Diseases of the bronchi. Diseases of the bronchi and lungs Damage to the bronchi

Various lung diseases are quite common in a person's daily life. Most of the classified ailments have severe symptoms of acute lung disease in humans and, if improperly treated, can lead to bad consequences. Pulmonology is engaged in the study of respiratory diseases.

Causes and signs of lung disease

To determine the cause of any disease, you should contact a qualified specialist (pulmonologist) who will conduct thorough research and diagnose.

Lung diseases are quite difficult to diagnose, so you need to pass the entire list of recommended tests.

But there are general factors that can cause an acute pulmonary infection:

There are a large number of objective signs characterizing lung disease. Their main symptoms:

Lung diseases affecting the alveoli

The alveoli, the so-called air sacs, are the main functional segment of the lungs. In case of damage to the alveoli, individual pathologies of the lungs are classified:

Diseases affecting the pleura and chest

The pleura is called the thin sac that contains the lungs. If it is damaged, such diseases of the respiratory system occur:

Blood vessels are known to carry oxygen, and their disturbance causes chest problems:

1. Pulmonary hypertension. Violation of pressure in the pulmonary arteries gradually leads to the destruction of the organ and the appearance of the primary signs of the disease.
2. Lung embolism. Often occurs with vein thrombosis, when a blood clot enters the lungs and blocks the supply of oxygen to the heart. This disease is characterized by sudden cerebral hemorrhage and death.

With constant pain in the chest, diseases are distinguished:

Hereditary and bronchopulmonary diseases

Hereditary respiratory diseases are passed from parent to child and can have several types. Basic:

The basis of diseases of the bronchopulmonary system is an acute respiratory infection. Most often, bronchopulmonary infectious diseases are characterized by mild malaise, gradually turning into an acute infection in both lungs.

Bronchopulmonary inflammatory diseases are caused by viral microorganisms. They affect the respiratory system and mucous membranes. Improper treatment can lead to the development of complications and the emergence of more dangerous bronchopulmonary diseases.

The symptoms of a respiratory infection are very similar to those of the common cold caused by viral bacteria. Infectious diseases of the lungs develop very quickly and are of bacterial origin. These include:

• pneumonia;
• bronchitis;
• asthma;
• tuberculosis;
• respiratory allergies;
• pleurisy;
• respiratory failure.

Infection in inflamed lungs develops rapidly. In order to avoid complications, a full range of treatment and prevention should be carried out.

Chest conditions such as pneumothorax, asphyxia, and physical damage to the lungs cause severe pain and can cause breathing and lung problems. Here you need to apply an individual treatment regimen, which has a related sequence of priority.

Suppurative diseases

In connection with the increase in purulent diseases, the percentage of suppurative inflammation that causes problems with damaged lungs has increased. A purulent pulmonary infection affects a significant part of the organ and can lead to severe complications. There are three main types of this pathology:

• x-ray;
• fluorography;
• general blood analysis;
• tomography;
• bronchography;
• tests for infections.

After all the studies have been carried out, the doctor must determine an individual treatment plan, the necessary procedures and antibacterial therapy. It should be remembered that only strict adherence to all recommendations will lead to a quick recovery.

Compliance with preventive measures for lung diseases significantly reduces the risk of their occurrence. To exclude respiratory diseases, you should adhere to simple rules:

• maintaining a healthy lifestyle;
• lack of bad habits;
• moderate physical activity;
• hardening of the body;
• annual vacation at the seaside;
• regular visits to the pulmonologist.

Everyone should know the manifestations of the above diseases in order to quickly determine the symptoms of an incipient respiratory disease, and then seek qualified help in time, because health is one of the most valuable attributes of life!

There is an opinion among the population that bronchitis is a cold disease. Recently, scientists categorically disagree with this. Cold air by itself does not cause illness. If this were so, then the peoples of Chukotka, the Far North, should all without exception suffer from colds.

According to statistics, the percentage of cases of bronchitis in autumn and spring is approximately the same in Australia, Finland, Great Britain. Most likely, this is due to the fact that the human pulmonary system, in particular the bronchi, does not tolerate sharp fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

Bronchitis is an inflammatory disease of the bronchial mucosa.

The bronchial system is a branched network of alveolar processes (bronchioles, alveoli), through which air is delivered to the pulmonary system, and from there oxygen enters the blood.

With the development of the inflammatory process, mucus accumulates in the bronchi, which makes it difficult to deliver air to the lungs.

Why does bronchitis appear?

The main cause of bronchitis is a virus or microbe. Therefore, the peak of the disease occurs in the autumn, spring.

In addition, the onset of the disease is facilitated by:

• infectious foci in the body;
• allergic factor (prolonged contact with various allergens: dust, tobacco smoke, fumes);
• low resistance of the body to diseases;
• chronic pathologies of the pulmonary system;
• tuberculosis;
• bacteria (staphylococcus, streptococcus);
• hypothermia of the body.

In most cases, bronchitis is of a mixed form. Therefore, the treatment should be comprehensive, until complete recovery.

What is bronchitis?

There is primary bronchitis. It develops as an independent disease. Pathology from other organs is not observed. Secondary bronchitis is considered by the doctor as a complication against the background of the underlying disease (acute respiratory infections, pneumonia, ENT diseases).

Distinguish with the flow:

1. , which occurs against the background of infectious, viral diseases and with proper therapy is completely cured in 1 month.
2. , which appears if acute bronchial tubes are treated incorrectly or insufficiently. It is protracted and leads to complications.

Depending on the cause, the disease is classified as follows:

Type of bronchitis	Short description
Allergic	It develops when an allergen enters the bronchial system. According to the classification, it falls under one of the forms of chronic bronchitis. Often, the onset of the disease occurs in childhood, when a poorly developed immune system cannot withstand the attack of pathogenic microbes, errors in nutrition. A reaction to various components of food and the environment begins
Tuberculous	It develops as a complication of the tuberculous process in the body or when Koch's bacillus enters the respiratory system by airborne droplets
Viral	It is diagnosed against the background of viral infections. The likelihood of getting sick increases dramatically when you are in crowded places (especially during a flu epidemic)
Toxic (professional)	It is observed with constant inhalation of irritating substances. The risk group includes workers in such industries as metallurgy, chemical, mining, food, woodworking industries. The constant ingress of dust on the surface of the bronchi leads to the arrest of the bronchioles. Which, in turn, contributes to the active production of mucus, the difficulty of removing it from the bronchi. When neglected, this bronchitis is called "terry". In this case, in addition to coughing, symptoms such as abdominal cramps, chest pain, skin itching are added.
Bacterial	It is provoked by the presence of an infectious focus in the patient's body (tonsillitis). This type of bronchitis often manifests itself as a complication of a viral illness. A weakened body is not able to cope with pathogenic bacteria that begin to multiply vigorously. Most often, there is a defeat by streptococci of various types, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococci
Fungal	It is diagnosed extremely rarely. The disease is caused by fungi that have entered the bronchi with the air or from a painful focus in the body. People with low immunity who have undergone a long course of antibiotics are susceptible to this disease.

It exists as a separate species. It occurs in a mixed form. The cause of the disease is viruses, bacteria, unfavorable environmental factors (tobacco smoke, industrial emissions into the atmosphere), constant inhalation of polluted air at the workplace. At risk are workers of chemical plants, hot workshops, miners, allergy sufferers.

Let's take a closer look at each variety.

