Patient's question:
Excessive phlegm, occasional severe coughing, accompanied by asthma, rarely asthma during naps. Hospitalized for a half month with fever at birth for 9 days, and upon discharge, the trachea occasionally made a rustling sound, which disappeared after coughing. Phlegm has been excessive ever since. At 6 months, I went to the hospital for a thorough examination, and the doctor said it would improve as I get older...Doctor's answer:
Bronchitis refers to the chronic non-specific inflammation of the mucous membranes of the trachea, urethra, and their surrounding tissues. Clinical diagnosis is characterized by long-term cough, sputum production, or accompanied by wheezing and recurrent episodes.Medical Advice:
(1) Suppressing Infection: Antibiotics should be used based on the main pathogen, severity, or drug sensitivity test results. Mild cases can be treated orally, while more severe cases may require intramuscular or intravenous administration. Commonly used antibiotics include penicillin G, erythromycin, aminoglycosides, quinolones, and cephalosporins. Narrow-spectrum antibiotics should be used alone when possible, avoiding broad-spectrum antibiotics to prevent secondary infections or the development of drug-resistant strains.
(2) Expectorant and Cough Suppressant: During acute recurrence, expectorants and cough suppressants should be used alongside infection control measures to stabilize symptoms. Patients with delayed recovery should tolerate medication to ensure complete symptom resolution. Common medications include ammonium chloride mixture, bromhexine, and viognin. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) such as Qingfei also has some efficacy. For elderly or frail patients with weak cough or excessive sputum, expectorants should be prioritized to aid sputum clearance and maintain airway patency. Strong cough suppressants like codeine should be avoided to prevent central nervous system depression, airway relaxation, and complications that may worsen the condition.
(3) Spasm Relief and Asthma Relief: Aminophylline and terbutaline are commonly taken orally, while salbutamol is used as an inhalant. If airway dilation agents still fail to relieve persistent airway obstruction, corticosteroids such as prednisone (20–40 mg/day) may be used.
(4) Aerosol Therapy: Aerosol humidification or the addition of compound benzoin tincture can dissolve secretions in the trachea, facilitating sputum clearance. For viscous, difficult-to-cough sputum, magnetic resonance aerosol inhalation may provide assistance, often combined with antibiotics and sputum thinners.