Dyspnea in obstructive and acute bronchitis: treatment with medications and folk remedies. Shortness of breath with bronchitis: treatment of asthma attacks with medications Bronchitis with shortness of breath treatment at home

Absolutely all types of bronchitis are accompanied by shortness of breath. This phenomenon is observed both during active physical activity and in a state of complete rest. Shortness of breath during bronchitis greatly affects a person’s quality of life and can lead to disruption of the heart and other important organs. In young children, this condition is observed more often, which is due to the structural features of the respiratory organs. Patients should know why this condition occurs and how to get rid of it.

What is shortness of breath

If a patient has difficulty breathing with bronchitis, then they speak of shortness of breath. In medical language this condition is called dyspnea. This pathology is considered a symptom not only of bronchitis, but also of many other pathologies of the respiratory organs. With bronchitis, breathing becomes significantly more difficult, inhalations and exhalations acquire different depths. In addition, the overall ratio of inhalations and exhalations changes noticeably.

Dyspnea comes in three forms, each of which has its own characteristic differences:

• Expiratory form - the patient has very long exhalations and complains that it is difficult to exhale.
• Inspiratory form - in this case, on the contrary, difficulty is caused by inhalation.
• Mixed form - in this case, the patient experiences difficulty both inhaling and exhaling, his breathing is very difficult.

Dyspnea is divided into types depending on what form of breathing is observed in the patient right now. In the chronic form, respiratory functions are always more impaired. In this case, a mixed form of shortness of breath is often observed. In acute bronchitis, spasms and obstruction are observed. In the acute form, breathing may be accompanied by pain in the sternum.

With inflammation of the bronchi, shortness of breath occurs due to a sharp narrowing of the airways.

Features of shortness of breath

Bronchitis can occur with different symptoms, which depend on the form of the pathology. Severe forms of the disease are characterized by the most severe attacks of suffocation.

Acute form of the disease

In this case, dyspnea is extremely rare. If this symptom appears, then complications may be suspected. For example, pleurisy or pneumonia. In addition, attacks of suffocation during acute bronchitis may indicate that the disease is entering a chronic stage.

With acute bronchitis, shortness of breath always appears in young children. Moreover, difficulty breathing is observed from the first days of the disease.

In children it is difficult, since the respiratory system is not yet fully formed.

Chronic stage

In the chronic form of the disease, most patients periodically experience asthma attacks. Shortness of breath can be either temporary or permanent. When breathing deeply, severe pain occurs in the chest. If attacks of shortness of breath occur frequently, it is very difficult for the patient to breathe. After such attacks, the respiratory process is often disrupted.

Bronchitis with obstruction

When the bronchial tissue begins to stick together with viscous mucus, which causes deformation of the entire bronchial tree. This leads to severe shortness of breath in patients. In addition, the walls of the airways swell, which leads to their narrowing. This is all accompanied by spasm and severe inflammation.

The patient's exhalations become prolonged, and a characteristic drawn-out sound is produced. The patient's chest wheezing can be heard even at a distance of a couple of meters.

Shortness of breath in this case often bothers the patient in the morning. After coughing up sputum, the condition improves slightly. In a small child, such a cough may result in vomiting.

Allergic cough

If a person is prone to allergies, then various allergens can provoke an attack of painful coughing and choking. At the same time, attacks of such cough can be of a different nature, but they are often accompanied by dyspnea. To prevent the development of dangerous attacks, any contact with allergens should be avoided.

Allergies cannot be cured. Using different medications can only eliminate the symptoms.

Bronchitis with asthmatic syndrome

If a patient is diagnosed with such a pathology, then you need to be prepared for shortness of breath. The cause of this disease is bronchospasm. The lumen in the bronchial cavity narrows significantly, which leads to attacks of suffocation. If this pathology is not treated. Then it will quickly develop into bronchial asthma.

Shortness of breath in children

In children, dyspnea is observed more often than in adults, and this phenomenon manifests itself faster. This is explained by the very narrow lumen of the bronchi, so the slightest swelling will lead to breathing problems. If a child is diagnosed with obstructive bronchitis, the chance of developing shortness of breath increases significantly.

To ease breathing in children, inhalations through a nebulizer are used. With such procedures, medicinal particles penetrate directly into the area of ​​inflammation and have a therapeutic effect.

The younger the child is, the more dangerous dyspnea is for him. This condition quickly leads to irreversible changes in the baby’s body.

