Introduction
The human respiratory tract consists of different parts. In the beginning, after the mouth and nose, there is the throat, which is connected to the trachea under the larynx. It runs down about 10-12cm and is divided into two main bronchi at the level of the fourth thoracic vertebra.
From here they branch out further and further to the alveoli. Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, known as bronchitis or tracheobronchitis in the case of tracheal involvement, is a common disease of the respiratory tract and one of the most common reasons for consulting a doctor. Within the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, it is necessary to distinguish between acute bronchitis, as it is often experienced in winter or autumn, and chronic inflammation.
One speaks of chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes if there is coughing with sputum for at least 3 months in 2 consecutive years. The chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes is considered to be a precursor of another independent disease that occurs predominantly in smokers: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). The symptoms of bronchitis are varied and often not very specific.
Classically, an acute inflammation of the bronchial tubes is initially characterized by a irritable cough, which is often described as barking. If the inflammation is caused by viruses, as in over 90% of cases, the cough is initially dry and scratchy. After a few days, the disease changes into a secretory phase, during which increased mucus is formed in the bronchial tubes in response to the inflammation.
Bacterial inflammation of the bronchial tubes usually causes a secretion that is coughed up at the beginning of the symptoms. Especially when the trachea is also affected, patients complain of an extremely unpleasant burning pain in the throat and underneath. This is caused by the constant irritation caused by the inflammation and coughing and is sometimes described as cramping.
If the cough is particularly pronounced, small amounts of blood can be detected in the sputum. These are usually harmless, but should be clarified. If the larynx is affected, a rough, hoarse voice is another symptom.
In addition to these symptoms, there are the general symptoms typical of an infection. These include exhaustion and tiredness, and the affected persons are generally weakened. Fever is not rare.
How long the acute inflammation of the bronchial tubes lasts depends on the pathogen and the condition of the patient. Simple chronic bronchitis manifests itself in a similar way, but without fatigue and fever, but mainly by a chesty cough. In addition, the frequent occurrence of repeated slight inflammations of the bronchial tubes in a relatively short time is conspicuous.
In COPD, the obstructive, i.e. constricted component is in the foreground. This means that the bronchi are permanently constricted in addition to the inflammation and produce mucus. This chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes is classified into grades I to IV according to its severity.
Typical for patients with COPD is coughing with sputum, especially in the morning after sleeping. In addition, there is a more or less pronounced shortness of breath, which initially occurs during exertion and also causes symptoms at rest in later stages. The shortness of breath is additionally caused by a permanent over-inflation of the lungs. If there is a permanent lack of oxygen, the skin can turn blue, especially on the lips and fingers.