Allergic

It is one of the manifestations of allergies. According to the symptoms of the disease, it is often confused with bronchial asthma. The final diagnosis can only be made by a doctor. The disease manifests itself as follows:

• dry cough, mainly in the second half of the night;
• there is a relationship between the occurrence of the disease and contact with the alleged allergen (dust, animal hair, tobacco smoke, pollen);
• sneezing, lacrimation, nasal discharge may occur;
• shortness of breath, exhalation is difficult;
• in the lungs, whistling rales are heard, which can be heard without a phonendoscope.

The condition of other organs is unchanged, blood and urine tests are within normal limits.

Tuberculous

It is detected in the presence of Koch's bacillus in the body. In most cases, it occurs against the background of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Has typical symptoms:

• "Barking" cough, worse lying down;
• shortness of breath when walking and at rest;
• burning sensation, painful sensations behind the sternum and between the shoulder blades;
• viscous, difficult sputum, often mixed with blood;
• general malaise, weakness, fatigue;
• an increase in body temperature is not observed.

For most of the symptoms, the disease is similar to ordinary bronchitis, bronchial asthma. Incorrect diagnosis is fraught with dangerous complications.

Viral

This type of bronchitis appears as a result of the virus entering the upper respiratory tract. Having fixed on the mucous membrane, it begins to multiply vigorously, enters the bronchi, and causes an inflammatory process. For infection, it is enough to talk to a sick person. The virus is transmitted through the air with saliva particles.

Recognized by the following features:

• a sudden rise in body temperature, often above 38 ° C;
• muscle, headaches;
• discomfort behind the breastbone;
• a dry, strong cough, which after a few days is replaced by a moist one with difficult expectoration of yellowish sputum;
• general weakness;
• shortness of breath when walking;
• breathing is difficult, whistling and wheezing are noted when listening to the lungs.

Depending on the virus strain, the state of the immune system, the disease can be mild, moderate, severe.

Toxic-chemical

This type of bronchitis is also called "professional". The cause of the disease is dust particles and chemical compounds in the air at factories, enterprises, factories. Professional bronchitis has three stages of development:

1st stage:

• Shortness of breath occurs only after physical activity.
• The cough is dry, rare, with a little phlegm.
• Dry wheezing is sometimes heard.
• The general condition is satisfactory.

2nd stage:

• Frequent, paroxysmal dry cough.
• Shortness of breath even after mild exertion.
• The phlegm leaves with difficulty, with an exacerbation it has a purulent character.
• A chest x-ray shows changes in the pattern of the bronchial tree.
• Periodic seasonal exacerbations.

3rd stage:

• A wet cough with the discharge of a large amount of sputum occurs at any time of the day.
• Shortness of breath remains even at rest.
• Asthmatic syndrome is observed.
• X-rays show changes in the lungs.
• Disturbances in the work of the heart and lungs are recorded.
• The patient feels constant weakness, fatigue, a significant decrease in performance.
• During the year, there is a repeated exacerbation of the disease with a severe course.

The constant penetration of dust particles into the bronchi is the main catalyst for toxic-chemical bronchitis.

Bacterial

Often the cause of the manifestation of bacterial bronchitis is a history of chronic tonsillitis.

Signs of bronchitis:

• weakness, aches throughout the body;
• nausea;
• headache;
• subfebrile temperature (not always);
• frequent coughing, especially at night;
• difficult to separate greenish phlegm with an unpleasant odor.

The state of other organs and systems remains unchanged.

Fungal

The main symptoms of the disease:

• a sharp rise in temperature to high numbers;
• stabbing pain behind the breastbone;
• long-lasting dry, gradually turning into wet, cough;
• sputum is difficult to pass, has a purulent character;
• malaise, constant feeling of tiredness.

Fungal bronchitis is more common in people with AIDS.

Obstructive

A disease in which there is a violation of ventilation, airway obstruction. In the development of obstructive bronchitis, an acute and chronic form of the disease is distinguished. The acute form often occurs in young children. Chronic is diagnosed in the adult population.

Signs of acute bronchitis:

• Headache, weakness.
• Dyspnea. In a child, when inhaling, the muscles of the neck, upper shoulder girdle, and abdomen are involved. During breathing, the wings of the nose are inflated.
• Wheezing dry, whistling, well heard without a phonendoscope.
• Dry cough, worse at night.
• The body temperature is slightly elevated - 37… 37.5 ° C.

A common cold can be the cause of the manifestation of acute bronchitis. Often, bronchitis occurs with signs of intoxication (nausea, diarrhea, fever). In this case, the child must exclude the possibility of infectious diseases.

Signs of chronic bronchitis:

• general condition is satisfactory;
• moist cough, worse in the morning;
• the sputum is slimy, purulent, separated with difficulty, in small portions;
• wheezing wheezing, audible at a distance;
• shortness of breath - the degree of its severity varies widely, depending on the severity of the disease.

In the chronic form of bronchitis, three degrees of respiratory failure are distinguished, which are determined using spirometry. Treatment of chronic bronchitis in adults can take several months.

Diagnostics

If you feel unwell, you cannot bear the illness on your feet, hope that it will go away by itself.

When should i see a doctor?

At the first signs of the disease, you must immediately go to an appointment with a specialist. Symptoms such as chills, shortness of breath, hacking cough, severe weakness should alert and be a serious incentive to visit a doctor.

If a child is ill, you need to call a doctor at home. A trip to the clinic, a queue for an appointment can be an impetus for a child to worsen his condition.

Which doctor should I go to for bronchitis?

A sick child will be treated by a pediatrician. An adult should make an appointment with a local therapist for an initial appointment. In the future, the patient may be referred for a consultation with a pulmonologist. It all depends on the effectiveness of the treatment, the general condition of the patient.

For an accurate diagnosis, observation in the course of treatment, the correct appointment of therapy, a complex of therapeutic and diagnostic studies is carried out.

1. X-ray of the lungs helps to identify possible diseases, changes in the lungs.
2. Bronchoscopy makes it possible to examine the bronchi from the inside, take a sputum test for research.
3. Spirometry is needed to establish the severity of bronchitis, the presence of respiratory failure.
4. General analysis of blood, urine, biochemical blood test make it possible to monitor the state of the body, adjust treatment.
5. Sputum analysis allows you to exclude diseases such as oncology, tuberculosis, pneumonia.
6. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is prescribed to exclude diseases of the cardiovascular system, to monitor the work of the heart during treatment.

The physician selects medications individually, depending on age, course of the disease, and the presence of contraindications.

Treatment of children

In childhood, bronchitis is more severe than in adults. This is due to fragile muscles, an underdeveloped immune system. The kid simply does not know how to cough up phlegm correctly, and this significantly reduces the ability of the bronchi to clear its accumulation.

Prescribing antibiotics to a child is indicated only as a last resort.

Let the baby drink more (tea, fruit drink, juice). Drinking plenty of fluids speeds up the excretion of phlegm.

If the temperature rises, give an antipyretic syrup.

The room should be wet cleaned and ventilated daily. Remember that the disease is very fond of dryness and heat.

A small patient should not be given expectorants and inhaled during an exacerbation. The kid, not being able to cough up mucus, will simply choke on it.

Treatment of adolescents

In adolescence, the child does not always pay attention to the first signs of the disease. Leads an ordinary life, hoping that everything will pass by itself. Therefore, adults should be attentive to changes in the child's behavior. At the first signs of the disease, it is necessary to insist on consulting a pediatrician.

