Disease of the respiratory system. Respiratory system diseases: symptoms and treatment. Diseases of the organs of vision and hearing and their prevention

Damage to the airways, lungs and pleura are called respiratory diseases. They may have infectious, allergic or autoimmune causes. Everyone is susceptible to these diseases age categories during the whole year. Pathologies respiratory system are considered the most preventable, but at the same time they are the most common in the structure of primary morbidity. Most of them are dangerous due to their complications and death.

Classification of respiratory system diseases

The science of pulmonology deals with the study of respiratory diseases. It includes the study of not only the airways, but also the structures that provide the act of breathing - the central nervous system, main and auxiliary respiratory muscles, circulatory and lymphatic vessels and etc.

Depending on the location and cause, they distinguish great amount pathologies of the respiratory system. The list of diseases is as follows:

Causes

The etiology of diseases of the respiratory system is very diverse; it can be conditionally divided into two large groups - pathologies caused by infections and aseptic:

In the occurrence of any disease, an important role is played by the body’s defense factors, i.e. the ability to resist external environment. Pathologies of the respiratory system do not occur if the person’s immunity is stable. Therefore, the following provoking factors are identified:

• hereditary predisposition;
• presence of chronic diseases ( diabetes, circulatory pathologies and others);
• environmental pollution;
• unfavorable climate;
• hypothermia;
• bad habits (alcohol, smoking, drugs, unhealthy diet);
• sedentary lifestyle;
• conditioning;
• stress;
• immune disorders.

Athletes and people leading active image life, suffer less from diseases of the respiratory system, since the basis for the prevention of these pathologies is physical activity.

Symptoms

Symptoms of respiratory system diseases can be very diverse. The main and most frequently occurring signs of this group of pathologies are identified:

• Cough. Almost always indicates problems in the respiratory system.
• Dyspnea. It can be a symptom not only of problems with the respiratory tract, but also of diseases of the cardiovascular system. Therefore, careful differential diagnosis. It can also appear in non-pathological conditions, for example, in pregnant women. Their uterus puts pressure on their lungs, causing women to feel short of breath.
• Chest pain. Often a symptom of pleurisy and pneumonia.
• Sputum production of various types. This sign indicates the presence of inflammatory processes in the bronchopulmonary system.
• Increased body temperature. In combination with the above symptoms, it confirms the presence of infectious or inflammatory reactions in the respiratory tract.

Among the diseases of the respiratory system, the most common are ARVI, sinusitis, tonsillitis, pneumonia, COPD, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis and pulmonary embolism.

Bronchial asthma

This is a disease that affects not only adults, but also children. Characterized by the appearance of inflammatory and allergic changes in the bronchial tree.

Bronchial asthma in an adult can be suspected if the following picture is present:

• sudden attacks of suffocation or shortness of breath, which are accompanied by arrhythmic breathing and tachycardia;
• the syndrome consists of 3 stages (precursors, peak and reverse development);
• dry cough synchronous with shortness of breath, may go away at the end of the attack a small amount of sputum;
• a relieving position during an attack is orthoptic (sitting, the patient holds tightly to the bed);
• allergies in the past or present;
• seasonality of exacerbations;
• deterioration of the condition upon contact with allergens, smoke, physical and emotional stress;
• frequent colds;
• rapid inhalation and slow noisy whistling exhalation, audible from a distance;
• swelling of the neck veins on exhalation;
• puffy face with cyanosis;
• improvement of the condition when taking antihistamines or antiasthmatic drugs;
• nails are like “watch glasses”, the distal phalanges of the fingers are like “drum sticks”.

In children of the first year of life, coughing attacks usually appear before and after sleep; in an upright position, symptoms weaken. A few minutes before this, the child begins to cry and be capricious, which is most often associated with nasal congestion. Inhalation and exhalation are accompanied by whistling, breathing becomes intermittent.

Children over 1 year of age also have the following symptoms:

• prolonged dry cough;
• severe pressure in the chest and inability to breathe;
• when trying to breathe through the mouth, a coughing attack occurs.

ARVI

Acute respiratory viral infections can be caused by various viruses, in particular influenza, parainfluenza, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus. Each of them is characterized by damage to certain parts of the respiratory tract.

The influenza virus attacks the upper parts of the respiratory system, leading to laryngitis, tracheitis and bronchitis. But it poses the greatest danger due to its ability to cause severe intoxication of the body.

Adenoviruses can damage the upper and lower Airways, and gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, along with breathing disorders, dyspeptic symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) often occur. More often adenovirus infection causes diseases such as nasopharyngitis, nasopharyngobronchitis, rhinopharyngotonsillitis, pharyngoconjunctivitis, pneumonia.

Respiratory syncytial virus is characterized by damage lower sections respiratory system and leads to the development of bronchiolitis (in children) and pneumonia (in adults).

Rhinovirus is tropic to the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and provokes the appearance of rhinitis and, less commonly, sinusitis. This is the mildest form of acute respiratory viral infections.

Parainfluenza is characterized by damage upper sections, but in children the lower ones can also suffer. The infection leads to diseases such as rhinitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis; children may have brochnitis, bronchiolitis, and alveolitis.

Symptoms of these pathologies are the following:

Angina

Sore throat (tonsillitis, tonsillopharyngitis, pharyngitis) is a very common disease of the respiratory system, which most often affects children. It is dangerous not because of its manifestations, but because of possible complications in long term- valvular heart disease, glomerulonephritis. The disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

• acute onset - with a sore throat;
• headache;
• temperature +38...+39 degrees for 3-5 days;
• in children, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting;
• enlarged tonsils, throat hyperemia;
• swelling and tenderness of the submandibular lymph nodes;
• moderate cough and hoarseness;
• severe pain in the throat, especially when talking and swallowing;
• in children, nausea and diarrhea;
• the child’s refusal to eat and drink due to pain when swallowing.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis (maxillary sinusitis) is inflammation of the maxillary sinus. It can occur as a complication of acute or chronic rhinitis or independently. The disease can occur in acute and chronic forms, and is characterized by the following manifestations:

• loss of smell;
• temperature +37…+38 degrees;
• intense constant pain in the temples and bridge of the nose, worsening when tilting the head and in the evening;
• discomfort radiates to the forehead, nose, teeth;
• frequent cough;
• constant nasal discharge, sometimes purulent (may occur without a runny nose);
• nasal voice;
• memory impairment.

