even if the cough has already disappeared. Most likely, it has simply moved from the active phase to the latent (chronic) one.

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Unproductive cough in bronchitis

An unproductive cough is an acute attack of dry cough, which is accompanied by the inability to clear the throat, a sore throat, and a stuffy throat. Sometimes attacks can be suffocating in nature and can be accompanied by vomiting. The duration of an attack is from several minutes to an hour.

Eventually, a small piece of viscous sputum may separate. The lungs and bronchi are not cleared anyway, and the person does not feel relief. Attacks are often accompanied by vomiting and blood. Such a cough usually appears at the very beginning of the disease, and gradually subsides, turning into a wet form as the inflammatory process decreases.

For treatment, mucolytic and bronchodilator drugs are used. Drugs designed to eliminate the inflammatory process in the bronchi work well. When the inflammation is relieved, the symptoms of cough are also reduced. Combination therapy is also used.

Wet cough with bronchitis

With bronchitis, there is often a wet cough. It usually develops at the very end of the disease. This is a good sign that foretells a quick recovery. With a wet cough, there is an intensive separation of sputum. It is removed to the outside, accordingly, the inflammatory process is significantly reduced. Sometimes a wet cough can appear at the beginning of the disease, bypassing the stage of dry cough.

Sometimes it may be accompanied by vomiting and copious expectoration of phlegm. Vomiting passes in 5-10 minutes. It may be accompanied by chest pain. Mucolytic drugs and anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve symptoms. Physiotherapy can also help relieve symptoms. Acupuncture, massage, reflexology, and warming up the chest have proven themselves well. Sometimes medications are administered using electrophoresis.

Coughing up blood with bronchitis

It is very rare. Blood can appear due to cracks in the bronchial mucosa, with increased pressure inside the bronchial tree. Blood is mixed with sputum, forming streaks of pink and red. When coughing, the intrabronchial pressure only increases. Also, such a cough is often accompanied by bouts of vomiting and chest pain.

It is necessary to be very careful with differential diagnostics, since coughing up blood is often a sign of tuberculosis. The appearance of blood is an important diagnostic sign, on the basis of which many additional studies are prescribed.

If a person has blood in their sputum, it is necessary to provide assistance. First, a vertical position is required. Then the pulse and pressure are measured. After this, it is important to ensure complete rest. If possible, antitussives should be used, which will allow the person to rest and sleep. Usually, such drugs temporarily alleviate the patient's condition, eliminating the manifestations of cough. They work for 1-3 hours.

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Barking cough with bronchitis

A barking cough is usually a late, lingering form of cough that occurs at the end of the disease or after recovery. It can last for a long time after the end of treatment. It is accompanied by the release of a small amount of sputum. Sometimes there is pain in the chest area. Since this cough is long-lasting and occurs after the main therapy has already been completed, many specialists recommend treatment with folk recipes and homeopathic remedies.

Diagnostics bronchitis cough

The basis of diagnostics is the need to identify the main pathological processes occurring in the body and make an appropriate diagnosis, on the basis of which further selection of appropriate therapy will be carried out.

To do this, you need to see a doctor (a general practitioner or pulmonologist), he will conduct an examination and prescribe the appropriate laboratory and instrumental studies. Important diagnostic information can be obtained during the examination and questioning of the patient. First, the doctor collects general information, then carefully studies the anamnesis of life and the anamnesis of the disease.

During a general examination, special attention is paid to the condition of the mucous membranes and skin. Thermometry is also performed: the temperature may be elevated. The heart rate and respiratory movements may remain normal, or may slightly exceed normal values.

A special study includes a thorough examination of the respiratory system. The most informative method in this case is auscultation. Whistles and wheezing are heard in the bronchial area, isolated wheezing may occur in the area of the apex of the lungs.

When palpating, there is slight pain in the chest and sternum. Coughing also causes painful sensations. Pain may occur when palpating the lymph nodes. The nodes and lymphatic vessels are often enlarged and pulsate.

On percussion, a percussive box-like sound is heard in the area of the shoulder blades and the anterior part of the sternum.

The results of a clinical examination make it possible to assume that a person has acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, or another disease with similar features. If it is difficult to distinguish one disease from another, differential diagnostics are performed.