When you need emergency help

There are several dangerous symptoms when a patient needs urgent medical attention. You should call an ambulance immediately in the following cases:

• If dyspnea began suddenly and progresses every minute, while the patient complains of severe chest pain.
• Attacks of shortness of breath become stronger and longer each time.
• With shortness of breath of an expiratory nature, especially if a person has suffocation.
• Impaired breathing is often accompanied by noticeable chest pain.

If the patient experiences such symptoms, treatment is carried out only in a hospital setting. To relieve shortness of breath very quickly with obstructive bronchitis, you need to use different medications. Quite often they resort to hormones and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Dyspnea is dangerous because it very quickly leads to oxygen starvation of tissues, which can disrupt the functioning of important organs.

First aid

How can you get rid of shortness of breath with bronchitis? The actions of the person providing assistance must be quick and clear, otherwise suffocation may develop. The sequence of actions should be like this:

1. An ambulance is called.
2. If the attack is caused by an allergy, then you need to remove the allergen as quickly as possible and carry out wet cleaning.
3. The patient is seated comfortably in bed with pillows under his back.
4. If a person is wearing clothing that restricts the chest or neck, then it is removed.
5. All the windows in the room are wide open. During an attack of dyspnea, the patient needs fresh air more than ever.
6. Relatives should monitor the patient's breathing. You need to pay attention to the duration of inhalations and exhalations. The arriving doctor is told about their observations.
7. If the patient has already been prescribed an inhaler, then you need to quickly use such a drug.

The emergency physician should be told what may have triggered the attack, as well as the duration of shortness of breath. Be sure to report what assistance was provided and what medications the patient has recently taken.

If the attack of dyspnea lasts until the doctors arrive, then the patient is treated according to the following protocol:

• Oxygen therapy is carried out.
• If bronchospasm is observed, the patient is given Fenoterol inhalation. For inhalations, you can use a nebulizer, and the procedures are carried out several times until the attack is stopped.
• If the attack is very severe, then they resort to the administration of Prednisolone.

If the patient has severe chest pain, he is urgently hospitalized. Only in a hospital setting can a doctor conduct a full examination and make the correct diagnosis. Treatment in this case is carried out only in a hospital setting.

If you have shortness of breath, it is forbidden to self-medicate. Incorrectly selected therapy can lead to suffocation.

Residual effects

Sometimes all the symptoms of bronchitis go away, but dyspnea continues to cause discomfort to the person for a long time. Shortness of breath after bronchitis can be caused by recovery processes in the bronchi. The rehabilitation period after illness may take a little longer. To speed up full recovery. You should follow these simple recommendations:

• The patient should do breathing exercises and perform simple physical exercises. This is necessary in order to normalize the functions of organs and systems.
• All bad habits must be abandoned, at least for the period of illness.
• Nutrition should be balanced. Your diet should include a lot of vegetables and fruits.
• You need to properly organize your drinking regimen. You should drink at least 2.5 liters of water per day. For children, this volume can be reduced to a liter.
• It is advisable to undergo a course of restorative massage and follow the physiotherapeutic procedures prescribed by the doctor.

To eliminate residual effects after bronchitis, it is necessary to normalize blood circulation in the respiratory organs. In addition, the patient must take medications that dilute mucus and promote its rapid removal from the bronchi. After a complete examination of the patient, the doctor prescribes treatment and monitors the patient’s recovery process. If during the treatment some drugs turned out to be ineffective, they are replaced with other medications. If a child has shortness of breath, he is urgently referred to a specialist.

Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is one of the symptoms of respiratory tract diseases. The most common causes of shortness of breath are bronchitis and asthma. With prolonged spasm of the bronchi, a lack of oxygen occurs, accompanied by heavy breathing.

Various forms of bronchitis and shortness of breath

Shortness of breath is characterized by rapid breathing. It can be sudden or grow gradually. There is a reflex change in the depth of inhalation and exhalation with a whistle. In acute bronchitis, whistling sounds can be heard without a stethoscope. They are also accompanied by wheezing.

During shortness of breath with obstructive bronchitis, a rapid spasm occurs. In the structure of the lungs and bronchi, the lumen begins to narrow, which complicates the air supply. Intermittent breathing is noted in all forms of bronchitis, even if it is in remission.

Types of shortness of breath:

• expiratory (difficult inhalation, prolongation of exhalation);
• inspiratory (long inhalation, difficult exhalation);
• mixed (characterized by difficulty breathing when exhaling and inhaling).

Dyspnea increases if viscous sputum accumulates in the bronchi. It may be accompanied by pain behind the sternum in the form of cutting or burning sensations. Difficulty breathing varies depending on the type of bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis

In the initial stage of the disease, there is no shortness of breath. If it appears after some time, this indicates the progression of the disease or the development of complications. Often, pneumonia or pleurisy develops against the background of bronchitis. Breathing problems also occur after a sharp exacerbation.