In chronic sinusitis, the clinical picture is less pronounced. Symptoms do not go away for more than 8 weeks, patients are worried persistent runny nose and cough that cannot be treated, headaches, pain in the orbit. The occurrence of frequent conjunctivitis is characteristic.

Pulmonary tuberculosis

Tuberculous cavity

Tuberculosis is studied by a separate science - phthisiology. She is researching treatment not only for pulmonary forms of this disease, but also for extrapulmonary ones. On this moment Throughout the world, the incidence of tuberculosis is increasing, with damage to the respiratory system taking the first place. Mycobacterium can lead to pathologies of various structures of the respiratory tract, as a result of which tuberculous bronchoadenitis, pneumonia and pleurisy are distinguished.

The disease manifests itself with the following symptoms:

• acute or gradual onset (may be asymptomatic for a long time);
• cough with or without sputum production for more than 3 weeks;
• the appearance of blood with sputum;
• weight loss;
• frequent dizziness;
• blush on the face;
• enlarged lymph nodes, “cold” inflammation;
• pain under the sternum, behind the shoulders, under the shoulder blades;
• temperature +37.5…+38 degrees in the evening;
• sweating at night;
• dyspnea;
• digestive disorders.

Symptoms in children are not specific. In addition to the lungs, other organs are often affected (tuberculosis of the bronchial glands, tuberculous meningitis). The main form of the disease in children is chronic tuberculosis intoxication.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by a steadily progressive course. The disease is based on a violation of the elasticity of the lung tissue and damage to the bronchial tree.

There are two types of disease:

1. Bronchitic (“blue leaks”) - cough with copious sputum, intoxication, cyanosis skin, complications at a young age.
2. Emphysematous (“pink puffers”, emphysema - stretching of the lung) - expiratory shortness of breath (difficulty exhaling), exhaustion, pinkish skin color, barrel-shaped chest. With it, people live to old age, which is characterized by:

• chronic cough with sputum;
• exacerbations for several days or weeks;
• difficulty in daily physical activity;
• severity of symptoms in the morning;
• shortness of breath, worsened by physical activity, dust, cold air.

In older people, with age, the elasticity of the lung tissue is impaired and a disease such as emphysema occurs. It is characterized by the appearance of similar symptoms, but the cough is often dry, and sputum is very rarely produced.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia (pneumonia) is one of the most serious diseases of the respiratory system. Characterized by development inflammatory lesion lung parenchyma and leads to breathing problems. In children, the course of the disease is more severe than in adults.

At older ages, the following symptom complex develops:

• a sharp rise in temperature to +38…+40;
• headache;
• dry cough on the 3-5th day, then wet;
• chest pain when coughing and breathing;
• dyspnea;
• mucopurulent or purulent sputum streaked with blood (“rusty”);
• herpetic rashes on the face;
• cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle.

In young children:

• low-grade fever;
• frequent crying for no reason;
• lag of one half from the other when breathing (unilateral process);
• cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle, distal phalanges of the fingers during excitement, feeding.

Possible complications of pneumonia:

• acute respiratory failure;
• abscesses;
• gangrene of the lung;
• pleurisy;
• cardiopulmonary failure;
• meningitis;
• myocarditis;
• endocarditis;
• infectious-toxic shock;
• psychosis.

Pulmonary embolism

A condition characterized by blockage of the branches of the pulmonary artery by a thrombus. This leads to exclusion from gas exchange lung area. The severity of the disease depends on which vessel was affected: the smaller its caliber, the greater the chances of survival.

For pulmonary embolismThe following typical manifestations are characteristic:

• acute, subacute or chronic course;
• suffocation;
• chest pain;
• cyanosis of the face and neck;
• increased breathing;
• loss of consciousness, shock;
• low blood pressure;
• tachycardia;
• arrhythmia;
• swelling of the neck veins;
• painful enlargement of the liver;
• temperature +37…+39 degrees;
• hemoptysis (typical for children).

Very often the disease causes sudden death.

Treatment and prevention

Treatment of diseases of the respiratory system will primarily depend on the type of disease and its etiology. Each pathology has its own developed treatment regimen.

In the treatment and prevention of all diseases of the respiratory tract, some key points can be highlighted:

Many of the above diseases require hospitalization and treatment only in inpatient conditions. Therefore, you cannot ignore the symptoms of pathologies; at the first signs you need to seek help from a specialist.

Respiratory diseases often affect people; according to statistics, they are as common as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. All diseases have a negative effect on the respiratory function of an adult or child, sometimes knocking them out of their usual way of life for a long time. Each pathology has its own symptoms, causes, course and methods of treatment.

Anatomical features

The respiratory system is divided into upper and lower tracts. The top ones include nasal cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx and part of the oral cavity.

The nasal cavity is divided by a septum, through which air passes into the nasopharynx. The nose moisturizes and disinfects the air, warms it in cold weather.

The pharynx connects the organs of the upper respiratory tract (UR) with the lower ones.

The lower airways include the larynx, trachea, bronchi and lungs.

The funnel-shaped larynx consists of cartilage tissue, through which air enters a tracheal tube approximately 11 cm long.

The trachea divides into two bronchi, which enter the lungs to form the bronchial tree. It contains air-filled alveoli, small bubbles with a diameter of 0.14–0.26 mm. The alveoli are penetrated by a network of capillaries. Their walls are lined with flat single-layer epithelium, through which gas exchange occurs.

Lungs - paired organ, located in the chest, they are surrounded by two layers of pleura - pulmonary and parietal. Between the leaves of the pleura there is pleural fluid.

The function of the system is to ensure gas exchange between inhaled air and blood circulating in the pulmonary circulation.

