None of the parents would like to see their favorite child with a fever, cough and a stuffy nose. And, of course, there is nothing worse than a sick child who has difficulty not only exhaling, but also breathing in. It is such problems that obstructive bronchitis causes in infants. What is this disease? What are its symptoms? And how to treat?
What is childhood obstructive bronchitis?
Obstructive bronchitis is an unpleasant ailment associated with the accumulation of mucus in the bronchi, which prevents the free passage of air during breathing. About this condition, as a rule, they say "neither inhale nor exhale."
Bronchitis usually occurs against the background of other viral or bacteriological diseases. Directly, a similar ailment is not associated with viruses.
Causes of the disease
Obstructive bronchitis in infants can occur for various reasons. However, according to doctors, most often it is a consequence of ARVI or an allergic reaction. It occurs with frequent attacks of bronchial asthma, as well as with a tumor in the region of the bronchi and with a burn of the mucosa.
Well, and, of course, among the causes of the disease, the following can be distinguished:
- a weakened immune system;
- tendency to allergies;
- the presence of a sensitive respiratory system.
In addition, obstructive bronchitis in infants can occur during hypothermia and even during the process of teething.
Who can get obstructive bronchitis?
Anyone can get bronchitis with obstruction. To a greater extent this disease affects breast-fed babies, babies in the family of which there are schoolchildren. Allergy sufferers, asthmatics, as well as children who have recently had viral and colds, are at risk.
Obstructive bronchitis: signs
With this type of bronchitis in infants, dry mouth, pallor of the skin may occur. The kid loses his appetite, eats less and hardly drinks, becomes moody and restless. The temperature with this type of bronchitis can be spasmodic (it ranges from 37 to 40 ° C).
Obstructive bronchitis in infants is difficult to confuse with other varieties of bronchitis, since it is characterized by the presence of a dry cough with wheezing and even whistling. In this case, the cough is paroxysmal. It is accompanied by shortness of breath and whistling or gurgling sounds in the baby's respiratory system. During illness, the child coughs after almost every breath he takes.
How does the disease occur in infants?
The disease is most problematic in children up to a year, since they do not have the opportunity to talk about their health and share problems with adults. It begins with general weakness. The baby becomes lethargic and irritable. Then, cough and runny nose appear. Moreover, the cough is dry, and the mucus from the nose is copious.
As a result of the disease, the child coughs outright, especially at night. Obstructive bronchitis (signs of it can be found in our article) leads to breathing problems. The baby cannot clear his throat and suffers from shortness of breath. After about 2-3 days, the cough becomes wetter and more viscous.
This occurs due to the release of sputum and the transition of the disease to a new stage. In this case, according to the state of the discharge, an experienced doctor can easily determine the form of the disease and prescribe the correct treatment. For example, the acute stage of the disease lasts only 5-6 days. Its distinguishing feature is the release of a transparent thick substance when a baby coughs.
If the diagnosis was made at the wrong time and incorrectly, or the parents decided to seriously engage in self-medication, then an infant (2 months or older) who has bronchitis will be in real danger. The fact is that with obstruction, swelling of the bronchi and larynx is possible (this is due to poor patency of the bronchi), it is possible to change the color of the skin of the lips and fingers of the baby (they acquire a clear blue color).
First aid for obstructive bronchitis
It is best to prevent obstructive bronchitis. Komarovsky believes that it is possible to do this if timely treat ARI, allergies and get rid of other possible irritants that contribute to the appearance of obstruction.
If it so happened that the baby fell ill, then, according to Dr. Komarovsky, do not self-medicate. It is dangerous and in this case ineffective. What can be done at home to parents whose baby is sick?
If your baby (2 months and older) has bronchitis with obstruction, then to facilitate his breathing, you can use air ionizers, salt lamps, as well as inhalers and nebulizers. These devices are best used in combination with medicinal mixtures, which include salbutamol or glucocorticoid hormones.
For example, during inhalation, you can use drugs such as Flixotide and Ventolin. The main advantage of using such drugs is that the effect occurs immediately after the first inhalation. It becomes easier for the child to breathe, and there is a temporary improvement in well-being.
How to treat obstructive bronchitis?
To treat obstructive bronchitis, Komarovsky believes it is necessary from the first days of the disease (at the first sign). This, according to the doctor, will help stop the inflammatory process and avoid possible complications. Therefore, immediately consult a doctor. What does the doctor usually prescribe?
As a rule, before making a final diagnosis and prescribing treatment, a specialist examines the patient and finds out the real cause of the disease. For example, if bronchitis was caused by an allergic reaction, then it is worth drinking the antihistamines that the doctor will prescribe.
If the disease is caused by acute respiratory infections, then the baby is treated for viral diseases, etc. In a word, it is such a treatment that involves obstructive bronchitis. Medical history often describes the treatment of patients using antibiotics. This is necessary, according to doctors, to get rid of harmful bacteria that can cause pneumonia in the baby.
What drugs are used to treat bronchitis?
Depending on the age of the baby, as well as on the complexity of the form of the disease, his parents are offered to undergo inpatient treatment. In particular, this method of healing is highly recommended for children whose obstruction is complicated by other symptoms. For example, temperature, respiratory failure, and pneumonia can significantly complicate obstructive bronchitis.
As a treatment, a small patient, as a rule, is prescribed bronchodilators. Such drugs contribute to the expansion of the bronchi, which leads to a general disposal of obstruction and easier breathing. For example, it can be such drugs in the form of sweet syrups, such as Salmeterol, Ascoril, Clenbuterol and others.
Relieve problems with obstruction and solutions for inhalation, for example, Berodual. Children after a year can use aerosol inhalers, for example, Salbutamol or Berodual. It is these funds that pediatrics offers to use. Obstructive bronchitis also involves the use of antispasmodics to help relieve spasms from the bronchi. Such drugs are No-shpa, Drotaverin or Papaverine and others.
It is best to use mucoregulatory drugs to get rid of excessive sputum and mucous secretions. It can be, for example, “Lazolvan” or “Ambrobene”. Children with allergies can be prescribed antihistamines: Zodak, Parlazin and others.
What procedures are used to treat bronchitis?
In addition to medications and inhalations, in the treatment of bronchitis with obstruction, it is recommended to use the so-called drainage, or drainage massage. It is performed by one of the parents and affects the neck, chest area and back of the baby. He becomes neat smooth movements, similar to wiggle. To do this, you need to fold your hands in a boat, lay the baby on a pillow with a tummy and perform massage movements for 10-15 minutes.
Such a massage helps to ease sputum discharge and improves the body's defenses. In severe stages of bronchitis, hormone therapy is also prescribed, for example, in the form of medications for inhalation. Physiotherapy is usually not prescribed in the early stages of the disease. However, when after a certain treatment it is possible to get rid of the obstruction, the pediatrician may prescribe electrophoresis or UHF.
Are bronchitis treated with obstruction by folk methods?
Sometimes they are used to treat a disease such as obstructive bronchitis, folk remedies. For example, decoctions of spring primrose root, elecampane, black radish with honey, onions with honey, etc. are used for this purpose. In most cases, all decoctions have an expectorant effect and facilitate the baby's breathing.
However, such drugs are best taken after consulting a pediatrician, as an unexpected allergic reaction may occur or a moment will be missed in determining the stage of the disease.
Summary: treating babies is an important and serious process. Therefore, it is better to coordinate all your actions with specialists!