Bronchitis occurs when there is an inflammation of the windpipe and airways inside the lungs. These air passages get infected or irritated and the mucus lining gets swollen. In response to the swelling of the mucus lining, there may be a leakage of fluid that creates the persistent bronchial cough. In this way, the entire lungs and respiratory system can get affected.
Bronchitis can be severely uncomfortable and can affect people of all ages. When bronchitis affects children or infants, the symptoms are very similar to those experienced in asthma, and extra care has to be taken when diagnosing and treating the condition. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic in nature. Chronic bronchitis tends to be a more serious medical condition and may require long-term medical treatment. Acute bronchitis or upper respiratory tract infection, as it is also known, is often a result of a viral or bacterial infection with symptoms that are less severe than those found in chronic bronchitis cases. Chronic bronchitis if not properly treated could develop into asthma, emphysema, pneumonia or even heart failure.
Symptoms of Bronchitis
Whether chronic or acute in nature, the symptoms of bronchitis include:
Chest painTiredness
Persistent cough that may produce mucus
The phlegm that may be sticky and semi-fluid
Low-grade fever
Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
Wheezing
Loss of appetite
Nasal congestion
Hoarse throat
A lingering dry cough even after the infection clears up
In cases of chronic bronchitis there may be other symptoms such as the swelling of the feet and ankles, blue lips caused by lack of oxygen in the body, and recurring cold and fevers.
If you suspect that you may have bronchitis visit your doctor at the earliest. A complete physical exam will be conducted to determine the extent of the infection. You may also be required to have a chest x-ray, a lung function test, and a pulse oximetry test to check the levels of oxygen in the blood. Sputum samples can be checked for signs of an infection as well.
Call your doctor if you suffer from any of the following symptoms, as they can signify a medical emergency:
You cough almost constantly or a cough that returns frequently
There is blood when you cough
You have a high fever with bouts of shivering and the chills
You have a low-grade fever that lasts for more than 3 days
The mucus you spit up is greenish in color or has an offensive smell
You have chest pain
You suffer from heart or lung disease
Causes of Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is often caused by a viral infection or as a result of a severe cold or fever. Depending on the extent to which the infection has spread, the bronchitis can then be further aggravated by the weather (if it’s cold or damp) or due to exposure to allergens such as pollution and smoke.
If attacks of acute bronchitis keep recurring the condition may progress to chronic bronchitis. One reason for constant flare-ups is a faulty diet. Foods such as over-processed snacks and items made from refined flour and white sugar can lead to the accumulation of toxins in the system. These toxins trigger a reaction in the respiratory system and can lead to another bronchial infection. Pollution, poor working condition, smoking and changes in weather all contribute to lowering the body’s resistance against infections as well.
Bronchitis can also be caused due to hereditary factors. Some people are more predisposed than others to infections and have low immunity. Viral and bacterial infections can lead to bronchitis and require different types of treatment accordingly. Much like asthma, bronchitis can also be brought on by various allergies. When the histamine level increases, the bronchioles or air passages in the lungs produce extra mucus and a bronchial attack is imminent. Young children or those suffering from other ailments and diseases are susceptible to bronchitis as well.
Home Remedies for Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis unless caused by a bacterial infection is rarely treated with antibiotics. Most people prefer to opt for natural cures for bronchitis especially when the affected individual is a child or aged person. Acute bronchitis also tends to clear up in a matter of two to three weeks and home remedies for bronchitis can help to relieve the cough and other symptoms. Bronchitis treatments at home include:
Mix half a teaspoon of ginger with half teaspoon each of black pepper and cloves. This combination can be blended with a little honey to make it more palatable or had as a tea infusion. There are compounds in ginger, pepper and cloves that help reduce fever and improve the immunity of the person suffering from bronchitis.
Add half a teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of milk and drink this thrice a day. This natural remedy for bronchitis in children is more effective when taken on an empty stomach. (This remedy is not suitable for people having gall bladed stones, hyper-acidity, stomach ulcers and obstructive jaundice).
Infuse spinach leaves in water and add a pinch of honey and ammonium chloride. Drink this as a natural expectorant to loosen phlegm and reduce chest pain.
Powder the kernels of almonds and mix this powder in a glass of orange juice. Drink this every night before sleeping.
Honey is a natural way to deal with cough that occurs with bronchitis. The anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties present in honey will be soothing for the throat. At the same time honey will protect your immune system and keep your body well hydrated. Putting one teaspoon of honey to your regular cup of tea will help a lot while suffering from bronchitis. Else you can add honey to warm lemon water to treat congestion and throat inflammation that often happens with bronchitis.
