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.
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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.
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Maria Kulkes Medical journalist About the author
Education: First Moscow State Medical University named after I. M. Sechenov, specialty "General Medicine".
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