Chronical bronchitis

Dyspnea with this form is a common symptom. Its manifestation is observed constantly or periodically, when a sharp spasm of the bronchi occurs. When the depth of breathing changes, pain of varying intensity is felt. Periodic exacerbations increase dyspnea, causing serious attacks of suffocation.

Bronchitis obstructive

It is accompanied by blockage of the lumens with a heavy viscous secretion. With this disease, shortness of breath is more complex and causes serious discomfort. With obstruction, difficulty breathing is caused by swelling of the bronchial walls and spasm of muscle fibers. The exhalation lengthens and a whistling noise is heard. You can distinguish wheezing sounds from a distance. Increased spasm and difficulty breathing are observed in the morning. After coughing and the release of a small part of the secretory contents, dyspnea decreases. Dyspnea with obstruction tends to progress. In this case, other parts of the bronchi and lungs are involved in the process.

Allergic bronchitis

Shortness of breath occurs immediately when the allergen enters the body. Depending on the characteristics, attacks have varying severity. Treatment for choking will not be effective unless the cause of the allergic reaction is determined. Typically, shortness of breath immediately stops in the absence of contact with the allergen, but if it affects the body again, serious attacks of suffocation can develop. Children often experience shortness of breath when playing with animals when there is a reaction to the fur.

Bronchitis with an asthmatic component

Shortness of breath in this form of the disease is a common symptom. It develops against the background of bronchospasm with a decrease in the respiratory lumen. Gradually, difficult exhalation develops into suffocation. Often, bronchitis with an asthmatic component develops into asthma, so urgent treatment is necessary.

Important

Attacks of dyspnea in childhood are more severe than in adults. It is necessary to immediately prevent dyspnea to avoid many complications.

Why is shortness of breath dangerous?

Dangerous manifestations of shortness of breath:

• a sudden attack with rapid growth, difficulty inhaling and exhaling at the same time;
• the appearance of severe pain in the chest;
• increased frequency and prolongation of attacks, pain during expiration;
• severe suffocation.

Sudden and severe shortness of breath indicates the spread of the pathological process involving healthy tissue. Against this background, pneumonia quickly develops. Treatment of severe types of dyspnea is carried out only on an inpatient basis under the supervision of medical personnel.
In addition to complications, dyspnea causes frequent oxygen deprivation. This can affect your overall well-being and affect the functioning of all vital organs. The appearance of shortness of breath in a child requires an immediate visit to a doctor.

Help

Treatment of shortness of breath during bronchitis is aimed at eliminating spasm and relaxing muscle fibers so that the lumen expands. There are several types of drugs with different effects.

• 1 group

These are selective adrenergic agonists with varying durations of action. A short-acting medicine is used to relieve a sudden attack, such as occurs with asthma.

Salbutamol, Fenoterol, Terbutaline, Salmeterol.

• 2nd group

These drugs are necessary to relax the muscle tissue of the bronchi. Cholinergic receptor blockers help prevent spasms for a long time.

Atrovent.

• 3 group

These are combination drugs used to relieve an attack and treat the disease at the same time.

Berodual, Ditek.

• 4 group

Methylxanthines or rapid bronchodilators are used to relieve severe asthma attacks. Treatment with these drugs is carried out under the supervision of a doctor for bronchitis of various stages and COPD.

Euphylline, Teopek, Theophylline.

If, against the background of prolonged bronchitis, the walls and mucous membranes of the bronchi undergo changes, anti-inflammatory therapy is started.

• 5 group

Treatment is supplemented with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which suppress the spread of the pathological focus. The most convenient method for such therapy has become the use of inhalation via a nebulizer.

Cromoglites, Nedocromil.

• 6 group

Hormonal drugs are now often used as a basic treatment even for the early stages of asthma. Glucocorticosteroids are preferably administered by aerosol through a nebulizer in solution. The components do not affect the entire body, being activated only in the bronchial mucosa.

Beclazone, Budesonide, Pulmicort.

• 7 group

These are oral hormonal drugs prescribed when inhaled steroids are ineffective. They are also administered intravenously in a hospital setting when the patient is in serious condition.

Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone, Dexamethasone.

• 8 group

Mucolytic and expectorant drugs are necessary for bronchitis to affect viscous sputum. Treatment allows you to liquefy it and make it easier to remove. With a decrease in viscous secretion, patency in the lumens increases, and shortness of breath disappears.

ACC, Mucodin, Bromhexine, Ambroxol, Althea Root, Mucaltin.

