Author: bioget-admin

Bronchitis refers to an inflammation of the air passages within your lungs.

The first sign of bronchitis is a cough which is a reflexive action that works to clear secretions from the lungs.
Bronchitis can affect both children and adults. It can be acute or chronic.
Acute bronchitis causes fever and cough which usually resolve within a few days. Chronic bronchitis may persist for many months and can be quite debilitating.
Bronchitis is usually caused due to an infection; however, chronic bronchitis is commonly seen in smokers and people exposed to smoke.
On average, symptoms last for 3 weeks with or without antibiotics.

What needs attention is the cough. The lungs have to be clear of the phlegm which can lead to asthma or pneumonia.

Antibiotics are not of much help according to various studies conducted.

Herbal products are traditionally believed to provide a lot of relief in the acute and chronic stages of the condition. The natural herbs are believed to have mucolytic properties which liquefy the phlegm and it is easily expelled.

It is always better to adopt a holistic approach to curing bronchitis to get faster and long-lasting results.

Home remedy for Bronchitis

Take steps to reduce your exposure to toxins. Avoid smoking and breathing in secondhand smoke, stay indoors as much as possible during periods of high air pollution, and wear the appropriate face mask and protection if you work with chemicals or other irritants.

Use a humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to the air. This will help loosen secretions and help you breathe easier.
Place a hot water bottle or a warm, moist cloth on your chest and back. This will reduce inflammation and is particularly useful at night, when you want to sleep.

Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf if you must go out into cold air. The cold can further aggravate bronchitis.
Avoid using a cough suppressant, except at night. You need to cough in order to bring up secretions.
Take medications as directed. If you are taking antibiotics for a bacterial infection, take the entire dose, even if you start to feel better before it is completed.

Use aerosols and inhalers as directed. Do not use a larger dose than directed and do not use more frequently than directed. This can cause side effects.

Talk to a naturopathic doctor or general practitioner about dietary supplements such as goldenseal, echinacea, colloidal silver, zinc, coenzyme Q10, and vitamins A and C.

Improve your diet. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas and soups.
Eliminate or reduce your intake of mucus-forming foods such as dairy products, white flour, sweet fruits, sugar and some processed foods, and avoid substances that cause allergic reactions.

Tips & Warnings

You should see a doctor if symptoms last longer than a week; if your mucus turns yellow, green or rust-colored; if the cough increases in severity; or if you have deep chest pain when you cough.