Medications for adolescents are prescribed according to age.

The control of treatment rests entirely with adults. Usually, at the first sign of improvement, adolescents try to dodge the treatment. Adults are charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the therapeutic course is completed completely, until complete recovery.

Treatment of pregnant women

Bronchitis during pregnancy poses a threat to the woman and the developing fetus in the womb. Respiratory failure affects the well-being of the expectant mother, creates a threat of oxygen hypoxia, a stop in the development of the child.

The appointment of antibiotics, potent, hormonal agents for the expectant mother is made only in extreme cases. Most medicines are contraindicated for pregnant women, so the doctor prescribes herbal preparations (breast collection), herbal cough syrup ("Sinupret", ""), inhalation, and drinking plenty of fluids.

In extreme cases, you can write out ("Amoxicillin").

Treatment of the elderly

Bronchitis is a serious challenge for older people. The state of organs and systems is far from being in perfect condition. There is a senile "bouquet of diseases" available. In the process of treating bronchitis, it is necessary to stop the exacerbation of existing ailments.

Therefore, when prescribing therapy for the elderly, the doctor should carefully monitor the compatibility of the prescribed drugs.

Treatment methods

At the first sign of illness, see a therapist. After the examination, you will be given directions for examination, consultation of narrow specialists, treatment is prescribed, which includes medications, inhalations, massage, diet, physiotherapy, herbal medicine.

Medications

For a quick recovery, complex treatment is necessary:

• antibiotics (amoxiclav, cefotaxime, azithromycin);
• anti-inflammatory drugs (indomethacin, dexamethasone);
• mucolytics (bromhexine, ACC, ambroxol);
• expectorant drugs (ascoril, acetylcysteine);
• bronchodilators (theotard, salbutamol, aminophylline);
• antiviral (remantadine, cycloferon);
• antitussives (berodual, bronchodilator);
• vitamin complexes.

When taking each medication, you need to adhere to the correct dosage, method of application.

Folk remedies

There are many recipes, choose according to your tastes. Don't forget about contraindications.

Complications

With a long course of the disease, serious changes occur in the lungs and bronchi. The mucous membrane changes its structure as a result of constant inflammation. This leads to complications. The reasons are usually:

• misdiagnosed;
• self-medication, uncontrolled intake of antibiotics;
• not fully completed course of therapy;
• age - in old people and babies, the disease is more severe;
• a history of other chronic diseases;
• low immunity;
• smoking and alcohol abuse.

Let's consider the most common consequences.

Asthma

Most often, allergic (with prolonged use of antibiotics), bronchial (with deep damage to the mucous membrane of the bronchial tree) is manifested. The main symptoms are shortness of breath and asthma attacks, which are relieved only with special medications. In the presence of asthma, medications should be used with caution and, in case of contraindications, they should be replaced with analogues.

Emphysema of the lungs

May occur in patients with chronic bronchitis. With this disease, gas exchange is disrupted. Air begins to accumulate in the lungs, the appearance of numerous air sacs leads to swelling of the lung tissue. The patient develops shortness of breath, cyanosis of the skin, a feeling of lack of air. With this complication, urgent hospitalization is indicated.

Bronchopneumonia

Against the background of bronchitis, pneumonia occurs. The danger lies in the inability to control the inflammatory process. With low immunity, a weakened body, a lethal outcome is possible.

In children, complications of bronchitis lead to lifelong medication, the need to undergo rehabilitation in a sanatorium several times a year, and restriction of physical activity.

Prophylaxis

To prevent relapses of the disease, possible complications, a number of preventive measures are shown aimed at strengthening the body, the ability to resist disease-causing factors.

Preventive measures include:

• giving up bad habits (smoking, alcohol);
• strengthening the body's immune system: systematic hardening, sports, the use of herbal infusions, oxygen cocktails, frequent walks in the fresh air, in the forest, in the park;
• timely treatment of diseases;
• diet. Try to eat regularly at the same time. Refuse smoked meats, fatty, spicy, fried, heavy food for the stomach. Try to introduce fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, seafood into your diet;
• constant humidity in your home. Avoid (especially in winter) dry air. Do a wet cleaning in the rooms every day, control the humidity with a barometer;
• inadmissibility of hypothermia of the body. Dress for the weather.

During the season of massive outbreaks of colds, try not to appear in crowded places.

Remember, disease is easier to prevent than to cure.

1. Infection with bacteria, viruses, protozoa, parasites, fungi. The main microorganisms that cause diseases of the respiratory system include pneumo-, staphylo- and streptococci, as well as Haemophilus influenzae, tuberculous bacillus, chlamydia, viruses of type A and B.
2. Allergic reaction to house dust, fungi, animal hair, pollen, medicines.
3. Occupational factors: handling substances, materials and reagents that irritate the respiratory system.
4. The presence of foci of chronic infection in the body.
5. Hereditary or genetically determined defects and anomalies in the structure of the bronchi and lungs, violations of their activity.
6. Depletion of the immune system, chronic alcoholism, drug addiction, nicotine abuse.

Symptoms of diseases of the bronchi and lungs

The clinical picture of this series of diseases is characterized primarily by breathing disorders.

1. Shortness of breath - a change in the normal rhythm of breathing, an increase in its frequency, difficulty in inhaling or exhaling. A severe manifestation of this symptom is suffocation, it often accompanies attacks of bronchial asthma, is observed with bronchial obstruction.
2. Cough is a protective reflex to inflammation and accumulation of mucus and microbes in the respiratory organs. It is divided into dry, without separation of liquid contents and wet, with sputum secretion. By the nature of the cough, you can determine the form of the disease, for example, a hacking dry cough is observed with dry pleurisy, morning cough accompanies bronchitis, nighttime - tuberculosis and lung tumors.
3. Hemoptysis is the appearance in blood sputum. This phenomenon is often observed in neoplasms, tuberculosis, croupous pneumonia.

A common symptom in diseases of the bronchi and lungs is pain, its localization and intensity depends on the prevalence and severity of the inflammatory process in the respiratory organs.

Diagnostics

The detection of diseases of the bronchi and lungs begins with the examination of the patient. The doctor pays close attention to the shape of the chest of patients. It can be barrel-shaped with emphysema, asymmetric (increased or decreased) with pleurisy, pneumosclerosis, pneumonia.

The rhythm of breathing and the nature of the cough are carefully studied. Percussion is performed, with its help it is possible to establish the presence of compacted areas in the lungs, auscultation, which allows you to determine the type of breathing (vesicular or hard), to detect wheezing and pathological crepitus.

The main instrumental methods are X-ray examination, tomography, fluorography. Bronchoscopy and thoracoscopy are widely used.

To assess the respiratory function, a series of functional tests is used: to assess the volume of the lungs (spirography), to study the capabilities of the respiratory organs to normal work before the first signs of respiratory failure (ergospirography), diagnostics of gases in the blood.

Laboratory examination of sputum is important for determining the type of pathogen. To determine the severity of the inflammatory process, general blood and urine tests are used.

Treatment

Therapy of diseases of the bronchi and lungs consists primarily in identifying the cause of the disease. If it is due to the ingress of microbes into the body, antibiotics and sulfa drugs are used. If the illness is of an allergic nature, corticosteroids or antihistamines are used. In the treatment of oncological processes, courses of chemotherapy and surgical treatment are prescribed.