Diseases and symptoms

There are many known pathologies of DP that are diagnosed in humans:

• Pneumonia is an infectious disease of lung tissue that affects the alveoli, which fill with fluid. Signs of pneumonia are cough, shortness of breath, chest pain and general intoxication.
• Bronchitis - occurs with severe cough and sputum production, fever and spasms in the throat.
• Bronchial asthma - reduces the lumen of the bronchi, reduces their permeability. With asthma, patients have difficulty breathing and a prolonged cough.
• In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), proper gas exchange is disrupted. The main manifestations are sputum production and shortness of breath.
• In pulmonary artery thromboembolism, a thrombus clogs a branch of the pulmonary artery. Signs of embolism - sharp pain behind the sternum, severe shortness of breath and cough, dizziness, even loss of consciousness. In this case, emergency medical assistance is required.
• Inflammation of the pleura - the main manifestations of dry and exudative pleurisy are heaviness and pain behind the sternum, shortness of breath, fever.
• Among the common diseases, sinusitis is an inflammatory process of the sinuses. In severe forms, the patient suffers from acute pain purulent discharge appears in the area of ​​the nose and head.
• Sore throat is an infectious disease that affects the tonsils. Manifestations of a sore throat are a sore throat that gets worse when swallowing, fever, and general malaise.

If the disease is associated with the respiratory system, the symptoms, as a rule, are determined immediately; they are quite characteristic and vivid.

A person should know them so that at the first signs of illness, he or she can contact him as quickly as possible. medical institution for accurate diagnosis:

1. Often patients suffer from a prolonged cough, either wet, with sputum, or dry. With bronchial inflammation it is constant, with pneumonia or flu it occurs from time to time.
2. Shortness of breath accompanies most inflammatory processes. It is divided into inspiratory, when inhalation is difficult, and expiratory, in which case it is difficult to exhale. Sometimes suffocation occurs - the most severe form of shortness of breath.
3. Pain syndrome can be localized in any part of the body, it can be of different nature and intensity.
4. In some cases, blood appears in the sputum, usually with severe pathologies - tuberculosis, abscesses or cancer.

Treatment is strictly individual, its duration depends on the diagnosis, age, general condition of the patient and many other factors.

Causes of inflammatory processes

Diseases of the human respiratory system often cause pathogenic microorganisms- pneumococci, legionella, hemophilus influenzae, chlamydia, viral infections and others.

In addition, the cause of AOD can be different types of allergens that are present:

• in medications, which often include antibiotics and enzymes;
• in mold spores;
• in products, usually dairy or citrus fruits;
• in plants and their pollen;
• in household chemicals.

There are factors that provoke the disease, which include poor environmental conditions - pollution, habits harmful to health - alcohol abuse and smoking. Unfavorable climatic conditions- cold, high humidity, wind, as well as foci of infection in the body.

Household appliances (vacuum cleaner, air conditioner, etc.), if you do not take care of the filter and do not clean it, it becomes a source of infection.

IN upholstered furniture and textile products (sofas, armchairs, mattresses, blankets). Household dust contains microparticles and microorganisms (dust mites) that can collect in different parts of the apartment.

Diagnostics

For diagnostic studies modern medicine uses a spectrum various techniques. The main and most common.

Endoscopic examination

• Bronchoscopy - using a bronchoscope device, the doctor examines the mucous membranes of the trachea and bronchi. The bronchoscope is inserted into the trachea through the mouth so that the patient does not experience painful sensations, the process takes place under anesthesia. If necessary, a miniature camera and biopsy forceps are attached to the device - they are used to remove foreign bodies and remove polyps.
• For thoracoscopy, a thoracoscope device is used; it allows the doctor to immediately examine the lungs, take tissue for a biopsy and, if necessary, take pictures. It is administered through a puncture in the chest under general anesthesia.

Ultrasound diagnostics

Ultrasound reveals pleural effusions. It is used to control punctures and removal of fluid from the pleural area.

Pleural puncture

Pleural puncture is done under local anesthesia - the contents of the cavity are taken for analysis through a small puncture. Manipulation is carried out if pleurisy, tumors, or accumulation of air or fluid in the lungs are suspected.

Pathanatomy

List existing methods I could go on, but these are used more often than others. To obtain a more accurate picture, as a rule, several different diagnostic methods are used.

Complex treatment

Diseases of the human respiratory system are widespread in both children and adults, so increased attention is paid to combating them.

Treatment is aimed at thinning, reducing the amount and removing sputum. Spasms of the bronchial muscles are relieved, the process of gas exchange is normalized, and inflammatory processes are eliminated.

Drug therapy uses a wide range of drugs:

• Anti-inflammatory.
• Aimed at fighting viruses and bacteria.
• Mucolytic - to liquefy and remove mucus.
• Against intoxication of the body.
• To expand the lumen of the bronchi - bronchodilators, they make breathing easier.
• Antitussives - will help relieve a debilitating cough.
• Relieving allergic reactions.
• To increase the protective functions of the body - vitamins and microelements.

In addition to medications, physiotherapeutic treatment, inhalations, special gymnastics on breathing, manual therapy and other methods.

In some cases, diuretics are used and antihypertensive drugs, as well as drugs to relieve pain. If therapeutic methods If they are powerless, they use surgery.

Studies have shown that during pregnancy some drugs are strictly prohibited, in particular, these include Ibuprofen, Analgin, acetylsalicylic acid and others.

Preventive measures

Preventing the development of a disease is much easier than treating it. Therefore, doctors recommend various preventive measures. They are divided into specific ones, which involve vaccination and the introduction of serum. As well as non-specific ones, which are carried out in order to reduce negative factors, causing ZOD, as well as to strengthen the entire body.

The basis of prevention is correct image life. First of all, it increases the immunity and immunity of the body to external adverse factors.

