How to relieve shortness of breath with bronchitis in an adult

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.

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.

A subjective feeling of lack of air, accompanied by an increase in the frequency of respiratory movements and resulting from difficulty breathing, is called shortness of breath. In medical terminology, this phenomenon has its own name - dyspnea.

Dyspnea is the most important indicator of the state of the human cardiovascular and respiratory systems. As a rule, with bronchitis, shortness of breath is combined with a distortion of the normal inhalation to exhalation ratio, increased breathing and the appearance of wheezing and breathing noises. As the symptom progresses, there is a risk of developing an attack of suffocation with acute respiratory failure, which is especially dangerous for young children. Due to the danger of serious complications, this “wake-up call” should be given close attention.

Characteristic features of shortness of breath depending on the type of disease

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.

Types of shortness of breath types

Difficulty breathing during bronchitis can manifest itself in various phases of breathing:

Inspiratory dyspnea is difficulty breathing when inhaling. It is the result of impaired conductivity of the bronchial tree. Most often, this mechanism manifests itself when the lumen of the respiratory tract is obstructed by mucus and sputum of high viscosity. One of the first signs is harsh breathing.
Expiratory dyspnea is difficulty breathing when exhaling. The main cause of expiratory shortness of breath during bronchitis, in addition to mucus blockage, is obstruction of the lumen of the small bronchi. As a result, it becomes difficult to expel the air that has entered the lungs. Accompanied by harsh breathing, wheezing that can be heard from a distance, as well as prolonged exhalation.
Mixed shortness of breath during bronchitis is accompanied by difficulty in inhaling and exhaling. In childhood, it is most often explained by an allergic reaction in combination with a spastic component. In adults, it can occur during chronic or complicated course of simple acute bronchitis.

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

Features in children

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.

What type of bronchitis does it correspond to?

As we noted above, shortness of breath always accompanies inflammation of the bronchi. Let's look in detail at the features of dyspnea in different types of bronchitis.

1. In acute inflammation of the bronchi, this symptom is barely noticeable. As a rule, in this case, dyspnea does not cause serious inconvenience to the patient. It is noted during any physical activity. For example, this could involve climbing several flights of stairs.

2. In chronic bronchitis, shortness of breath often manifests itself. It is enough for the patient to endure a minor load, and he immediately begins to experience breathing problems. After the patient has suffered a couple of exacerbations of the disease, dyspnea becomes pronounced and almost always bothers the person.

3. With obstructive inflammation of the bronchi, shortness of breath is always observed. In this case, it is characterized by a whistling exhalation.

4. With allergic bronchitis, it is observed only during exacerbations. Depending on the individual characteristics of the patient’s body and the severity of the attack, shortness of breath may have varying degrees of severity.

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.

Call an ambulance.
If the attack is allergic in nature, eliminate the allergen.
Sit the patient down or provide an elevated lying position.
Unfasten clothing that restricts breathing movements.
Open a window or window for fresh air.
Monitor the frequency and depth of breathing.
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.

Treatment of residual effects

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.

General recommendations:

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.

Home treatments

The basis of therapy for bronchitis is the use of expectorants. These substances facilitate the discharge of sputum, thereby helping to get rid of the pathogen and its metabolic products, which leads to recovery. Antibiotic therapy is not used in all cases; it is prescribed by a doctor. It is recommended to take material for microbiological examination and culture, which allows you to select an effective drug. Medicines for bronchitis can be prepared at home. Herbs, vegetables and fruits are used that contain compounds that have a mechanism of action similar to the medications used in traditional therapy. A combination of the two methods is also possible. This approach allows you to get rid of the disease in the shortest possible time. Traditional recipes for cough and bronchitis are widely used, especially among children who are prohibited from taking potent substances.

Acute bronchitis

The most effective recipes involve the use of inhalations. There are special devices for the procedure - nebulizers, as well as aroma lamps - but treatment is possible without them. The following traditional medicines have proven themselves:

Collection of herbs chamomile, sage, eucalyptus, calendula and licorice. These plants help relieve inflammation in the respiratory tract and make breathing easier. The mixture is poured with boiling water and left for 2 hours. The recipe is best used if you have a nebulizer at home.
Inhalations with propolis also fight pathological changes in the bronchi and help alleviate the patient’s condition. You will need 3–4 ml of alcohol tincture of a beekeeping product. It is added to a pan of boiling water, and then breathed over the steam.
Expectorants are also used orally. The most effective plant for facilitating the discharge of sputum is considered to be coltsfoot. Decoctions are prepared from this herb for oral administration, which are also used as lotions. Coltsfoot has an expectorant, minor analgesic and antipyretic effect. For internal use, take 10 g of the plant per glass of boiling water. The infusion is consumed 2 tablespoons every 2–3 hours.
Primrose root, like coltsfoot, is a powerful remedy for removing phlegm from the lungs. A decoction is prepared from it, which requires taking 30–40 g of the plant and adding a liter of boiling water. Take half a glass three times a day.
Honey is one of the most useful food ingredients with healing properties. This product can simply be dissolved in a glass of water in the amount of one teaspoon and consumed without dosage.

Chronical bronchitis

Aloe-based tincture soothes irritated mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and alleviates the clinical manifestations of chronic bronchitis. You will need 4 large leaves of the plant; they are placed in a half-liter bottle of wine. Infuse the mixture for 3–4 days. Use the product 1 teaspoon 3 times a day.
Mustard plasters give a good effect in combination with traditional methods. They allow you to warm up the lungs and bronchi, which helps relieve inflammation and expand the lumen of the airways. This traditional medicine is sold in pharmacies in finished form.
Garlic in combination with lemon has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. Two heads of spice and five citrus fruits are finely chopped or grated and poured with a liter of boiled water. The mixture is infused for 5 days and filtered. The finished product is consumed 1 tablespoon 2 times a day.
A few coltsfoot leaves need to be brewed in 500 ml of milk, adding a little pork fat to the mixture. Drink a small cup before bed every day.

Treatment for the chronic form of bronchitis is not as effective as for the acute course of the disease. In 80% of cases, the use of antibiotics is required, since only strong medications can cope with an old infection. For obstructive and allergic forms, pharmaceutical bronchodilators are recommended.

Recipes for treating children

At the onset of the disease, a single application of castor oil is effective.
A few drops of almond oil in combination with sugar syrup help fight a debilitating wet cough in a child.
At the first symptoms of bronchitis, you can rub your baby's back and chest with pork fat or vegetable oil, adding a small amount of turpentine.

If there is no positive effect and the clinical picture worsens, you should seek medical help.

Diet for bronchitis

Eating the right foods for bronchitis will help you recover quickly. During illness, it is necessary to increase the amount of water consumed, since liquid initiates the discharge of sputum. Vegetables and fruits, especially sour ones, support the body's immune forces, helping it fight illness. Nutrition for bronchitis should not be limited. Fasting is required only if signs of intoxication appear, but it should not be long.