To relieve various symptoms accompanying respiratory diseases, antitussives, drugs that thin sputum, dilate the bronchi, antipyretic drugs, oxygen and infusion therapy, inhalation are used. In the stage of subsiding inflammatory processes, physiotherapy, swimming, and walking are prescribed.

Common diseases of the bronchi and lungs

1. Bronchitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the bronchial mucosa. The acute course of the disease begins with a dry cough and soreness in the breastbone, weakness and malaise, and a rise in temperature may be observed. Soon the cough becomes wet with mucous or mucopurulent sputum. On average, the disease lasts 1-2 weeks and, with proper and timely treatment, ends with a full recovery. Chronic bronchitis is characterized by a constant cough, the general condition usually does not suffer. This form of the disease requires a longer and more intensive treatment.
2. Pneumonia is an inflammatory disease of the lung tissue. They are characterized by an acute course, severity of intoxication, debilitating cough, wheezing in the lungs. Patients are treated in a hospital, they often require drip of drugs, intramuscular and intravenous injections. With proper treatment, patients recover within 2 weeks of starting anti-inflammatory therapy.
3. Bronchial asthma is a chronic bronchial disease caused by their sharp spasm and edema due to exposure to an allergen. It proceeds with attacks of suffocation, severe shortness of breath, constant coughing shocks. The disease requires the immediate use of bronchodilators and antihistamines. Asthma is a lifelong illness.

Prophylaxis

Measures to prevent diseases of the respiratory system include maintaining a healthy lifestyle: quitting smoking, alcohol, physical education, outdoor recreation, walks.

You need to monitor your health: undergo scheduled fluorographic examinations on time and treat chronic diseases. People suffering from hypersensitivity to allergies should avoid interactions with irritating agents.

More about certain diseases of the bronchi and lungs

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What are lung diseases: treatment and prevention

Diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract are the third most common in the world. And in the future, they may become even more common. Lung diseases are inferior only to cardiovascular ailments and liver pathologies, which affect every fifth person.

Lung disease is a frequent occurrence in the modern world, perhaps it is provoked by the unstable ecological situation on the planet or the excessive passion of modern people for smoking. In any case, pathological phenomena in the lungs must be fought as soon as the first symptoms of the disease appear.

Variety of diseases

Modern medicine copes very well with pathological processes in the lungs in humans, the list of which is quite large. What are the diseases of the lungs, their symptoms, as well as ways of elimination today we will try to disassemble together.

So, a person has lung diseases of varying severity and intensity of manifestation. Among the most common are the following:

• alveolitis;
• asphyxia;
• bronchitis;
• bronchial asthma;
• atelectasis of the lungs;
• bronchiolitis;
• neoplasms in the lungs;
• bronchospasm;
• bronchiectasis;
• hyperventilation;
• histoplasmosis;
• hypoxia;
• pulmonary hypertension;
• pleurisy;
• chronic obstructive disease (COPD);
• pneumonia;
• sarcoidosis;
• tuberculosis;
• pneumothorax;
• silicosis
• apnea syndrome.

For most uninformed people without medical education, the list of such names does not mean anything. To understand what exactly this or that lung disease means, we will consider them separately.

Alveolitis is a disease that involves inflammation of the pulmonary vesicles - alveoli. In the process of inflammation, fibrosis of the lung tissue begins.

Asphyxia can be recognized by a characteristic attack of suffocation, oxygen stops flowing into the blood and the amount of carbon dioxide increases. Atelectasis is the collapse of a certain part of the lung, into which air ceases to flow and the organ dies.

Chronic lung disease - bronchial asthma, is very common in recent years. This disease is characterized by frequent attacks of suffocation, which can be of varying intensity and duration.

As a result of a bacterial or viral infection, the walls of the bronchioles become inflamed, signs of a disease called bronchiolitis appear. In the case of bronchial inflammation, bronchitis manifests itself.

Bronchospasm manifests itself in the form of frequent muscle contractions, as a result of which the lumen is significantly narrowed, provoking difficulties in the entry and exit of air. If the lumen in the vessels of the lungs narrows gradually, then the pressure in them increases significantly, this leads to dysfunction in the right chamber of the heart.

Bronchiectasis is characterized by permanent expansion of the bronchi, which is irreversible. A feature of the disease is the accumulation of pus and phlegm in the lungs.

Sometimes the mucous membrane of the lungs - the pleura - becomes inflamed, and a certain plaque forms on it. Such problems of the respiratory organs are called pleurisy in medicine. If the lung tissue itself becomes inflamed, then pneumonia is formed.

In cases where a certain amount of air accumulates in the pleural region of the lung, pneumothorax begins.

Hyperventilation is a certain pathology that can be congenital or occur after a chest injury. It manifests itself as rapid breathing at rest.

The causes of hypoxia can be different, ranging from injuries to nervous tension. This disease is characterized by overt oxygen starvation.

Tuberculosis and sarcoidosis

Tuberculosis can deservedly be called a modern plague, because every year this disease affects more and more people, as it is very infectious and transmitted by airborne droplets. The causative agent of this disease is Koch's bacillus, which is treatable with constant exposure to drugs.

Among the pulmonary diseases that still carry unexplained causes of formation, sarcoidosis can be noted. This disease is characterized by the appearance of small nodules on the organ. Often, cysts and tumors form on these paired organs, which must be surgically removed.

Fungal lesions of the lungs are called histoplasmosis. Fungal lesions of the lungs are dangerous diseases, they can be caught by constantly being in damp, unventilated rooms. If a person's living or working conditions are associated with dusty environments, an occupational disease called silicosis can develop. Apnea syndrome is an unwarranted cessation of breathing.

The chronic form can develop in each of the above diseases. The main provoking factor is ignoring the signs of the disease and the lack of qualified assistance.

Symptoms of respiratory diseases

The above lung diseases have their own characteristics and nature of manifestation, but there are a number of symptoms characteristic of all diseases of the respiratory system. Their symptoms are quite similar, but they can vary in intensity and duration. Typical symptoms include:

• attacks of suffocation, which are accompanied by a cough;
• weight loss;
• loss of appetite;
• coughing up pus and phlegm;
• spasms in the sternum;
• fever, chills and fever;
• dizziness;
• decreased performance and weakness;
• excessive sweating;
• whistling and wheezing in the chest;
• frequent shortness of breath;
• sternum pain.

Treatment regimens for the lung disease itself and its symptoms are selected only by a qualified doctor on the basis of examinations and test results.

Some people try to heal on their own, but this is not worth doing, because you can cause a number of serious complications, which will be much more difficult to get rid of than from the original disease.

Treatment and prevention

In most cases, antibacterial, antiviral and restorative therapy is prescribed to eliminate respiratory diseases. Antitussive expectorants are used to combat coughs, and pain relievers are prescribed to relieve pain. The selection of drugs is carried out taking into account the age, weight and complexity of the patient's disease. In the most severe cases, surgery is prescribed with further chemotherapy in the case of oncology, physiotherapy and sanitary treatment.

There are many reasons for the development of respiratory diseases, but prevention will help prevent lung diseases. Try to spend more time outdoors, quit smoking, pay attention to the cleanliness of the room in which you are, because it is the dust and mites that live in them that provoke spasms and asthma attacks. Eliminate allergic foods from your diet and do not breathe chemical fumes that can come from powders and room cleaners. By adhering to these simple rules, you may be able to avoid diseases that can affect the lungs and respiratory tract. Do not neglect your health, because it is the most valuable thing you have. At the first signs of lung disease, immediately contact an allergist, therapist or pulmonologist.