1. The range of activities includes walks in the fresh air, therapeutic swimming, cycling, and other physical activity.
2. A balanced diet, including all the substances necessary for human life - fruits, vegetables, dairy products, lean meat, fish, nuts and honey.
3. Get a full eight hours of sleep, alternating physical activity and rest, hardening.
4. Giving up bad habits - excessive drinking and smoking - is very dangerous. Smokers suffer from bronchitis much more often and more severely. Oncological diseases occur in smokers up to 25 times more often.
5. When working in dusty enterprises, you need to monitor the ventilation of the premises and use personal respiratory protection.
6. Need daily wet cleaning premises - residential or industrial. Maintain normal air humidity, use aromatic lamps with essential oils, preferably pine needle phytoncides.
7. You need to breathe through your nose, it plays an important function - it cleanses, moisturizes and warms the air.

During epidemics, avoid contact with sick people whenever possible.. Strictly observe personal hygiene. Avoid visiting places where many people gather. If this cannot be avoided, when you come home, rinse your nasal cavity saline solution. When interacting with sick people, wear medical masks.

The respiratory system performs the most important function- supplies the body with oxygen. You should be attentive to yourself and your loved ones, especially children, so that a minor ailment does not develop into a serious problem that can lead not only to disability, but also to death.

Organ diseases

breathing

The human respiratory apparatus consists of the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi and lungs.

The upper respiratory tract is distinguished, which includes the nose with its accessory cavities, the pharynx, divided into the upper section (nasopharynx), middle and lower sections, and the larynx. The trachea, bronchi and lungs make up the lower respiratory tract.

Breathing occurs automatically and is controlled by the respiratory center located in the medulla oblongata. In an adult, the number of breaths per minute is 16-24; in children, breathing is more frequent/

The normal physiological function of breathing can be disrupted by various disease processes in airways or in the lung tissue itself.

Runny nose(rhinitis) – inflammation of the nasal mucosa. There are acute and chronic runny nose.

Coryza It can occur as an independent disease or be one of the signs of some infectious and allergic diseases. Predisposing factors are hypothermia and sudden temperature fluctuations. At acute runny nose Both nasal passages are usually affected. General malaise, lack of appetite, and difficulty in nasal breathing appear. The patient sneezes, feels dryness and burning in the nose, throat and nasopharynx, sometimes the temperature rises (up to 37.5º), and a large amount of watery discharge forms in the nose. An acute runny nose can be complicated by otitis media, bronchitis and even pneumonia.

Chronic runny nose occurs as a result of frequently recurring acute runny nose, purulent inflammation of the paranasal cavities, after infectious diseases. External causes include prolonged exposure to various dusts, gases, etc. The signs of a chronic runny nose are the same as those of an acute runny nose, but are not so pronounced.

In order to prevent the occurrence of a runny nose, you should regularly harden the body, strictly control your diet, and carry out vitamin and climatotherapy.

Pharyngitis. Acute inflammation of the nose often spreads to the nasopharynx, causing irritation of the pharyngeal mucosa, a tickling sensation, and the release of thick or thin mucus. The glandular apparatus of the pharynx increases in size and hypertrophies. The infectious origin, having penetrated into the folds of the glands, remains in them for a long time, thus maintaining the inflammatory state.

Having turned from protective organ as a source of infection, the lymph glands of the nasopharynx can lead to the development of a chronic septic process.

Laryngitis– inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx. There are acute and chronic laryngitis. It manifests itself as an increase in temperature, general malaise, and the appearance of hoarseness. Patients complain of tickling, soreness, a feeling of stuffiness, and dry throat. The cough is initially dry and later accompanied by coughing up sputum. The sensitivity of the larynx is pronounced, however painful sensations almost absent. There is usually no difficulty breathing.

Most often, the disease occurs during acute infections of the upper respiratory tract, influenza, measles, scarlet fever, whooping cough, etc.; its development is promoted by general or local hypothermia, especially inhalation of cold air through the mouth. In some cases, the disease can be complicated by bronchitis and pneumonia. In children, due to the narrowness of the larynx, shortness of breath is very often observed.

The duration of the disease ranges from several days to several weeks. At bad treatment acute laryngitis can become chronic. Drug treatment is carried out by a doctor. An important point is to comply with the voice regime (loud talking and shouting are prohibited). Avoid hot and spicy foods. It is recommended to drink plenty of warm drinks, mustard plasters, cups on the chest and back. For frequently recurring laryngitis, warm rubdowns at night and cool rubdowns in the morning are recommended to strengthen the body.

Tracheitis. Acute inflammation of the tracheal mucosa most often occurs after a cold (cooling), after inhaling dust or irritating gases and vapors, for example, sulfurous and nitric acid. These temperature, mechanical and chemical irritants reduce the resistance of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. Microbes usually found in the respiratory tract (pneumococci, micrococci, less commonly streptococci, etc.) cause and maintain inflammation.

Inflammatory swelling of the tracheal mucosa irritates the sensitive nerves of the mucosa, and a cough appears from the first day of the disease. At first it is dry, often paroxysmal, then with the cough a little viscous glassy mucus is released, and after a few days the cough becomes softer and a large amount of mucopurulent sputum is easily released. With tracheitis, the patient feels scratching, burning, and rawness behind the sternum, which intensifies with coughing.

Due to a strong cough, chest pain may occur from overexertion of the chest muscles. At the onset of the disease, general weakness, fatigue, and decreased appetite are observed. The temperature is normal or increased to 38º in the first days.

The patient should be protected from cold, smoke and other unfavorable factors. Diaphoretic treatment works well: at night, a warmly covered patient is given three or four glasses of hot tea or raspberry infusion, linden blossom. Warming compresses and dry cups relieve pain and cough; Mustard plasters on the sternum area reduce the feeling of rawness during tracheitis.

Bronchitis– an inflammatory disease of the bronchi caused by viruses and microbes. Adenoids, foci of infection in the form of sinusitis, chronic tonsillitis increase the risk of the disease. A factor predisposing to the development of the disease is hypothermia, so the peak incidence of bronchitis occurs in the cold season. In most cases, bronchitis manifests itself as an acute respiratory viral infection and is the result of the spread of the inflammatory process from the pharynx, nasopharynx to the bronchi. The main symptom of bronchitis is a cough, which at first is dry and persistent. With frequent, persistent cough, pain may occur behind the sternum or in the chest. After four to five days, the cough becomes less frequent, soft, moist, and sputum appears. With the appearance of sputum, the patient’s well-being improves: painful attacks of coughing and chest pain disappear.

