Table of contents:
- 5 myths about bronchitis
- Bronchitis is not contagious
- Bronchitis develops due to prolonged runny nose
- Expectorants prevent the development of the disease
- Water procedures for bronchitis are contraindicated
- Bronchitis can only be treated with antibiotics
Video: 5 Myths About Bronchitis
2024 Author: Rachel Wainwright | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 07:39
5 myths about bronchitis
Bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial mucosa) is one of the most common pathologies of the respiratory system. The disease can be acute or chronic. With proper treatment, acute bronchitis resolves in 10-12 days, but in the chronic version, an obsessive cough can torment the patient for several months.
Despite the fact that the disease is well studied, there are many myths regarding its treatment and origin. Let's consider the most famous ones.
Source: depositphotos.com
Bronchitis is not contagious
Apparently, the statement is due to the fact that bronchitis often occurs after suffering from acute respiratory infections, and many believe that infection with the causative agent of the "main" disease is no longer possible, and cough (the main symptom of bronchitis) is something like a residual phenomenon. In fact, this is not the case. As a rule, bronchitis develops as a result of a viral or bacterial infection that has entered the body by airborne droplets. Vivid symptoms appear on the 5-10th day after infection, but the coughing patient is already spreading the pathogen. That is why close contact with a person suffering from bronchitis should be avoided, do not use dishes and towels, and ventilate the room where he is as often as possible.
Bronchitis develops due to prolonged runny nose
The mucous membrane of the respiratory tract of each person is inhabited by many opportunistic microorganisms. With a normally functioning immune system, their vital activity is suppressed, the development of diseases does not occur. If immunity is reduced, microorganisms are activated. They can multiply in the nasal cavities, causing a runny nose, or in the lower respiratory tract, provoking inflammation of the bronchial mucosa. Thus, a prolonged runny nose is not the cause of bronchitis, but it can lead to a decrease in immunity, which will facilitate the development of other diseases, possibly bronchitis.
Expectorants prevent the development of the disease
Expectorant drugs (including herbal ones) are ineffective in preventing disease. They are designed to facilitate the discharge of phlegm with a wet cough.
The initial stage of bronchitis is characterized by a dry, exhausting cough that gets worse at night. Taking expectorants in such a situation is not only useless, but can also worsen the condition. After a few days, the patient's body temperature rises, and the cough becomes moist; in this case, taking expectorant drugs may be appropriate, but a doctor should prescribe them.
Water procedures for bronchitis are contraindicated
Taking a shower with bronchitis is not just possible, but necessary; increased body temperature should not be a reason for refusing water procedures. The disease is accompanied by increased sweating, and cleansing the skin of toxins excreted with sweat facilitates the patient's condition and contributes to his recovery.
The water in the shower should not be hot. After the procedures, you need to wipe yourself dry and go to bed. The room needs to be ventilated and made sure that there are no drafts in it. Under these conditions, the shower will be of great benefit.
Bronchitis can only be treated with antibiotics
In most cases, acute bronchitis develops as a result of infection with viruses (influenza pathogens, rhinovirus, coronavirus, etc.). Antibiotics are powerless against them. In addition, there are types of disease caused by bronchospasm (the so-called obstructive bronchitis), which is caused by aggressive agents, which can be not only viruses, but also allergens.
Antibiotics are used only when there is a suspicion of a bacterial infection. In any case, all medications for a patient with bronchitis should be prescribed by a doctor. Self-medication in such a situation can lead to very undesirable consequences.
People who share the misconceptions about bronchitis risk their health. Especially dangerous is the widespread opinion that a prolonged "residual" cough after suffering an acute respiratory illness does not require treatment. Advanced bronchitis can cause pneumonia, pulmonary emphysema, bronchial asthma, pulmonary hypertension and bronchial obstruction.
YouTube video related to the article:
Maria Kulkes Medical journalist About the author
Education: First Moscow State Medical University named after I. M. Sechenov, specialty "General Medicine".
Found a mistake in the text? Select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Recommended:
10 Myths About Caesarean Section
Caesarean section is one of the most ancient operations. According to statistics, about 10% of newborns are born with its help. Despite the prevalence of such surgical interventions, they are still surrounded by numerous myths. Let's try to dispel the most famous of the misconceptions
6 Myths About Multiple Sclerosis
Despite the fact that multiple sclerosis is not considered a rare ailment, most people have little knowledge of its features and share misconceptions about it. Let's try to dispel some of the myths that have developed around this disease
10 Myths About Male Alopecia
The problem of alopecia worries many men. About a third of the stronger sex have hereditary characteristics that cause an increased sensitivity of hair follicles to the level of the main male hormone - testosterone. An increase in the concentration of testosterone in the body provokes the growth of hair on the face and body and a simultaneous thinning of the hair
6 Most Common Myths About The Human Brain
The human brain has been studied for more than one hundred years, but the number of mysteries associated with this organ is increasing rather than decreasing. Perhaps this explains the numerous misconceptions about the structure and functioning of the brain, many of which arose a very long time ago, but continue to exist today. We are ready to introduce our readers to the most common myths of this kind
5 Myths About Table Salt
Table salt has been known since ancient times. It is the most common flavoring and the only mineral that is eaten in its pure form. Over a long period of use, salt has turned from an extremely expensive "delicacy", which was literally worth its weight in gold, into a nutritional supplement available to everyone