Lung disease in humans: list, causes, symptoms and treatment methods

Lesions of the human pulmonary system go far beyond the limited spectrum that is considered critical. So, many people know what pneumonia or tuberculosis is, but they can hear about such a deadly disease as pneumothorax for the first time in a doctor's office.

Each section of the respiratory apparatus, and in particular the lungs, is important for its irreplaceable functionality, and the loss of one of the functions is already an irreparable disruption in the operation of the entire complex mechanism.

How lung disease occurs

In the modern world, it is customary to open the list of lung diseases in humans with a long list of vices acquired due to poor environmental conditions. However, it would be more appropriate to put congenital pathologies in the first place among the reasons. The most severe lung diseases belong precisely to the category of developmental anomalies:

• cystic formations;
• additional pulmonary lobe;
• "Mirror lung".

The next in line are diseases that are not related to the patient's living conditions. These are genetic lesions, that is, inherited. The distorted chromosome code becomes a frequent culprit of such abnormalities. An example of such a congenital anlage is considered to be a hamartoma of the lung, the reasons for the appearance of which are still the subject of debate. Although one of the leading causes is nevertheless called a weak immune defense, which is laid in a child in the womb.

Further, the list of lung diseases in humans continues the list of acquired disorders that are formed by the penetration of pathogenic microflora into the body. First of all, the bronchi and trachea suffer from the activity of the bacterial culture. Against the background of viral infection, pneumonia develops.

And the list of lung diseases in humans is completed by pathologies provoked by environmental conditions, ecological conditions or the patient's lifestyle.

Lung diseases affecting the pleura

Paired organs - the lungs - are enclosed in a transparent membrane called the pleura. A special pleural fluid is placed between the pleural layers, which facilitates the contractile movements of the lungs. There are a number of diseases that disrupt the distribution of lubricant in the pleural plane or are responsible for the ingress of air into an airtight cavity:

1. Pneumothorax is a life-threatening disease, as the air leaving the lungs fills the voids in the chest and begins to squeeze the organs, limiting their contractility.
2. Pleural effusion, or otherwise - the formation of fluid filling between the chest wall and the lung, prevents the full expansion of the organ.
3. Mesothelioma belongs to the types of cancerous lesions, often a late consequence of frequent contact of the respiratory system with asbestos dust.

Below we will consider one of the most common pleural diseases - pulmonary pleurisy. Symptoms and treatment of this pathology depend on the form in which it develops.

Pulmonary pleurisy

Factors provocateurs of pleural inflammation are any conditions that contribute to the incorrect functioning of the lungs. These can be protracted illnesses that have not responded to treatment, or have not been treated:

Sometimes pleurisy develops as a result of a heart attack or severe physical injury to the sternum, especially if the patient has had a rib fracture. A special place is given to pleurisy that has developed against the background of tumors.

Varieties of pleurisy determine two directions in the development of pathology: exudative and dry. The first is characterized by a painless course, since the pleural cavity is filled with moisture, which hides the inconvenience. The only sign of the disease will be pressure in the sternum, the inability to take a full breath without feeling constrained.

Dry pleurisy causes chest pain when inhaling, coughing. Sometimes the discomfort and pain is transferred to the back and shoulders. The difference in the symptoms of two types of one disease is expressed by the presence or absence (as in this case) of liquid filling in the pleural cavities. Moisture does not allow the sheets of the shell to rub in and cause pain, while a small amount of it is not able to form a sufficient barrier against friction.

As soon as the symptoms of pulmonary pleurisy are identified and the treatment of the underlying disease is scheduled, they begin to stop the alarming consequences. So, to pump out excess fluid, which creates pressure on organs and prevents full breathing, a puncture is used. The procedure has a twofold meaning - it restores the lungs' ability to contract normally and provides material for laboratory analysis.

Lung diseases affecting the airways

Respiratory tract damage is diagnosed according to several indicators:

1. Shortness of breath, shortness of breath, or shallow, shallow breathing. With advanced forms of the disease, acute asphyxia is observed. For all types of disturbances in the work of the respiratory system, a failure of the respiratory rhythm is characteristic, which manifests itself in a painless or painful form.
2. Cough - wet or dry, with or without blood impurities in the sputum. By its nature and the time of day when it manifests itself most strongly, the doctor can make a preliminary decision on the diagnosis, having only a package of primary studies.
3. Pains, different in localization. When contacting a doctor for the first time, it is important to correctly assess the arising pain sensations as acute, pulling, pressing, sudden, etc.

The list of lung diseases in humans, reflecting the indicated symptoms, includes:

1. All types of asthma - allergic, nervous, hereditary, caused by toxic poisoning.
2. COPD is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease underlying pathologies such as lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory failure. COPD is further divided into chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
3. Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary anomaly that prevents the regular removal of mucus from the bronchi.

Consider the last disease on the list below as the least known of the listed.

Cystic fibrosis of the lungs

The manifestations of cystic fibrosis are noticeable in the first year of a child's life. Expressive signs are a cough with heavy sections of thick, viscous mucus, shortness of breath (shortness of breath) with little physical effort, indigestibility of fats and lag in height and weight relative to the norm.

Distortion of the seventh chromosome is blamed for the origin of cystic fibrosis, and the hereditary transmission of the damaged gene is due to a high percentage (25%) when diagnosing pathology in two parents at once.

Often, treatment involves the removal of acute symptoms with courses of antibiotics and replenishment of the enzymatic composition of the pancreas. And measures to increase the patency of the bronchi depend on the severity of the patient's condition.

Lung diseases affecting the alveoli

The bulk of the lungs are alveoli - air-saturated volumetric bags covered by a dense capillary network. Cases of fatal lung diseases in humans are usually associated with damage to the alveoli.

Among these diseases are called:

• inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia) as a result of infection with a bacterial environment;
• tuberculosis;
• pulmonary edema caused by direct physical damage to the lung tissue or disruption of the myocardium;
• a tumor localized in any segments of the respiratory organ;
• pneumoconiosis, which belongs to the category of "occupational" diseases and develops from irritation of the lungs with dust elements of cement, coal, asbestos, ammonia, etc.

Pneumonia is the most common lung disease.

Pneumonia

The main symptom of pneumonia in adults and children is a dry or wet cough, as well as an increase in temperature within 37.2 ° - 37.5 ° (with focal inflammation) and up to 39 ° C in a standard clinic.

The influence of pathogenic bacteria is called the main cause of pneumonia. A smaller percentage is attributed to the action of viruses and only 1-3% are attributed to fungal infections.

Infection with pathogens occurs by airborne droplets or by transferring an agent from the affected organ. The second situation often occurs with advanced caries.

Hospitalization with severe symptoms of pneumonia in adults occurs in severe cases, in milder forms of inflammation, the patient is prescribed home treatment in bed rest. The only effective method against pneumonia is broad-spectrum antibiotics. In the absence of a positive reaction of the patient's body to the selected agent after three days, the doctor selects an antibiotic of another group

Interstitial lung disease

The interstitium is a kind of framework that supports the alveoli with an almost invisible but strong tissue. With various inflammatory processes in the lungs, the interstitium thickens and becomes visible during instrumental examination. The defeat of the connective membrane is caused by various factors and can be of bacterial, viral, fungal origin. The impact of non-evacuated dust elements and drugs is not excluded.