Bronchitis may be accompanied by more pronounced inflammatory phenomena of the bronchial mucosa, its swelling, and the release of large amounts of mucus, leading to narrowing of the bronchi, their spasm and blockage. In this case, not only large and medium-sized bronchi are affected, but also small bronchi. The patient's well-being is significantly disturbed, a frequent wet cough appears, difficulty exhaling, shortness of breath at rest. In this case, breathing becomes whistling and can be heard from a distance.

Chronical bronchitis. Chronic inflammation of the bronchial mucosa can develop after repeated acute bronchitis, with chronic catarrhs ​​of the nose and pharynx, with prolonged inhalation of dust (for example, in masons, millers), with chronic diseases lungs and heart.

The most common symptoms of bronchitis are cough, sputum production and wheezing heard in the lung area. Chronic bronchitis develops gradually and worsens in the cold season. At first, the cough occurs only in the morning; a small amount of viscous sputum is released with the cough. Over time, the cough intensifies, often becomes paroxysmal, bothering the patient not only during the day, but also at night. The amount of sputum gradually increases; At first it is mucous, then it acquires a mucopurulent character.

Chronic bronchitis, continuing for many years, eventually causes significant changes in the lungs and general condition sick. The inflammatory process affects not only the mucous membrane, but also spreads to the entire wall of the bronchus and the surrounding lung tissue. The walls of the bronchi, due to the development of connective tissue in them, become more pliable. Under the influence of frequent coughing impulses, as well as wrinkling of the connective tissue around the bronchi, in some places a protrusion of the bronchial wall and their expansion (bronchiectasis) is formed. At the same time, the elasticity of the lung tissue decreases, and lung expansion develops. Prolonged cough and expansion of the lungs create difficulties for blood flow in the pulmonary circulation; the work of the right ventricle of the heart increases, and over time it becomes fatigued and weakened.

In order to reduce the symptoms of bronchitis and stop the progression of the disease, it is necessary to eliminate harmful factors that contribute to the development of bronchitis (smoking, dust, cooling) and treat the disease that causes or maintains bronchitis (inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, bronchial asthma, cardiac decompensation).

The condition of patients is improved by prolonged exposure to the fresh air in the warm season. Climate treatment in the south, on the Black Sea coast, gives good results. For bronchitis with abundant sputum, a warm, dry or mountainous climate is indicated.

Bronchial asthma. Bronchial asthma is called chronic illness, manifested by attacks of suffocation. Choking is caused by a sudden narrowing of the lumen of the small bronchi due to contraction of their muscles and swelling of the mucous membrane. Bronchial asthma usually begins at a young age. The development of asthma is sometimes preceded by chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, influenza, and neuropsychic shocks. For many patients with asthma, an attack occurs when they smell a certain smell or inhale any type of dust (hay, feathers, wool, etc.); for some, attacks occur only at home; for others, attacks may disappear after moving to another area. Bronchial asthma is an allergic disease. An allergic condition is characterized by increased sensitivity of the body to any substance or microbe, the introduction of which into the body even in minute quantities (for example, by inhalation) causes excessive strong reaction. In bronchial asthma, inhalation of substances to which the patient is sensitive causes a sharp reaction from the nervous system; nuclear irritation vagus nerve and its pulmonary branches causes spasm of the muscles of the small bronchi and an attack of suffocation.

During an attack, the patient must be calmed, freed from clothes that are constricting his chest, and the room ventilated. Treatment of patients with bronchial asthma outside of an attack is reduced to eliminating factors causing an attack, and to a decrease in increased sensitivity and excitability of the body. It is useful for patients to stay in the fresh air. Climatic treatment is carried out on the seashore or in the mountains, provided there is a complete absence of dust, including flower dust.

Emphysema is a disease caused by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue. With emphysema, the lung is constantly in a state of inhalation, since the elastic fibers in the lungs have lost their ability to contract. An emphysematous lung has a larger volume than normal. Diseases that cause emphysema include primarily bronchitis and peribronchitis. Whooping cough, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis and a number of other diseases accompanied by cough, as well as toxic effects on the lung tissue itself, on its elastic elements, can lead to the development of emphysema. The main symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath. The latter appears during physical stress and reaches a high degree due to the fact that the lungs are not able to cover the demands for oxygen made by the body. The course of emphysema is chronic. Emphysema can develop at an early age, but it usually occurs in middle age and especially in old age. Emphysema usually occurs in old age. Patients under normal conditions can live a long time and even work with relatively large emphysema. Patients suffering from emphysema eventually develop heart failure. Chronic pulmonary emphysema is an incurable disease due to significant and irreversible anatomical changes in the lung tissue and chest.

Pneumonia- infectious lung disease. Caused by various microbes: pneumococci, staphylococci and other bacteria and viruses. Inflammation of the lungs develops not only when microbes enter the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract from the surrounding air: during hypothermia, microbes that are constantly present in the oral cavity and on the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract become pathogenic and can also cause illness. Pneumonia is not only a local lesion of the respiratory system, but also a general disease of the entire body.

The initial manifestations of the disease coincide with the signs of acute respiratory disease– runny nose, cough, headache, lethargy appear. Body temperature may remain normal, but more often at the beginning of the disease it rises to 37.5-37.8º, and later even more. It may fluctuate throughout the day, decreasing in the morning and increasing in the evening. Sometimes the onset of pneumonia is sudden, acute, accompanied by a rise in body temperature from the first hours of illness. The patient's appetite decreases, thirst appears, loose stools and vomiting are possible. A characteristic sign of pneumonia is shortness of breath, the respiratory rate increases to 70-80 per minute. When breathing, the wings of the nose swell, the muscles of the chest tense.

