Сontemporary approaches to the treatment of acute bronchitis: benefits of herbal medicine

Abstract

Acute bronchitis (AB) is an inflammation of the lower respiratory tract of predominantly viral etiology, the leading clinical symptom of which is a cough (usually productive), lasting no more than 2 weeks, in combination with characteristic signs of infection of the lower respiratory tract. OB is one of the most pressing problems of modern pulmonology, which is associated with a high incidence, reaching 30–40% annually. According to the results of epidemiological studies, OB is one of the most common reasons for patients seeking medical care in outpatient practice. In children, the incidence of OB in the Russian Federation averages 75–250 per 1000 per year, which is approximately 100 times higher than the incidence of pneumonia. According to the clinical recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, in the treatment of OB, in the vast majority of cases, the prescription of antibiotics is unjustified. For patients with OB who have a productive cough, it is recommended to prescribe mucoactive drugs to thin and improve sputum expectoration. Herbal medicine traditionally occupies an important place in the treatment of cough. To date, the most convincing evidence base has been obtained for combination preparations, including extracts of thyme herbs, ivy leaves and primrose roots. One of the most studied and effective herbal medicines for the treatment of acute bronchitis is the drug Bronchipret. The active ingredients of Bronchipret (syrup) are standardized extracts: liquid thyme herb extract and liquid ivy leaf extract; those of Bronchipret TP (film-coated tablets) are dry thyme herb extract and dry primrose root extract. Using this combination allows achieving maximum effectiveness due to a synergistic effect of the active ingredients used.