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Tests

First, standard tests are prescribed: clinical blood test, urine, feces. They can show the general picture of what is happening in the body. For example, increased ESR, leukocytes indicate an inflammatory process. There may also be signs of bleeding, bacterial, viral infection. High levels of eosinophils and basophils may indicate an allergic or tissue inflammatory reaction.

Additionally, an immunogram is prescribed, which can provide a lot of useful information about the state of the immune system, the nature of pathologies. Biochemical analysis shows the direction of the main biochemical processes occurring in the body, metabolic disorders, the severity and localization of the inflammatory process.

Bacteriological examination of sputum, throat and nasopharynx smears is also performed. Less frequently, bacteriological and histological examination of bronchoptate is performed. This makes it possible to determine the main pathogen by sowing on nutrient media. It is recommended to additionally conduct an antibiogram - determination of the sensitivity of the isolated pathogen to antibiotics. This makes it possible to determine the most effective antibiotic and select its optimal concentration.

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Instrumental diagnostics

Instrumental diagnostics may include a spirogram, which is used to determine the vital signs of the lungs and bronchi, which allows us to draw a conclusion about the degree of tissue involvement in the inflammatory process.

An X-ray or fluorography may be required to obtain an image of the respiratory tract and examine the pathology.

Also, if necessary, a bronchoscopy is performed, during which the condition of the bronchi is assessed from the inside using a bronchoscope. If necessary, a biopsy is performed - a piece of tissue is taken for further histological examination. Histology is performed if there is a suspicion of an oncological process in the bronchi and makes it possible to draw a conclusion based on the nature of tissue growth about whether the affected area is benign or malignant. It is also possible to select a therapy option by determining sensitivity to pharmaceutical drugs.

Differential diagnosis

If tuberculosis is suspected, a culture is performed on special selective media for growing mycobacterium tuberculosis. Active growth gives grounds to assume the presence of tuberculosis pathogens. Additional biochemical and immunological research, smear microscopy are performed, which give grounds to finally confirm or refute the diagnosis. The analysis is performed on average for 30 days, determined by the growth rate of bacteria.

If a cough of allergic origin is suspected, additional allergological and immunological studies are carried out. The enzyme immunoassay method is most often used, and the polymerase chain reaction method is less often used. Total and specific immunoglobulin E, mucous immunoglobulin A, and histamine (if necessary) are also determined.

If a viral infection is suspected, virological and serological tests are performed. Venous blood serves as the test material. An analysis for latent infections may also be required.

If there is a suspicion of a cough caused by poisoning with potent substances, acids, or severe intoxication of the body, a toxicological study is carried out.

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Treatment bronchitis cough

Treatment of bronchitis can only begin after a full examination has been conducted and a final diagnosis has been made. You should see a doctor if the cough lasts longer than 2-3 days. Treatment can also be done at home, but this requires strict adherence to all doctor's recommendations. If there is a fever, it is necessary to stay in bed. In more severe cases, hospitalization is indicated.

The treatment is based on drug therapy. It is represented mainly by antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs. Symptomatic therapy is also carried out: mucolytics, antitussives, or expectorants are used for severe cough. It is also recommended to take homeopathic remedies, folk recipes. Physiotherapy may be required. The patient should also follow a dietary diet and drink as much liquid as possible.

How to relieve a coughing fit during bronchitis?

In order to quickly relieve an attack, it is necessary to carry out a number of measures. It is necessary to observe bed rest, drink a lot of liquid. It is recommended to rub the back and chest with anti-inflammatory ointment, or any other product containing fat. It is important to drink more hot tea, possibly with the addition of fat or oil, honey. Inhalations with eucalyptus or fir oil help well. It is also necessary to ventilate the room well.

Treatment of dry cough in bronchitis

Treatment of dry cough is always aimed at converting it into a productive form - a wet cough. Mucolytic agents that help liquefy sputum and remove it from the bronchi have proven themselves well for this purpose. These agents also stimulate the activity of the bronchi, stimulating the movement of the cilia of the epithelium.

Ambroxol, which is available in the form of cough syrup and tablets, has proven itself to be a good treatment for dry cough. The syrup is taken one tablespoon three times a day, and the tablets are taken one tablet 3-4 times a day. Symptoms usually go away within 5-7 days. You can also try such remedies as Flavamed, Lazolvan, and Ambrol. They also fight dry coughs quite successfully.