Frequent diseases of acute respiratory viral infections, bronchitis, and prolonged pneumonia create conditions for the development of chronic pneumonia, which occurs in waves, with periodic exacerbations. One of the constant signs of chronic pneumonia may be a cough and sputum (mucopurulent, profuse). The patient coughs; the cough may bother him at night in bed or in the morning; in some patients it is persistent and prolonged. Brief rises in temperature may be observed. The latent course of exacerbations and the vagueness of signs contribute to the fact that sometimes the patient’s condition is incorrectly assessed and they are not considered sick. If treatment is not prescribed in a timely manner, chronic pneumonia can lead to disability. Correct treatment and care can only be provided in a hospital setting. Systematic hardening of the body is important for preventing the disease. In preventing illness in children, the fight against ARVI plays an important role; Children with adenoids, chronic tonsillitis, inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, and often suffering from bronchitis require special attention.

Literature

Vasilenko V.Kh. Internal illnesses. M., 1996.

Smoleva E.V. Nursing in therapy with a primary care course. Rostov-on-Don, 2006.

Big medical encyclopedia. M., 1989.

Directory of general practitioners. M., 1993.

The respiratory system consists of the nasal passages, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs and pleura (the connective tissue membrane covering the lungs).

The respiratory system ensures that oxygen enters the body, enters the blood and releases carbon dioxide from the body.

Among all diseases, respiratory diseases are recorded most often.

The main respiratory diseases are bronchitis, pneumonia, chronic obstructive disease lungs, bronchial asthma, bronchiectasis, interstitial lung diseases, respiratory distress syndrome, pleurisy and pulmonary embolism.

Causes of respiratory diseases

• Infectious - all kinds of viruses, bacteria, fungi, entering the body, can cause inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system (bronchitis, pneumonia).
• Allergic – many allergens (pollen, food, household, etc.) with which we come into daily contact contribute to the development of a violent reaction of the body to some allergens, and as a result, respiratory diseases (bronchial asthma).
• Autoimmune - sometimes a malfunction occurs in the body, and it begins to produce substances directed against own cells(ideopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis).
• Hereditary factor– predisposition to the development of certain diseases may lie in the hereditary apparatus (genes). Hereditary factors play a role in the development of idiopathic fibrosing alveolitis.

When talking about the causes of respiratory diseases, one cannot help but touch upon the modern lifestyle. Smoking, alcohol abuse, workaholism. Many of us belong to the category of “office” workers who sit in one place all day long, in crowded offices, breathing air from the air conditioner, inhaling suspended particles of ink released as a result of the work of copiers and scanners into our lungs.

• If many people stay in one room for a long time (especially poorly ventilated), then the risk of catching ARVI, bronchitis or pneumonia increases significantly. All it takes is for one person to come into the office sick, and all of his employees risk contracting the same disease.
• The air conditioner that we use to cool or heat the air also allows microorganisms to multiply and spread indoors, causing infectious and inflammatory diseases (bronchitis, pneumonia, ARVI) in office employees.
• Copiers and printers, which are crowded in offices, help reduce the body's defenses, provoke the development of allergic diseases, bronchitis and bronchial asthma.

Characteristics of the main respiratory diseases

• Bronchitis– an inflammatory disease characterized by damage to the bronchi. The main symptom of bronchitis is cough. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Chronic bronchitis is diagnosed if a cough with sputum production is observed for at least three months a year for two years or more.
• Pneumonia– an acute infectious and inflammatory disease that affects lung tissue, the inflammatory process affects the alveoli, and they fill with fluid. Pneumonia can be caused by various pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, rickettsia). Pneumonia is a disease characterized by severe course. Along with general intoxication symptoms (fever, general weakness), cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain are observed in pneumonia.
• Bronchial asthma– chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract, with allergic component. During the course of the disease, the patency of the bronchi is impaired, and their lumen may narrow. Bronchial asthma is manifested by attacks of suffocation, coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)– inflammation of the bronchi of a non-allergic nature, in which a narrowing of the bronchi occurs, as a result of which normal gas exchange in the body is disrupted. The main symptoms of COPD are cough with sputum production and shortness of breath.
• Bronchiectasis– a chronic disease in which there is dilation of the bronchi of the lower parts of the lungs and their suppuration. The main symptoms of bronchiectasis are cough with purulent sputum, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
• Respiratory distress syndrome– acute respiratory failure due to acute lung injury caused by for various reasons, manifested by pulmonary edema of non-cardiac origin, respiratory failure.
• Pulmonary embolism (PE)– blockage of a branch of the pulmonary artery by a blood clot that has formed in the veins great circle blood circulation, and then was carried with the bloodstream into the vessels of the lungs. The main complaints of patients with pulmonary embolism are sudden chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, dizziness, and palpitations.
• Interstitial lung diseases– a group of diseases in which inflammation of the walls of the alveoli (alveolitis) and the surrounding interstitial tissue is observed. Interstitial lung diseases - histiocytosis X, Goodpasture's syndrome, idiopathic fibrosing alveolitis, etc.
• Pleurisy– inflammation of the pleura, the connective tissue membrane that covers the lungs. Pleurisy is a complication of many respiratory diseases. Pleurisy can be dry and exudative. With exudative pleurisy, effusion accumulates between the layers of the pleura, as a result of which patients are bothered by a feeling of heaviness in the chest, shortness of breath, and cough. With dry (fibrinous) pleurisy, fibrin threads form on the layers of the pleura. Sick fibrinous pleurisy complain of chest pain when coughing, turning, low-grade fever.

The human respiratory system consists of nasal passages , larynx , trachea , larynx , bronchi And lungs . The human lungs are surrounded by a thin connective membrane called pleura . The right and left lungs are located in the chest. Light - very important organ, since blood flow directly depends on its work. Therefore, in lung diseases in which lung tissue is affected, not only respiratory functions, but also pathological changes occur in the human bloodstream.

Regulates the activity of the respiratory organs respiratory center , which is located in the medulla oblongata.