• 9 group

These special antiallergic drugs help reduce exposure to the allergen and prevent an attack of shortness of breath against the background of a spasm.

Diazolin, Diphenhydramine, Suprastin, Cetirizine.

• 10 group

To eliminate viral bronchitis, antiviral drugs and immunomodulators are used.

Immunal, Grangripp, Arbidol.

Inhalation treatment is one of the important components of therapy for bronchial shortness of breath. Aerosol administration of drugs quickly acts on the mucous membrane and lumen of the bronchi, reducing attacks of suffocation. Not all medications are suitable for inhalation use. When using a nebulizer, you must first consult your doctor.

Traditional methods

Alternative medicine includes various recipes to help reduce dyspnea. They cannot be used as an independent treatment, but they can significantly improve the patient’s condition and activate the body’s defense system.

Traditional methods include brewing breast tea and individual herbs. They are sold in pharmacies with precisely specified instructions for use. Before use, it is important to familiarize yourself with contraindications and side effects.

Who said that curing bronchitis is difficult?

• Do you regularly suffer from coughing with phlegm?
• And also this shortness of breath, malaise and fatigue...
• Therefore, you are waiting with fear for the approach of the autumn-winter period with its epidemics...
• With its cold, drafts and dampness...
• Because inhalations, mustard plasters and medications are not very effective in your case...
• And now you are ready to take advantage of any opportunity...

There is an effective remedy for bronchitis. Follow the link and find out how pulmonologist Ekaterina Tolbuzina recommends treating bronchitis...

Bronchitis is an acute infectious disease of the respiratory tract, which consists of inflammation of the bronchial tree at different levels, which with further development of the pathological process can lead to a lack of air for adequate gas exchange. The essence of the article is to convey to the reader why it is difficult to breathe during bronchitis, what to do in such a situation, what are the mechanisms of development of this condition, as evidenced by wheezing in the patient.

Pathogenetically, it looks like this: pronounced swelling of the bronchial mucosa occurs (as one of the main manifestations of the inflammatory process in the body), the release of a large amount of exudate (sputum), which the mucociliary epithelial cells are simply not even able to remove beyond the lumen of the bronchi. Because of this, “bronchial flooding” syndrome occurs, associated with increased secretion of mucus, which, figuratively speaking, “floods” the entire bronchial tree. This is one of the components of breathing problems. Among other things, there is a certain obstructive component in the disorder of respiratory function - its essence lies in the narrowing of the bronchi due to swelling of the mucous membrane.

Prognostically, this mechanism of breathing difficulty is much more unfavorable, since due to an increase in the thickness of the mucous membrane, complete obstruction of the bronchial lumen is possible. It is customary to classify bronchitis with an asthmatic (atopic) component into a separate group. Some generally call this phenomenon a special type of bronchial asthma. It should be noted that obstructive bronchitis in Europe and the USA is not generally identified as a separate nosology, but is considered simply a prolonged attack of asthma and nothing more. Be that as it may, obstructive bronchitis differs from bronchial asthma in essence only by an increase in temperature (although it may not exist) and the presence of inflammatory changes to a more pronounced degree. Wheezing is also audible.

These are actually all the mechanisms of breathing disorders that cause lack of air.

Unfortunately, broncho-obstructive syndrome is a life-threatening condition caused by lack of air.

It is often even worse than laryngospasm for several reasons:

Laryngospasm is quickly relieved by the administration of hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs; it is not always possible to alleviate the lack of air in a similar way when there is spasm of the bronchi themselves.

In the most extreme case, with severe laryngospasm, a tracheotomy can be performed, even outside of a hospital setting.

In case of broncho-obstructive syndrome (an attack of suffocation), there may be a lack of response to treatment with etiotropic drugs (beta-2 agonists), that is, the formation of the so-called “silent lung” syndrome.

It is possible to understand that a patient has developed broncho-obstructive syndrome by several signs:

1. Difficulty breathing in the absence of any physical activity, characteristic wheezing.
2. Increased respiratory movements (more than 18 per minute).
3. Signs of respiratory failure (lack of air), determined mainly instrumentally. First of all, saturation is an indicator of the concentration of oxygen in the blood. This figure must be at least 95% - if it decreases, oxygen therapy is mandatory. If it is less than 95%, oxygen can be supplied through a mask; if it falls below 90%, it is necessary to transfer the patient to a ventilator.
4. Blueness of the skin, peripheral or central cyanosis. A clear sign of hypoxia, a consequence of lack of air.
5. Neurological symptoms, seizures. It is rare and usually occurs in children.