Alveolitis

Idiopathic fibrosing alveolitis refers to progressive diseases that affect the alveoli through the defeat of the interstitium. The symptomatology of diseases of this group is not always clear, as is the nature of the pathology. The patient suffers from shortness of breath and a dry, excruciating cough, then breathing difficulties lead to the fact that the person becomes unable to do the simplest physical efforts, such as climbing to the second floor. Treatment of idiopathic fibrosing alveolitis, up to the complete reversibility of the disease, is possible in the first three months after the first signs appear and involves the use of glucocorticoids (drugs that suppress inflammation).

Chronic nonspecific lung disease

This group includes various acute and chronic lesions of the respiratory organs, characterized by similar clinical manifestations.

The leading factor of nonspecific lung diseases is called negative environmental conditions, which include inhalation of harmful substances of chemical production or nicotine resins by a person when smoking.

Statistics distribute the ratio of COPD cases between the two main diseases - chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma - and attribute the percentage of the remainder (about 5%) to other types of respiratory tract damage. In the absence of proper treatment, nonspecific pulmonary diseases progress to tuberculosis, cancer, pneumosclerosis, and chronic pneumonia.

There is no general systemic therapy for the treatment of COPD. Treatment is carried out based on the results of diagnostics, and involves the use of:

• antimicrobial agents;
• UFO and microwave;
• bronchodilators;
• immunomodulators;
• glucocorticosteroids.

In some cases, for example, with the development of an acute and chronic abscess of the lungs, a decision is made to remove the area of ​​the affected organ in order to stop the further spread of the disease.

Prevention of lung diseases

Measures that prevent the development of lung diseases are based on an affordable diagnostic procedure - a fluorogram, which must be completed every year. It is equally important to monitor the health of the oral cavity and urinary system, as areas where infections are most often localized.

Any cough, shortness of breath or a sharp increase in fatigue should be a reason for contacting a therapist, and pain in the sternum, in conjunction with any of the indicated symptoms, is a good reason for making an appointment with a pulmonologist.

Pulmonary diseases

The lungs are the main organ of the respiratory system of the human body, occupying almost the entire cavity of the chest. Like any other, lung diseases are acute and chronic and are caused by both external and internal factors, their symptoms are very diverse. Unfortunately, lung diseases have recently become quite frequent and widespread and represent one of the most important threats to human life and health. Lung disease ranks 6th among the causes of high mortality worldwide, often leading to disability and early disability. It all depends on the high costs of hospitalization and the medication needed to treat them.

The essence of the problem

The main function of the lungs is gas exchange - enrichment of blood with oxygen from the air inhaled by a person and the release of carbon dioxide - carbon dioxide. The process of gas exchange occurs in the alveoli of the lungs and is provided by active movements of the chest and diaphragm. But the physiological role of the lungs in the work of the whole organism is not limited only to the process of gas exchange - they also participate in metabolic processes, perform a secretory, excretory function and have phagocytic properties. The lungs are also involved in the process of heat regulation of the whole organism. Like all other organs, the lungs are also susceptible to the emergence and development of various diseases, which can be both inflammatory and infectious in nature - due to the ingestion of various kinds of bacteria, viruses or fungi.

List of the most common lung diseases:

Pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma

Pneumonia is an inflammatory process that develops in the lungs as a result of the entry of various pathological microorganisms into them: bacteria, viruses or fungi. Sometimes the causative agents of pneumonia are various chemicals that have entered the human body. Pneumonia can develop both on all tissues of the lung, on both sides, and on any separate part of it. Symptoms of pneumonia are quite painful sensations in the chest, cough, difficulty breathing, chills, fever, and sudden feelings of anxiety. Pneumonia is treated with penicillin antibiotics and is the most serious and dangerous lung disease, often fatal.

Bronchitis is an inflammatory disease of the mucous membrane of the lungs, bronchioles. Most often it occurs in young children and people of quite old age due to infection of the upper respiratory tract, as well as as a result of allergic reactions. A symptom of bronchitis is a dry, irritating, harsh cough that gets worse at night. Bronchitis is of two types: acute and chronic, the characteristic symptoms of which are difficulty breathing, whistling, swelling of the upper body, strong and persistent cough, accompanied by profuse mucus and phlegm, the skin of the face acquires a bluish tint, especially in the area of ​​the nasolabial triangle. Sometimes, in parallel with chronic bronchitis, a person develops obstructive bronchitis, its symptom is extremely difficult breathing, which is hampered by the narrowing of the lumen (obstruction) of the upper respiratory tract, caused by the inflammatory process and thickening of the walls of the bronchi. Chronic obstructive bronchitis is a lung disease inherent mainly in smokers.

Bronchial asthma is also a chronic disease that manifests itself in the form of bouts of dry, irritating cough, ending with suffocation. During such attacks, narrowing and swelling of the bronchi and the entire chest occurs, which complicates the breathing process. Bronchial asthma progresses rather quickly and leads to pathological damage to the lung tissue. This process is irreversible and has characteristic symptoms: a constant debilitating cough, cyanosis of the skin due to a constant lack of oxygen and rather heavy, noisy breathing.

Tuberculosis, emphysema, cancer

Tuberculosis is a lung disease caused by mycobacterium - Koch's bacillus, transmitted by airborne droplets. Infection occurs from the carrier of the disease and is practically asymptomatic at the initial stage. This is because the antibodies produced by the human immune system envelop these mycobacteria in the so-called cocoons, which can be in a dormant state in the lungs of a person for a fairly long period of time. Then, depending on the state of health of a person, his lifestyle, external factors, on the number of mycobacteria that have entered the body, the disease begins to progress and manifests itself in the form of a sharp weight loss, increased sweating, a rather reduced performance, weakness and constantly elevated to 37 ° C body temperature.

Emphysema is the destruction of the partitions between the alvioli of the lungs, which leads to an increase in lung volume and a narrowing of the airways. Pathological tissue damage leads to impaired gas exchange and significant loss of oxygen, which leads to breathing difficulties. For the lungs, the disease emphysema is quite secretive, its symptoms appear even with significant damage - a person develops shortness of breath, he rapidly loses weight, the skin turns red, it becomes difficult, almost impossible to breathe, and the chest becomes barrel-shaped.

Another disease is lung cancer. A pathological, fatal disease that is almost asymptomatic, especially at an early stage of its development. Cancer can sometimes be identified by the presence of chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, and hemoptysis. Cancer diseases are characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal cells (metastasis), which spread throughout all organs and systems of the body. Therefore, cancer is considered a fatal disease and is practically not cured, especially at the stage of the onset of metastases.

Sometimes there are cases of pneumonia without coughing. This is a more dangerous disease, since when coughing, the body is naturally cleared of mucus and phlegm, which contain a fairly large number of pathogenic microorganisms that cause inflammation. A cough signals a pathological process in the lungs and allows you to start the necessary treatment on time, which reduces the risk of complications. In the absence of cough syndrome, the bronchi are not cleared of sputum and mucus, which leads to an aggravation of the inflammatory process and the appearance of pus in the mucus and sputum.

What should be the treatment?