Causes of respiratory diseases

In some cases, the disease is caused by a single type of pathogen. In this case, we are talking about monoinfections which is diagnosed more often. Less often in humans there are mixed infections caused by several types of pathogens.

In addition to these reasons, factors that provoke respiratory diseases can be external allergens . In this case, we are talking about household allergens, which are dust, as well as house mites, which often cause bronchial asthma. Also, the human respiratory system can be damaged by animal allergens, yeast and mold spores and fungi, pollen from a number of plants, as well as insect allergens.

Some professional factors negatively affect the condition of these organs. In particular, during the electric welding process, fumes from steel and nickel salts are released. In addition, respiratory diseases provoke some medications, food allergens.

Polluted air in which it is recorded has a negative impact on the human respiratory system. high content some chemical compounds; household pollution in residential premises, climatic conditions that are not suitable for humans; active and passive smoking.

Also identified as provoking factors are too frequent use alcohol, others chronic illnesses human, foci of chronic infection in the body, genetic factor.

Each specific respiratory disease manifests itself certain symptoms. However, experts identify some signs that are characteristic of several diseases.

One of these signs is considered. It is divided into subjective (in this case, the person complains of difficulty breathing during attacks of hysteria or neurosis), objective (a person’s breathing rhythm changes, as well as the duration of exhalation and inhalation) and combined (objective shortness of breath is observed with the addition of a subjective component, where the respiratory rate increases in some diseases). In diseases of the trachea and larynx it manifests itself inspiratory shortness of breath, which makes it difficult to breathe. If the bronchi are affected, expiratory shortness of breath is noted, which makes it difficult to exhale. Mixed shortness of breath is typical for.

The most severe form of shortness of breath is considered to occur during acute pulmonary edema . Sudden attacks Choking is characteristic of asthma.

Cough - second most characteristic features respiratory diseases. A person's cough occurs as reflex reaction for the presence of mucus in the larynx, trachea or bronchi. A cough also occurs if a foreign body enters the respiratory system. Cough manifests itself in various ailments different types. With dry pleurisy or laryngitis, a person suffers from attacks of dry cough, during which no sputum is produced.

A wet cough, which produces varying amounts of sputum, is characteristic of chronic , pneumonia , oncological diseases of the respiratory system .

With inflammatory processes in the bronchi or larynx, the cough is usually constant. If a person is sick, or pneumonia , then the cough bothers him periodically.

In some diseases of the respiratory system, the patient exhibits hemoptysis , in which blood is released along with sputum when coughing. This symptom can occur in some serious diseases of the respiratory system and in diseases of the cardiovascular system.

In addition to the symptoms described above, patients with respiratory diseases may complain of pain. The pain may be localized in different places, sometimes it is directly related to breathing, coughing fits or a certain body position.

Diagnostics

In order for the patient to be diagnosed correctly, the doctor should familiarize himself with the patient’s complaints, conduct an examination and examine using palpation, auscultation, and percussion. These methods allow you to determine additional symptoms allowing for an accurate diagnosis.

Upon examination, you can determine the pathology of the form chest, as well as breathing characteristics - frequency, type, depth, rhythm.

During palpation, you can assess the degree of vocal tremors, which can be intensified, and when pleurisy – weakened.

When examined using percussion, it is possible to determine a decrease in the amount of air in the lungs due to edema or fibrosis. With an abscess, there is no air in a lobe or part of a lobe of the lungs; in patients with emphysema, the air content increases. In addition, percussion allows you to determine the boundaries of the patient's lungs.

With the help of auscultation, you can evaluate breathing, as well as listen to wheezing, the nature of which differs in different diseases.

In addition to the above research methods, laboratory and instrumental methods are also used. The most informative are different types of x-ray methods.

With the help of endoscopic methods, which are bronchoscopy, thoracoscopy, it is possible to determine some purulent diseases and also detect tumors. Also, using bronchoscopy, you can remove foreign bodies that get inside.

In addition, methods are used functional diagnostics, with which you can determine the presence respiratory failure. Moreover, sometimes it is determined even before the first symptoms of the disease appear. For this purpose, lung volume is measured using a method called spirography. The intensity of pulmonary ventilation is also studied.

Application in the diagnostic process laboratory methods The study makes it possible to determine the composition of sputum, which, in turn, is informative for diagnosing the disease. At acute bronchitis The sputum is viscous, colorless, and mucous in nature. At pulmonary edema The sputum is foamy, colorless, and serous in nature. At tuberculosis , chronic bronchitis the sputum is greenish and viscous, has a mucopurulent character. At lung abscess the sputum is purely purulent, greenish, semi-liquid. At serious illnesses lungs, there is an admixture of blood in the sputum.

In progress microscopic examination sputum is determined by its cellular composition. Urine and blood tests are also practiced. All these research methods make it possible to diagnose diseases that affect the respiratory system and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Treatment

Considering the fact that respiratory diseases are one of the most common diseases in both children and adults, their treatment and prevention should be as clear and adequate as possible. If respiratory diseases are not diagnosed in a timely manner, then subsequently it takes much longer to treat a person’s respiratory system, and the treatment system becomes more complex.

As medicinal methods Therapy uses a number of drugs that are prescribed in a complex manner. In this case it is practiced etiotropic therapy (medicines that eliminate the cause of the disease), symptomatic treatment (eliminates the main symptoms), maintenance therapy (means for restoring functions that were impaired during the development of the disease). But any medications should be prescribed only by a doctor after a comprehensive examination. In most cases, the practice is to use drugs that are effective against a specific pathogen.

In addition, other methods are used in the treatment of diseases: physiotherapy, inhalations, manual therapy, exercise therapy, reflexology, chest massage, breathing exercises, etc.

To prevent respiratory diseases, taking into account their structure and the characteristics of the transmission of pathogens, respiratory protective equipment is used. It is very important to use the means personal protection(cotton-gauze bandages), while in direct contact with a person who has been diagnosed with a viral infection.

Let's take a closer look at some common respiratory diseases, their treatment and prevention methods.