In addition, respiratory failure (an attack of suffocation) during bronchitis does not develop immediately - so having an appropriate medical history will also help to correctly diagnose the cause of a sharp deterioration in the condition.

Be that as it may, at the slightest suspicion of broncho-obstructive syndrome or simply the appearance of a feeling of heaviness with bronchitis, hospitalization in a hospital is necessary. It must be remembered that the reason that the patient suddenly suddenly has difficulty breathing may be that pneumothorax, abscess or pleurisy has developed. These conditions require care in the intensive care unit.

Urgent Care

However, prehospital care is no less important than inpatient treatment, and often the first resuscitation measures determine the future fate of the patient. If there is a feeling of heaviness in breathing or an attack of suffocation, the patient immediately needs the introduction of steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - dexamethasone at a dosage of 4 mg intramuscularly for an adult and 2 mg intramuscularly for a child. This must be done immediately. The introduction of this drug will relieve signs of inflammation of the bronchial mucosa, which will improve the patency of the airways, and as a result, eliminate the lack of air. In addition, beta2 agonists (ventolin or salbutamol) are required. Will allow you to remove the muscle component of the spasm. An important point is that Ventolin should not be given to children through evohaler, as it can cause cardiac arrest. This drug can be used only through a baby higher, due to the fact that this way a “softer” delivery of this drug is obtained. Already in the ambulance, the patient must be given oxygen through a mask - naturally, before stopping the obstruction itself to the maximum.

Treatment in a hospital setting

When a patient is hospitalized in a hospital, it is necessary to re-evaluate the state of all his vital functions by measuring respiration rate, heart rate, temperature and saturation. Assess the consequences and degree of air shortage. Infusion therapy is indicated - intravenous drip administration of methylxanthines (aminophylline), since you should not get too carried away with beta2-agonists - a “silent” lung may develop due to the fact that the receptors lose sensitivity to salbutamol. In this case, the effect of the therapeutic measures will be significantly reduced. Oxygen therapy is mandatory to alleviate the lack of air as much as possible.

After emergency measures are provided, it is necessary to carry out some instrumental and laboratory research methods to assess the degree of air shortage. This must be done. First of all, this is a plain chest x-ray (allows you to exclude developed complications, such as pneumonia, pneumothorax, pleurisy) and spirometry (allows you to distinguish bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - that is, chronic obstructive bronchitis, the disease of miners and smokers). The data from these research methods will largely determine the further tactics of patient management and will make it possible to determine what etiological treatment will need to be prescribed.

An important component in the treatment of broncho-obstructive syndrome (relieving an attack of suffocation) is inhalation. As a rule, four types of inhalations are prescribed plus the administration of Ventolin (twice). The treatment regimen in this case looks approximately like this:

1. Salt-alkaline inhalations (using Borjomi mineral water). Conducted for five minutes three times a day. They allow you to dilute sputum and facilitate its removal, since the severity of breathing during bronchitis can be caused by the so-called “flooding syndrome”, which occurs due to overproduction of pathological secretions.
2. Inhalations with hydrocortisone. In this case, they are of primary importance, due to the fact that they help relieve inflammation from the walls of the bronchi. Prescribed 2 times a day for five minutes.
3. Inhalations with Berodual. Also of great importance for relieving spasms, it combines ipratropium bromide and a respiratory glucocorticoid. It is better to breathe them through a nebulizer rather than through an evohaler; the efficiency is higher. Also carried out 2 times a day, lasting 5 minutes.
4. Inhalations with dioxidine. A good antiseptic for inflammation of the respiratory tract. It is recommended to use them once a day, this is enough for the clinical effect to be visible and there is no shortage of air.

All these approaches are nothing more than pathogenetic and symptomatic treatment (that is, a type of therapy that does not eliminate the cause of the disease, but only eliminates the consequences), however, in this case, eliminating the consequences is much more important, since it is they (mainly lack of air and tissue hypoxia) pose an immediate danger to the life and health of the patient. Naturally, when in the hospital it is possible to stabilize the patient’s condition, eliminate suffocation, and carry out all the necessary additional research methods, then a treatment will be determined that will eliminate the cause of the disease and avoid relapses of attacks of respiratory failure.

conclusions

What patients understand by the term “heavy breathing” can be understood in completely different ways. As a rule, this is an attack of suffocation or shortness of breath of a mixed type, which does not depend on the intensity of physical activity, since it is not caused by heart failure, but by airway obstruction. It develops, as a rule, with obstructive bronchitis or bronchial asthma. An attack of respiratory failure (as a consequence - lack of
air) in both cases is treated in approximately the same way, but the main therapy has a number of significant differences that must be taken into account to achieve positive results.