Treatment of wet cough in bronchitis

A wet cough is considered productive and its appearance is a good sign. When a wet cough appears, it is necessary to use drugs that stimulate the expectoration of sputum, its removal from the respiratory tract. Expectorants will help with this. They should never be taken together with antitussive drugs, since they have the opposite effect. This is a common mistake that leads not only to a deterioration in the condition, but also to the development of various complications, including an attack of obstructive cough, suffocation.

Antitussives suppress the cough reflex and thus reduce coughing. They make the receptors of the mucous membranes not react to a large amount of mucus that needs to be removed from the body. Expectorants, on the contrary, promote the discharge of sputum from the bronchi, promote its removal from the respiratory tract. When taking two drugs at the same time, mucus can clog the lumen of the bronchi, which will lead to an attack of suffocation.

Treatment of cough in obstructive bronchitis

Obstructive bronchitis is dangerous because mucus clogs the lumen of the bronchus, resulting in suffocation and spasm. Antispasmodics are used, which reduce spasm, bronchodilators, which relax the smooth muscles located in the walls of the bronchi and, accordingly, expand the lumen of the bronchi.

Antitussives are also used, which have a direct effect on the cough center of the brain and thus reduce the manifestations of cough. In action, they are close to painkillers, that is, they do not have any therapeutic effect, but only suppress the cough center and block the manifestation of the reflex.

Prescribed only to temporarily stop coughing, especially if the patient has chest pain or severe vomiting occurs against the background of coughing. Used only for severe and debilitating coughing. Do not take for more than a week, since many of them contain narcotic substances. Symptoms are relieved after a day. These drugs are not prescribed to children under 12 years of age. It is necessary to remember their pronounced toxic effect.

Codeine and codeterpine have proven themselves well. Take 1 tablet twice a day.

Treatment of cough with asthmatic bronchitis

With asthmatic bronchitis, there is acute pain in the chest area and a suffocating cough, paroxysmal. To eliminate the symptoms, antiallergic and antihistamine drugs are used. Inhalations carried out with a nebulizer have also proven themselves well. Various means are used aimed at relaxing smooth muscles, relieving spasms and eliminating the allergic component.

In asthmatic bronchitis, sedatives and tranquilizers are used. It is not recommended to take antibiotics. They can be taken in minimal concentrations, only in extreme cases, for example, when purulent sputum or high temperature appears. Coughing attacks can be relieved by drugs that relieve attacks of suffocating cough, for example, inspiron, erespal. Take 1 tablet twice a day. The result is noticeable after 4-5 days.

Treatment of cough in acute bronchitis

In acute bronchitis, drugs are prescribed that are aimed at ensuring cough productivity. Expectorants and mucolytics have proven themselves well. In case of high temperature and severe inflammatory process, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs are prescribed. Various folk remedies are taken. Inhalations with various anti-inflammatory herbs and essential oils help well with cough that is observed without fever.

Treatment of cough in chronic bronchitis

With chronic bronchitis, sputum often does not leave well. It accumulates on the walls of the bronchi, in the alveoli, being a source of infection and chronic inflammation. Sputum usually stagnates, congestion develops in parallel, and the bronchi become blocked.

For treatment, mucolytic agents are prescribed, which help to thin mucus and remove it from the respiratory tract.

Various folk and homeopathic remedies are used. The most effective remedy to help eliminate cough during bronchitis is honey. It is used as a base for making syrups and tinctures, added to tea, used for compresses and wraps.

Complications and consequences

Coughing during bronchitis is dangerous because it can develop into obstructive bronchitis, in which phlegm is not removed from the body but remains in the respiratory tract. Gradually, the lumens become clogged, and spasm and increased inflammation occur. This can lead to suffocation and the development of bronchial asthma.

Also, the danger of bronchitis is that the infection can progress, gradually turning into bronchopneumonia, pneumonia. In the absence of the necessary treatment, complications such as pleurisy, pulmonary edema, and pulmonary insufficiency can develop.

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Prevention

Prevention comes down to proper nutrition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It is necessary to carry out timely sanitation of existing infections in the body, including dental diseases. If concomitant diseases are detected, they must be treated. If a cough appears, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible and begin the necessary treatment as soon as possible. Do not allow hypothermia, overwork, avoid stress and nervous tension.

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Forecast

If you start the necessary treatment in a timely manner, the prognosis is favorable. In this case, cough with bronchitis can be completely cured. Without proper treatment, it can become chronic. Complications such as pneumonia, pleurisy, pulmonary edema are dangerous.

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