For any, even not very strong cough, it is necessary to consult a doctor, do the necessary laboratory tests and undergo a diagnosis. After identifying the cause, the symptoms of lung disease should be treated with medication prescribed by a doctor according to the disease and the degree of its development. In addition to drug therapy, you can use fairly simple and no less effective traditional medicine:

1. Lung balm based on aloe leaves - prepared from crushed aloe leaves, which should be poured with grape wine and mixed with liquid honey. Leave the mixture in a cool place for several weeks, then strain and use 3 times a day daily for any lung diseases.
2. A medical mixture of carrot juice, beetroot, black radish with the addition of alcohol and honey must be infused in a dark place for 10 days, shaking occasionally. Then drink 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day until the infusion ends. Then take a break while preparing a new mixture. This composition is good for relieving and relieving the symptoms of all lung diseases.
3. You can prepare such a healing paste, which should be consumed 3 times a day with a glass of goat's milk, or smeared on bread, making a sandwich: mix 10 yolks from fresh chicken eggs with sugar, add melted chocolate, lard and grated apple. Mix everything thoroughly and store in the refrigerator. This mixture is an excellent expectorant and also has properties to strengthen the immune system.

But still, in order to correctly determine the diagnosis, take medications and folk recipes, you should consult a doctor.

Diseases of the respiratory tract, for example, inflammation of the bronchi and lungs, despite the different etiology, in medical practice are often characterized by similar clinical manifestations and symptoms. To avoid complications, to prescribe an effective effective treatment requires a differential diagnosis. How to distinguish between inflammation of the bronchi and lungs?

As a rule, the body is susceptible to colds in the autumn-winter period. Exposure to subzero temperatures, prolonged exposure to the cold, frosty air, drafts, the use of cold drinks in the heat or cold can provoke the development of diseases of the respiratory tract. The main causative agents of colds are bacteria, viruses, and other forms of pathogenic microorganisms.

It is possible that the most common cold can develop into a serious illness, which will lead to the development of complications in the body, if appropriate treatment is not prescribed in a timely manner. For this reason, in order to avoid health problems, it is necessary to diagnose in a timely manner, undergo a comprehensive examination. The most commonly diagnosed complications after colds are bronchitis, pneumonia.

Bronchitis and pneumonia (pneumonia) are quite similar in clinical manifestations, as a rule, they have an infectious nature of the disease, in most cases they develop after suffering colds. At the initial stage of the development of diseases, the following are noted:

• deterioration of the general condition;
• temperature increase;
• fever;
• chills;
• congestion;
• redness of the throat;
• cough;
• violation of the respiratory system.

Bronchitis and pneumonia can be caused by the same pathogens, but despite similar symptoms, the main difference lies in the localization of the pathological inflammatory process. In any form of bronchitis, inflammation affects the bronchial tree, in pneumonia - the lungs.

In acute bronchitis, the risk of pneumonia increases. Pneumonia in most cases develops after an acute form of bronchitis, transferred viral, bacterial diseases of the respiratory system, influenza, ARVI. Unlike pneumonia, with an inflammatory process in the bronchi, the symptoms of the disease become weaker after a few weeks, provided that treatment is prescribed in a timely manner.

To establish a reliable diagnosis, to distinguish pneumonia from is possible only after passing a diagnostic examination. If a patient has a high temperature, cough with sputum, wheezing during auscultation of the sternum, chest pain, rapid breathing, in order to reliably determine the disease, differential diagnosis is carried out, patients are prescribed a number of laboratory tests and tests.

Effective therapeutic techniques should be prescribed by a specialist only after the diagnosis has been carried out. Self-medication, uncontrolled intake of medications can cause the development of serious pathologies, lead to a deterioration in the condition.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a common disease of the upper respiratory tract of infectious etiology, in which inflammation affects the mucous membrane of the bronchi and lungs. It is transmitted by airborne droplets. The inflammatory process develops after the penetration of pathogenic flora, viruses, bacteria into the organs of the respiratory tract.

Bronchitis can also develop under the influence of toxic chemicals, strong allergens (poisonous gases, essential oils), after an illness. In most cases, it is diagnosed in the spring, in the autumn-winter period.

The disease is facilitated by prolonged exposure to cold air, weakening of the body's resistance, bad habits, systematic intake of medications, chronic pathologies, diseases. Small children, persons with weakened immunity are most susceptible to the disease. In children, older people, the disease is difficult, has a long course. It happens in an acute and chronic form.

Symptoms for acute bronchitis:

• slight hyperthermia, fever, chills;
• general malaise, weakness, headache;
• aches in muscle structures;
• runny nose, nasal congestion;
• pain, discomfort, wheezing in the sternum;
• coryza, debilitating dry cough.

With bronchitis, they diagnose edema, excessive accumulation of mucus in the airways. At the initial stage of the disease, the symptoms, the clinical picture are similar to those of colds, acute respiratory infections. The acute form often becomes chronic, and can be complicated by pneumonia.

The chronic stage of bronchitis develops in the case of untimely, incorrectly prescribed treatment, due to a weakening of the immune-protective mechanisms. May develop:

In the chronic form of bronchitis, a severe cough is diagnosed, accompanied by an excessive production of yellow-green sputum. The diagnosis of the chronic stage of the disease is established after the frequency of manifestation of characteristic symptoms, that is, when they appear more often than twice a year.

Pneumonia

Inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia) is an acute infectious disease in which the inflammatory process develops in the alveoli of the lungs. The disease has a different etiology, is fraught with the development of serious complications. The causative agents of pneumonia are:

• bacteria;
• viruses;
• mushrooms.

In most cases, pneumonia develops after suffering respiratory diseases of a viral nature - influenza, acute bronchitis. An insidious ailment can develop against a background of chronic infections. The risk group includes children of younger age groups, the elderly, people with weakened immunity.

There are several forms, types of pneumonia, some of them are contagious to others, can cause serious complications, and lead to death. transmitted by airborne, contact.

Lung inflammation symptoms:

Symptoms, the intensity of their manifestation depends on the form of pneumonia, the state of the human immune system. At the initial stages of pneumonia, a dry cough is noted, which turns into a wet one, accompanied by abundant discharge. Coughing attacks intensify with inhalation. A deep breath is accompanied by severe pain in the sternum.

How to distinguish bronchial inflammation from pneumonia

Given the similar clinical picture, common symptoms, etiology, as well as the fact that both diseases affect the organs of the respiratory tract, it is possible to distinguish inflammation of the bronchi from the lungs only after radiography, the differential diagnosis of which is taken into account:

• localization of pain, inflammation;
• general physical condition;
• temperature.

With bronchitis, coughing attacks lead to tearing of the mucous membrane, accompanied by severe pain behind the sternum. With an inflammatory process in the lungs, focal damage to the serous membrane is noted, therefore, the patient feels pain, discomfort only in one half of the sternum affected by inflammation.

With pneumonia, there is a sharp deterioration in the general condition, pronounced signs of severe intoxication of the body. With bronchitis in the initial stages of the development of the disease, it is accompanied by frequent attacks of a debilitating dry cough, which eventually becomes moist with sputum production.

Bronchitis, pneumonia are accompanied by hyperthermia, when diagnosed with slight hyperthermia, and with pneumonia, regardless of the form of the disease, one of the main symptoms is a consistently high temperature, which indicates the development of an inflammatory process in the tissues of the lungs.

Regardless of the manifestation of symptoms, the severity of the clinical picture, you should not self-medicate. In case of deterioration in general physical condition, you should immediately contact the clinic for diagnostics. An erroneous diagnosis will lead to adverse, intractable consequences, serious health complications.