Bronchitis

With the development of this disease, an acute inflammatory process of the bronchial mucosa occurs; in more rare cases, all layers of the bronchial walls become inflamed. The development of the disease is provoked by adenoviruses, influenza viruses, parainfluenza, a number of bacteria and mycoplasmas. Sometimes some physical factors act as causes of bronchitis. Bronchitis can develop both against the background of an acute respiratory disease, and in parallel with it. Development acute bronchitis occurs when the ability to filter air through the upper respiratory tract is impaired. In addition, bronchitis often affects smokers, people with chronic inflammation of the nasopharynx, and also those with chest deformity.

Symptoms acute bronchitis , as a rule, arise against the background laryngitis or runny nose . The patient complains about discomfort behind the sternum, he is bothered by attacks of dry or wet cough, weakness. Body temperature increases, and if the course of the disease is very severe, then the temperature can be very high. Breathing is difficult, shortness of breath is present. In view of DC voltage When coughing, pain may appear in the sternum and abdominal wall. After some time, the cough becomes wet and sputum begins to be released. As a rule, acute symptoms of the disease begin to subside around the fourth day, and if the course of the disease is favorable, then recovery is possible by the 10th day. But if the disease is joined bronchospasm , then bronchitis may develop into chronic form.

Tracheitis

At acute tracheitis The patient experiences an inflammatory process of the tracheal mucosa. It develops under the influence of bacterial, viral, or viral-bacterial infections. Inflammation can also develop under the influence of physical and chemical factors. The patient has swelling of the tracheal mucosa, hoarse voice, labored breathing. Worried about coughing attacks, as a result of which a headache develops. The cough manifests itself in the morning and at night, the temperature rises slightly, and general malaise is mild. Acute tracheitis sometimes becomes chronic.

Laryngitis

At laryngitis inflammation affects the mucous membrane of the larynx and vocal cords. Doctors divide laryngitis into chronic catarrhal And chronic hypertrophic . Depending on intensity and prevalence pathological process a certain clinical picture appears. Patients complain of hoarseness, soreness and dryness in the throat, constant feeling a foreign body in the throat, a cough in which sputum is difficult to separate.

Sinusitis

When an inflammatory process develops in the maxillary paranasal sinus nose As a rule, this is a complication of some infectious diseases. Sinusitis manifests itself under the influence of viruses or bacteria that enter through the blood or nasal cavity. maxillary sinus. With sinusitis, the patient is bothered by constantly increasing discomfort in the nose and area around the nose. The pain becomes more intense as evening time, gradually turning into general headache. Sometimes sinusitis develops on one side. Nasal breathing becomes difficult, the voice changes, becoming nasal. Sometimes the patient notes that the nostrils are blocked alternately. Nasal discharge can be either clear and mucous, or purulent and greenish in color. But if the nose is very stuffy, mucus may not be released. Body temperature sometimes rises to 38 degrees, sometimes even higher. In addition, the person experiences general malaise.

Rhinitis

Rhinitis , that is, a runny nose, is an inflammatory process of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, in which nasal congestion, discharge, and itching in the nose are observed. Rhinitis usually manifests itself as a consequence severe hypothermia under the influence of bacteria or viruses. It stands out separately, which manifests itself in people who are prone to allergic reactions. The disease develops under the influence of various allergens - plant pollen, mites, animal hair, etc. acute And chronic form of the disease. Chronic rhinitis is a consequence of external influences that disrupt the nutrition of the nasal mucosa. Also, the disease can become chronic with frequent inflammations that occur in the cavity. Only a doctor should treat this ailment, since chronic rhinitis can develop into sinusitis or sinusitis .

Angina

An acute infectious disease in which inflammation of the palatine tonsils develops and , regional to them. The pathogen multiplies in the tonsils, after which it sometimes spreads to other organs, causing complications of the disease. After streptococcal sore throat does not develop in humans. The disease begins with general feeling weakness, chills, headache. There is aching in the joints. Body temperature can rise to 39C. Gradually, the pain in the throat becomes more intense. Submandibular lymph nodes increase, their pain is present. There is redness palatine arches, uvula, tonsils. Also on the tonsils there are sometimes places where pus accumulates.

Pneumonia

At pneumonia inflammation of the lungs occurs due to infection. The alveoli, which are responsible for oxygen saturation of the blood, are affected. The disease causes enough wide range pathogens. Pneumonia often manifests itself as a complication of other respiratory diseases. Most often, the disease occurs in children, the elderly, and also in people with weakened protective forces body. The pathogens end up in the lungs, entering through the respiratory tract. Symptoms of the disease appear sharply: the temperature rises to 39-40 degrees, chest pain and cough develop. purulent sputum. The patient is bothered at night heavy sweating, and during the day - weakness. If you don't take action timely treatment illness, death is likely.

Tuberculosis

An infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. At tuberculosis The patient develops cellular allergies, specific granulomas in different organs and tissues. The lungs, bones, joints, lymph nodes, skin and other organs and systems are gradually affected. If not practiced adequate treatment, the disease is fatal. It should be noted that Mycobacterium tuberculosis is resistant to various influences. Infection occurs by airborne droplets. If a person is diagnosed tuberculosis infection, then he is assigned full course therapy with anti-tuberculosis drugs. Treatment is long-term, it takes up to 8 months. In advanced cases it is practiced surgery– part of the lung is removed.

Prevention of respiratory diseases

The simplest, but at the same time very important method Prevention of diseases of this type is considered to be an increase in the time a person spends in the fresh air. It is equally important to ventilate the room frequently.

You should stop smoking and regular use alcohol, since these habits have a particularly negative effect on the respiratory system. After all, harmful substances that are present in both tobacco and alcohol enter the lungs and injure them, and also negatively affect the mucous membranes. Heavy smokers are much more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer , and lungs , Chronical bronchitis .

Other methods of prevention include special breathing exercises, preventive inhalations from medicinal herbs, and also using essential oils . People prone to respiratory diseases are advised to grow in their home as many indoor flowers as possible, which produce oxygen .

In general, prevention of respiratory diseases consists of a healthy and active daily lifestyle.