Video: Live Healthy! Symptoms of bronchitis

Dyspnea is an acute or chronic feeling of lack of air that occurs in a person, difficulty breathing, accompanied by an increase in breathing frequency. Patients complain that they have difficulty breathing. Another name for shortness of breath is dyspnea. This is a very important symptom that accompanies a number of diseases - from cardiovascular to pathology of the respiratory system.

Mechanism of dyspnea

With shortness of breath, breathing becomes more frequent, inhalation and exhalation change the depth and ratio of the length of inhalation to exhalation. There are several types of dyspnea, depending on which phase of breathing is most affected:

• expiratory (it is difficult for the patient to exhale, exhalation is prolonged);
• inspiratory (difficulty in inhaling is noted);
• mixed (difficulty inhaling and exhaling).

In diseases of the bronchi and lungs, the main mechanism for the development of dyspnea is a narrowing of the airways. Breathing during chronic bronchitis can be difficult both during the acute phase and during the period of remission. The main mechanisms of dyspnea in acute bronchitis are:

• accumulation of sputum in the respiratory tract;
• bronchospasm and bronchial obstruction;
• The cause of shallow rapid breathing may be chest pain during inhalation.

Chronic bronchitis differs from acute bronchitis in other mechanisms for the development of shortness of breath:

• As a rule, dyspnea is of a mixed nature;
• in addition to stenosis and obstruction of the bronchial lumen, the development of pulmonary hypertension, cor pulmonale and symptoms of heart failure is observed.

Not every time bronchitis is accompanied by the same symptoms, and shortness of breath is inherent in its severe forms.

Spicy

Shortness of breath rarely accompanies simple acute bronchitis. As a rule, the appearance of dyspnea indicates the development of complications (pneumonia, pleurisy, etc.) or chronicity of the process. When bronchitis develops in a small child, shortness of breath appears quite quickly.

Chronic

Shortness of breath is observed in most patients. It can bother you periodically or constantly, sometimes there is moderate pain in the chest when breathing deeply. The more exacerbations of the disease there were, the more often the patient finds it difficult to breathe, and sometimes attacks of suffocation may develop against this background. It is possible that breathing problems may appear after the exacerbation phase has ended.

Obstructive

With obstructive bronchitis, the lumen of the bronchi is clogged with viscous sputum, stenosis and deformation of the bronchial tree are observed, so this type of disease is characterized by severe dyspnea. Additionally, the airways are narrowed by swelling of the bronchial wall as a result of the inflammatory reaction and spasm of the muscle layer. Exhalation is prolonged and accompanied by a whistling noise. Wheezing during bronchitis can be heard even from a distance. Characteristically, shortness of breath increases in the morning and decreases after coughing, accompanied by sputum production. In addition, dyspnea can gradually progress as new sections of the bronchi and lungs are involved in the pathological process. With obstructive bronchitis in a child, shortness of breath develops quickly and is expiratory in nature.

Allergic

The appearance of shortness of breath provokes contact with the allergen. Attacks can vary in severity - from mild dyspnea to suffocation. Treatment will not be effective if exposure to the allergen continues.

Bronchitis with an asthmatic component

Shortness of breath with bronchitis with an asthmatic component is observed quite often. The main mechanism of its development is bronchospasm. Reducing the lumen of the bronchi leads to difficulty in exhaling and can develop into suffocation. The development of shortness of breath with such bronchitis in a child is dangerous as the disease progresses to bronchial asthma; mandatory treatment is necessary.

The development of shortness of breath during bronchitis in a child occurs faster and more often than in an adult. The reason for this is the relatively narrow lumen of the bronchi. Even with a small accumulation of sputum, the child may experience breathing problems. The development of dyspnea is especially likely with obstructive bronchitis, broncho-obstruction and bronchospasm. The younger the child is, the more dangerous the attacks of shortness of breath are for him; they can lead to serious complications.

Warning signs

Some features of shortness of breath require emergency assistance:

• shortness of breath appeared suddenly and quickly increases, severe chest pain bothers you;
• attacks become more frequent and lengthen;
• expiratory nature of dyspnea, the appearance of suffocation.

The appearance of sudden and severe shortness of breath may indicate the development of dangerous complications of bronchopulmonary diseases (pneumothorax, pleurisy). Dyspnea may accompany chest pain. Treatment in a hospital setting is required. If attacks of shortness of breath become more frequent and prolonged, and with obstructive bronchitis, it is also necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Attacks of suffocation are dangerous due to the development of oxygen starvation and require mandatory prescription of medications. If a child experiences shortness of breath, you should immediately call a doctor.

