Question
How to effectively treat bronchitis?
Answer
Bronchitis refers to the chronic nonspecific inflammation of the trachea, bronchi, and surrounding tissues. Clinically, it is characterized by persistent cough, sputum production, or accompanied by wheezing and recurrent episodes. Treatment methods include: (1) Infection suppression: Use antibiotics based on the primary pathogen and the degree of infection or according to the drug sensitivity results of the pathogen. Mild patients can take oral medications, while severe patients may require intramuscular or intravenous administration of antibiotics. Commonly used drugs include penicillin G, erythromycin, aminoglycosides, quinolones, and cephalosporin antibiotics. It is best to avoid broad-spectrum antibiotics to prevent secondary infections or the development of drug-resistant strains. (2) Mucolytic and cough suppressant: While undergoing anti-infection treatment, use mucolytic and cough suppressant drugs to alleviate symptoms. Especially for patients with protracted courses, it is important to persist with medication to completely eliminate symptoms. Commonly used drugs include ammonium chloride syrup, bromhexine, and guaifenesin. Traditional Chinese medicine for clearing the lungs also has certain effects. For elderly individuals with weak constitutions and multiple diseases, those who are unable to cough up sputum, or those with excessive sputum production, it is essential to focus on expectoration to help expel sputum and maintain airway patency. It should be avoided to use strong cough suppressants like codeine as they may suppress the central nervous system, worsen airway obstruction and complications, leading to deterioration of the condition. (3) Antispasmodic and bronchodilation: Commonly used oral medications include aminophylline and terbutaline, or inhaled agents such as salbutamol. If there is still persistent airway obstruction after using bronchodilators, corticosteroids such as prednisone at 20-40mg/day may be used. (4) Nebulizer therapy: Nebulized humidification inhalation or adding compound benzoin tincture can dissolve secretions in the trachea, aiding in expectoration. If sputum is thick and difficult to cough up, magnetic resonance nebulizer inhalation is currently available