Therapy
The therapy of acute inflammation of the bronchial tubes primarily involves bed rest, as the disease is usually self-limiting. In addition, sufficient drinking and possibly inhalation of herbal tea steam is required. Mucolytic agents such as ACC can be used as a support to facilitate expectoration of the secretion.
Cough juices containing the active ingredient codeine can have a soothing effect on irritated coughs. Herbal remedies such as Bronchipret are also given as a supplement. Since viruses are usually responsible for inflammation of the bronchial tubes, antibiotics do not help here.
However, they can be used against bacterial infections and should be prescribed. To relieve pain, drugs such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can be used. Furthermore, the therapy of chronic bronchitis consists mainly of avoiding the pollutant in order to prevent the occurrence of COPD.
The therapy of this disease is more complicated and varied. It is necessary to distinguish between long-term therapy and the measures taken in case of an acute worsening. Depending on the stage, various active substances with different mechanisms are used.
The first step is always to avoid the noxious agent, then active substances that dilate the bronchial tubes are used first, e.g. salbutamol or formoterol. They can be used as required or as permanent medication, as well as those agents that inhibit the formation of mucus (e.g. Ipratropium). The next therapeutic step in this type of inflammation of the bronchial tubes is to prescribe cortisone, which inhibits inflammation. Theophylline can be given additionally in case of acute deterioration.In the final stage, almost every patient is given pure oxygen through the nose, which is to be inhaled 18 hours a day. If these measures are not sufficient, a lung transplantation must be considered.
Prognosis
The prognosis for the simple inflammation of the bronchi is very good. It is a common infection, which usually subsides by itself and can be fought by the above mentioned means. Chronic bronchitis, however, should be seen as a warning signal for immediate habit changes, otherwise there is a risk of developing COPD. This is a chronic progressive disease, which is not reversible and in high stages causes considerable loss of quality of life.