First aid

If an acute attack develops, especially in a child, you must act quickly, as dyspnea can turn into suffocation. Timely treatment will help avoid complications.

1. Call an ambulance.
2. If the attack is allergic in nature, eliminate the allergen.
3. Sit the patient down or provide an elevated lying position.
4. Unfasten clothing that restricts breathing movements.
5. Open a window or window for fresh air.
6. Monitor the frequency and depth of breathing.
7. If the diagnosis has already been established and the patient has an inhaler prescribed by the doctor, help use it.

You must tell your doctor:

• possible cause of the attack;
• episode duration;
• what accompanied the attack (change in skin color, chest pain, short-term loss of consciousness, etc.);
• frequency of respiratory movements during an attack;
• what measures were taken, what inhaler was used and in what dose;
• whether exacerbation of bronchitis was treated and with what drugs.

If the attack does not end by the time the ambulance arrives, the doctor’s actions will be as follows:

• oxygen therapy (an air mixture with an oxygen content of 40 to 60% is used);
• in case of bronchospasm, fenoterol (0.5 ml) is inhaled using a nebulizer or inhaler; if necessary, a repeat dose can be taken after five minutes;
• in severe cases, intravenous administration of prednisolone at a dose of 90-120 mg is possible;
• hospitalization to establish a diagnosis (required if shortness of breath is accompanied by chest pain) and treatment.

Sometimes dyspnea persists when the main symptoms of bronchitis have already disappeared. Dyspnea may be aggravated by mild chest pain when breathing. The cause of these symptoms is the recovery process in the lungs and bronchi after the disease, which can take a long time. Following simple recommendations can significantly alleviate the patient’s condition and speed up the recovery process.

• moderate physical activity, in which there is no difficulty breathing, an increase in its frequency, and no chest pain;
• avoidance of smoking, including passive smoking;
• proper nutrition, vitamin therapy (as prescribed by a doctor);
• massage and physiotherapy;
• sanatorium-resort treatment in specialized institutions.

Treatment of shortness of breath after bronchitis should be carried out as prescribed and under the supervision of a physician, since this symptom may indicate an unfavorable course of the disease. Dyspnea accompanied by chest pain requires special attention.

Massage

To improve the drainage function of the bronchi, vibration and percussion massage has a good effect. During this procedure, tapping movements are combined on the chest and back in the area where the lungs are located with deep breathing or pronouncing vowel sounds.

Treatment using vacuum massage significantly improves blood flow and helps improve bronchial patency and reduces inflammation.

Classic massage is performed in the chest area from the lower edge of the costal arch to the neck. When performing a massage, avoid the area where the heart is located.

During the massage, it is important to ensure that there is no severe pain in the chest and that the breathing rate does not increase or become difficult. The purpose of the massage is to improve blood flow and eliminate congestion in the lower parts of the lungs.

Physiotherapy

After consultation with a physiotherapist, treatment may be prescribed:

• thermal procedures (mud therapy, paraffin therapy, ozokerite applications, etc.);
• pulse currents (improves the patency of the bronchi, relaxing the muscles of their walls).

The main goal of physiotherapeutic procedures is to improve blood circulation in the bronchi and lungs and promote the removal of sputum.

The danger of bronchitis lies not only in the possible development of pneumonia. Symptoms of bronchial inflammation are sometimes severe and can threaten the patient’s life.

One of the most dangerous symptoms is shortness of breath, which can turn into an attack of suffocation. In children, this condition is considered critical and often requires hospitalization. Why does shortness of breath occur during bronchitis and what to do if a person has difficulty breathing?

Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is a symptom that accompanies almost all forms of bronchitis.

With shortness of breath, the patient experiences a feeling of lack of air, which is not associated with some psychological fears.

With bronchitis, air exchange is really disrupted and cannot fully meet the body's needs.

To solve the problem, a compensatory mechanism is activated - breathing quickens. At the same time, the doctor also notices a change in the depth of inhalation and exhalation, which has diagnostic significance for him. Dyspnea may also be accompanied by wheezing, whistling, or other noises.

Acute lack of air can lead to an attack of suffocation and even be fatal.

The cause of shortness of breath is usually a narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi, which can occur due to spasm or blockage of phlegm.

Classification

There are the following types of dyspnea:

1. Expiratory. It is difficult for the patient to exhale air.
2. Inspiratory. Difficulty arises when inhaling. This often happens when the lumen of the bronchi is blocked by phlegm. The oxygen that a person inhales does not completely reach the lungs, which provokes a feeling of lack of oxygen.
3. Mixed. Difficulties arise both during inhalation and exhalation.