The bronchi enter the respiratory system, through which air enters the lungs and exits back. The bronchi cleanse the air of dust, pathogens and irritants. Given this specificity of the respiratory system, it is no wonder that bronchial diseases can be of a viral, bacterial and autoimmune nature. The severity of symptoms depends not only on the form of the disease, but also on the degree of its neglect.

Bronchitis

The most common bronchial diseases are acute and chronic bronchitis.... Most often, bronchitis occurs under the influence of viruses. But bacteria, irritants, allergens and pathogenic fungi can provoke the disease. Under the influence of unfavorable factors, the bronchial mucosa becomes inflamed, which leads to the following symptoms:

• Cough, at the beginning of the disease it is dry, then it becomes moist. The expectoration is greenish or yellow in color.
• Elevated temperature. In the acute form of the disease, temperature indicators can reach high levels; in chronic bronchitis, the temperature can remain normal or subfebrile.
• Headache, weakness and other signs of intoxication.

Vomiting is common in young children with bronchitis. This is because babies cannot cough up phlegm normally. It accumulates in the nasopharynx and provokes bouts of vomiting.

In the chronic form of bronchitis, the bronchi are constantly narrowed, therefore oxygen deficiency is observed. At the same time, the patient has cyanotic skin and noisy breathing, which is audible even at a distance.

Treatment of bronchitis consists in thinning the viscous phlegm and quickly removing it from the body. For this, mucolytics and expectorant drugs are prescribed. Complement the treatment with therapeutic inhalations and traditional medicine recipes.

Bronchitis often develops as a complication of colds. This complication is especially typical for young children, which is explained by the structure of the respiratory tract.

Bronchial asthma

Chronic diseases of the bronchi include bronchial asthma. This disease proceeds in attacks, their intensity can be different, from mild coughing to severe suffocation. Quite often, there is a severe life-threatening bronchospasm.

Bronchial asthma responds poorly to treatment; over time, its course only gets worse. Typical signs of asthma are:

• Heavy, noisy breathing.
• Paroxysmal coughing and sneezing.
• Blue skin.
• Unreasonable fears and anxiety.

With attacks of coughing, asthmatics have a fear for their lives. They cannot breathe in and out normally. When an attack begins, a person rests his hands on a hard surface, in this position it is easier for him to breathe.

It is almost impossible to cure asthma, but it is possible to alleviate the patient's condition... For this, various inhalers are used that stop bronchospasm.

An asthma attack can be triggered by allergens, certain perfumes and even physical activity.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia belongs to diseases of the lungs and bronchi. This disease most often develops as a complication of colds or bronchitis. But not only viruses, but also other negative factors can provoke pneumonia:

• Inhalation of certain chemicals. This form of pneumonia is typical for workers in the chemical industry.
• Bacterial and fungal pathologies.
• Chest trauma.

Inflammation of the lungs often develops in bedridden patients. This is due to the collapse of the lung tissue and the accumulation of pleural fluid. With pneumonia, the body temperature rises, there is a cough, which can be both productive and dry. The patient is worried about weakness, shortness of breath and pain in the sternum.

Pneumonia is treated in a comprehensive manner. The composition of therapy includes antibacterial drugs in injections. If the disease is extremely difficult, antibiotics of several groups are prescribed simultaneously.

In recent years, SARS has been increasingly diagnosed. With this form of the disease, there are no characteristic symptoms; the treatment regimen is selected individually.

Pleurisy

Pleurisy is an inflammatory disease of the pleura that can be the result of trauma, an infectious disease, or cancer. The symptoms and treatment of pleurisy are quite specific. The manifestations of the disease include the following pathological conditions:

• Coughing.
• Pain in the sternum with any movement, including breathing.
• Heat.
• Weakness and other signs of intoxication of the body.

Almost all diseases of the bronchi and lungs are accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath and high fever. It is impossible to make a correct diagnosis without the participation of a doctor and additional examination.

At the first sign of illness, you need to go to the hospital. It is unacceptable to self-medicate, as the consequences can be unpredictable.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is considered a serious respiratory illness. This disease is caused by mycobacteria. The following health disorders are considered the main symptoms of bronchial tuberculosis:

• Heat.
• Abnormal sweating, especially at night.
• Sudden weight loss.
• Decrease in working capacity.
• Atypical weakness.

At first, the characteristic symptoms of tuberculosis may be absent altogether. As the disease progresses, a person may notice that he has a low-grade fever for a long time and general weakness. A sharp loss of body weight should alert. All these symptoms should be the signal for a complete examination.

Fluorography will help to detect tuberculosis at an early stage. Such an examination is carried out once a year, starting from the age of 15 years. To detect infection in children, the Mantoux test is used.

The BCG vaccine will help prevent tuberculosis. It is done for the first time in the hospital, then revaccination is performed at the age of 7 and 14.

Emphysema

If, according to the results of X-ray or computed tomography, the bronchi are dilated, then this may indicate pulmonary emphysema. This disease can be independent or a complication of cystic fibrosis.

At the initial stage, emphysema does not manifest itself in any way, so a visit to a doctor is usually belated. In a neglected state, the disease is practically not amenable to treatment. The patient's skin becomes reddish, worried about chest pain. The person is very thin and feels the strongest weakness.

Tumors

Extraneous sounds in the bronchi and lungs do not always indicate viral and bacterial diseases. In about 7% of cases, tumors of various etiologies are diagnosed. All tumors are classified as follows:

• Central. In most cases, they are located on the right side.
• Peripheral. They are diagnosed often, they are found both on the right and on the left side.

Diagnosis of tumors in the bronchi is very difficult. They are identified by X-ray or computed tomography. The danger is not only malignant, but also benign neoplasms. The latter tumors, under favorable conditions, also become cancerous.

Dangerous benign tumors and a list of complications. Such neoplasms can develop into atelectasis, bronchial stenosis, pulmonary fibrosis and many other diseases.

If a bronchial carcinoid has developed, then the following clinical picture is observed:

• Diarrhea.
• Feeling of heat in the upper body.
• Bronchospasm.
• Alarm state.
• Dermatoses.

Other characteristic symptoms of the disease are also possible, which are caused by increased secretion of hormones.

It is necessary to treat cancer in a comprehensive manner. The treatment regimen includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy and a number of restorative drugs.

Tumors of the bronchi are treated under the supervision of a pulmonologist and oncologist. The treatment regimen is selected individually.

Fungal diseases of the bronchi

Sometimes bronchial mycosis is diagnosed. The disease develops under the influence of such factors:

• Long-term use of antibiotics.
• After cancer treatment with chemotherapy.
• With prolonged use of hormonal drugs.
• With vitamin deficiency.
• With the constant use of immunosuppressants.

Mycoses of the bronchi is a secondary disease that occurs with a serious load on the immune system.

When the bronchi are affected by fungi, purulent cavities appear, which can lead to necrosis of the bronchi. The main symptoms of candidiasis are:

• Sternum pain.
• Cough, with scanty expectoration.
• Heat.
• Blood streaks in expectorated sputum.

The diagnosis is based on the results of bronchoscopy. Not only phlegm is examined for fungus, but also blood and urine. The treatment regimen includes antimycotics, vitamins and restorative drugs.

To prevent bronchial diseases, you must adhere to a healthy lifestyle. If possible, you should avoid infectious diseases, and if something bothers you, you should immediately consult a doctor.