The probable cause of Bilan’s illness has been named: what threatens the singer

It may not just be bronchitis

Famous performer Dmitry Bilan was urgently hospitalized in the capital due to acute bronchitis. It is reported that the illness led to the loss of his voice and a general deterioration of his condition, due to which the singer had to cancel concerts in Yekaterinburg, Tyumen, Perm and Chelyabinsk. And why bronchitis develops and what it threatens, MK learned from experts.

In order not to upset fans, the singer informed them on his blog that he was hospitalized due to prolonged bronchitis and is now under the supervision of doctors: “Moving and flying can greatly aggravate the situation. Therefore, in order not to take risks, I am forced to stay in Moscow and recover in a calm atmosphere.” The singer set himself the task of recovering in five days: after all, on October 20 he must participate in the recording of the “Voice” program as a member of the jury.

Doctors note that today many Russian performers, afraid of canceling their tours or planned broadcasts and losing money, work hard, ignore illnesses, which is why they lead themselves to complications requiring hospital treatment. Dima Bilan is not the first and not the last.

“Let’s hope that there really is bronchitis and there will be no consequences,” one pulmonologist told MK on condition of anonymity. – Ignoring this disease for a long time can lead not only to decreased immunity, but also to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Five days is too short a period of time for recovery from chronic bronchitis; I don’t think that the attending physician will approve of Bilan’s desire to return to his creativity so quickly. But in the end, the patient must bear responsibility for their health.”

Bronchitis is one of the common complications of viral infections. With it, the so-called mucocellular clearance system stops working. The mucous membranes of the bronchi, trachea, and lungs are covered with ciliated epithelium – this is a kind of constantly working vacuum cleaner that prevents mucus from accumulating. And if he refuses, the person begins to cough. Coughing in this situation is a protective reaction of the body.

Acute bronchitis is a violent response of the body to an infectious agent that has entered it. During the process of inflammation, the already well-known cytokine explosion occurs – many biological substances are formed, causing the inflow and outflow of blood, cell death. Sometimes hormonal drugs are used to suppress the cytokine storm in bronchitis, but much more often conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs cope with it. Antibiotics are usually not required for bronchitis; it is a viral disease. “But they are prescribed if there is a repeated rise in temperature and there is confirmed purulent sputum. Apparently, the singer, who reported that he was prescribed antibiotic therapy, has just such a case,” our expert continues.

Chronic bronchitis can be caused by a variety of reasons. It often develops in smokers (including passive smokers), smokers, and people with weakened immune systems. In addition, it can be caused by hypothermia and inhalation of air pollutants, and even by staying in rooms where the air conditioner has not been cleaned for a long time. The singer’s life revolves around flying – and airlines often skimp on cleaning air conditioners. And if short (up to 4 hours) flights are not very dangerous in this regard, then longer ones, as a rule, end in respiratory disease within the next two weeks.

Many people suspect they have chronic bronchitis. It can only be suspected, the doctor notes, if the cough has been tormented for at least 3 months a year over the past two years. “Even with proper treatment, acute bronchitis usually lasts 3-4 weeks. Doctors call a cough lasting more than 6 weeks a protracted cough,” our source emphasizes.

In addition, he adds that if a singer has lost his voice, it is most likely not just bronchitis: “As a rule, such a symptom is characteristic of laryngitis or chronic tonsillitis.”