Wintertime is not just flu season: inflammation of the lower respiratory tract, acute bronchitis, is also at its peak during this period.
It often begins as a viral infection that initially only affects the upper respiratory tract: the nose is blocked and the throat hurts. However, this inflammation can easily spread further. This is referred to as a floor change: especially during sleep, the mucus contaminated with viruses can flow almost unnoticed towards the windpipe and thus also reach the lower respiratory tract, the bronchi. Bronchitis can be the result.
Coughing: a feat of strength
The typical symptom of acute bronchitis is an often persistent cough. It is important for clearing the airways. Because even if the viruses that caused the infection have long gone, it still takes a while for the inflamed bronchial tubes to calm down.
Different muscle groups work together when coughing. First we breathe in and close the larynx. This builds up a lot of pressure in the abdominal cavity. The air is then expelled at high speed with the help of the abdominal and back muscles, but above all the diaphragm. Coughing is a real feat of strength for the body!
Muscle training for breathing
Weakened people and especially people without a larynx, e.g. after an operation for a tumor, are no longer able to build up the necessary pressure. The secretions that constantly build up remain in the lungs and make breathing increasingly difficult – some patients almost suffocate. At the same time, the risk of developing pneumonia increases.
Respiratory physiotherapy can help here. Similar to the reconstruction of arm or leg muscles, the relevant muscle groups are activated and strengthened with targeted exercises. In addition, medication helps to liquefy the mucus so that it can be coughed up with less effort. In rare cases, however, the mucus ultimately has to be actively suctioned out of the bronchi using an endoscope.
Protecting yourself and others is not difficult
To a certain extent, we literally have it in our own hands to protect ourselves from such infections: Washing our hands is the be-all and end-all. We protect our fellow human beings by coughing and sneezing into the crook of our arm. And finally, a healthy lifestyle also helps the immune system: exercise in the fresh air, not smoking, a balanced diet and sufficient sleep are perfect immune system boosters.