Shortness of breath with bronchitis

Based on the nature and presence of shortness of breath, the doctor can make an assumption about which part of the respiratory tract is inflamed and which processes are disrupted. Features of shortness of breath in different courses of bronchitis:

1. Acute bronchitis. May not be accompanied by dyspnea. The airways are in a healthy state and are able to compensate for the dysfunction that occurs at the site of inflammation.
2. Chronical bronchitis. Chronic infection can lead to destructive changes in the tissues of the respiratory tract. If this happens, the bronchi are not able to carry out full air exchange and the body does not receive enough oxygen. Shortness of breath with this course of bronchitis, as a rule, is permanent. In the initial stages of the disease, dyspnea may only occur with increased physical exertion or excessive activity. However, after several attacks it begins to cause discomfort to the patient even when walking calmly or at rest.
3. Obstructive bronchitis. Always accompanied by shortness of breath. It is especially dangerous for children under one year old. With this course, it is difficult for the patient to breathe, and suffocation becomes a real threat. The doctor notices prolongation of exhalation and whistling sounds.
4. Hemorrhagic form is a serious condition and is necessarily accompanied by shortness of breath. This symptom appears due to blockage of the bronchial lumen with pus.

Some non-communicable diseases are also cause inflammation in the bronchi and shortness of breath:

1. Allergy. Upon contact with an allergen that enters through the respiratory tract, the mucous membrane begins to actively secrete sputum, and a spasm occurs in the muscular layer of the bronchi. This mechanism leads to shortness of breath.
2. Bronchial asthma. This disease is characterized by an expiratory type of shortness of breath and constant narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi.

The appearance of shortness of breath in a child requires special attention. Due to the anatomical structure of children's airways, which are narrower and shorter, hospitalization is often recommended for babies.

If a child has rapid breathing, you need to call a doctor as soon as possible and get instructions from him on how to relieve the attack if the situation repeats.

Shortness of breath after bronchitis

It happens that the patient has recovered, but the feeling of lack of oxygen continues to bother him. During the illness, inflammation provoked pathological changes in the respiratory tract, the recovery of which will take time.

As the mucous membrane and other tissues regenerate, the symptom will cause less and less discomfort. If shortness of breath after bronchitis does not interfere with the patient’s quality of life, taking medications is not recommended. Drinking plenty of fluids, herbal teas, humidified indoor air, and fortified foods will help speed up healing.

How to relieve shortness of breath

The patient’s life depends on how promptly and correctly they provide him with assistance during an attack of suffocation. In children, you can notice the onset of an attack by rapid breathing - the depth of inhalation and exhalation changes, as well as their frequency.

In children, such episodes occur more often and happen much faster. The younger the child is, the more dangerous this condition is. The actions of parents in any dubious situation and suspicion of suffocation should be as follows:

1. Immediately call " ambulance».
2. While the doctors are driving, the patient needs to be seated or laid down so that the head is higher than the body.
3. Provide access to fresh air - open the windows, go outside. An alternative is to run the water in the bath so that the baby can breathe moist air.
4. An inhaler with saline solution or a special medicine (if the doctor has already prescribed such a drug) can help relieve an attack.
5. You cannot leave the child alone - panic will only intensify the spasm of the respiratory tract.

For adult patients, the actions will be the same. The main thing is to provide access to cool and moist air, which will help you survive until the doctors arrive. If you have bronchodilators at home (theophylline, salbutamol), you can use them to relieve an attack.

Treatment

You can make breathing easier and replenish the lack of oxygen using both medications and other methods. Below are several options available to each patient:

1. Medicines. Such drugs as Ephedrine, Theophylline, Euphylline will help to expand the bronchi.
2. Folk remedies. An infusion of 0.5 liters of honey, 5 lemons and 5 heads of garlic will help relieve shortness of breath. Take it until complete recovery at night.
3. Physiotherapy and massage. Such procedures will help remove mucus, which will expand the airway and reduce shortness of breath. Warming ointments for bronchitis will improve blood circulation in the area of ​​inflammation and strengthen the fight against infection.
4. Inhalations. Even the most ordinary inhalations with saline or mineral water will help to moisturize the airways well and separate dried mucus from the bronchial walls. Such inhalations are done using a nebulizer.
5. Emergency help. Inhalers with fast-acting bronchodilators (Ventolin, Berotek) relieve spasms in critical situations, for example, during suffocation or an attack of bronchial asthma. However, you can buy them with a prescription, which must be written by a doctor. Patients with