Use the powder of dry chicory root mixed in honey. You can get chicory root powder in most herbal or alternative medical stores. When taken thrice daily, this is one of the most effective chronic bronchitis home remedies.
If you do suffer from shortness of breath or tightness in the chest, rubbing turpentine over the chest can offer some much needed relief.
Warm salt water gargles can also help to loosen the phlegm and reduce constriction that you may feel in your chest.
The expectorant characteristics present in onions help in dissolving the mucus and phlegm. At the same time, onion juice will avoid their further formation. Simply take one teaspoon of raw onion juice every morning on empty stomach. This is great remedy for treating bronchitis at home. Also it is recommended to add raw onions in your salad or use onions while cooking.
While suffering from bronchitis, steam therapy is very essential. For an effective steam treatment, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the boiling water. Eucalyptus oil will soften the mucus present in the obstructed airways and its antibacterial properties will help in the healing process. At the same time, eucalyptus oil can also be applied externally to the chest. This will help to expel mucus and improve the function of the respiratory system. If eucalyptus oil is not available, you can also use pine oil or tea tree oil for steam inhalation therapy.
The best way to treat bronchitis is by getting adequate rest. Cough syrup reduce the mucus build up in your lungs. Cough drops can also reduce a sore throat but won’t really stop the cough. In cases of chronic bronchitis or if you already suffer from a heart or lung disease, more medical attention and treatment will be necessary. Speak to your doctor immediately to prevent further medical complications.
Gargling with saltwater several times is a great way to treat various symptoms of bronchitis. For this remedy take one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and do gargling. Remember to add the exact measure of salt as too much salt can cause burning sensation in the throat and too little salt will not be that effective. You can gargle with salt water as often as you need. There are two benefits of this remedy. First it will soothe the inflammation in the throat and secondly it will cut through some of the mucus that may cause irritation on the sensitive throat membranes.
Sesame seeds have some medicinal properties that can cure bronchitis. You can make a mixture by adding one teaspoon of sesame seeds, one teaspoon of linseed and a pinch of common salt to one teaspoon of honey. Take this mixture daily before going to bed. Else mix half a teaspoon of dry sesame seeds powder with two tablespoons of water and have it twice daily. This remedy is very useful in giving relief from the chest pain associated with bronchitis.
Diet for Bronchitis
During a bronchitis attack have a hot bath with Epsom salts every night. Remain immersed in this water for at least 20 minutes. This should offer some relief from the congestion and coughing that often gets worse during the night.
Orange juice will give your body the much needed vitamins and nutrients and at the same time it will have a soothing effect on your throat infection. You can drink as much orange juice as you want whenever you feel hungry. It is better to avoid solid diet for a few days and only have orange juice. However it is better to have fresh orange juice rather than the one having preservatives.
The alternate placement of hot and cold towels over the chest is believe to help treat both acute and chronic bronchitis. Apply hot towels thrice and end with a cold towel. This can be repeated several times a day to loosen the phlegm and reduce chest pain.
If you suffer from chronic bronchitis you may benefit from practicing yoga regularly. Special emphasis should be given to yogic breathing exercises to strengthen the lungs and boost immunity.
Avoid smoking, get adequate rest, keep hydrated and use an inhaler to clear your airways if required. Speak to your doctor for a prescription for one if you suffer from recurring chest infections.
Suggestions for Bronchitis
During a bronchitis attack have a hot bath with Epsom salts every night. Remain immersed in this water for at least 20 minutes. This should offer some relief from the congestion and coughing that often gets worse during the night.
The alternate placement of hot and cold towels over the chest is believe to help treat both acute and chronic bronchitis. Apply hot towels thrice and end with a cold towel. This can be repeated several times a day to loosen the phlegm and reduce chest pain.
During bronchitis, it becomes difficult to swallow solid foods and this can often make your body dehydrated. To keep your body well hydrated, you must drink a lot of water. At least try to drink eight to ten glasses of water daily. Along with plain water you can drink fruit juices as well as vegetable juices. If you are not able to swallow liquids, suck on ice chips and even eat some ice cream. It will help in reducing the inflammation. But you must not drink caffeine or alcohol as it can lead to dehydration and will make the mucus tougher to dislodge.
If you suffer from chronic bronchitis you may benefit from practicing yoga regularly. Special emphasis should be given to yogic breathing exercises to strengthen the lungs and boost immunity.
Avoid smoking, get adequate rest, keep hydrated and use an inhaler to clear your airways if required. Speak to your doctor for a prescription for one if you suffer from recurring chest infections.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.
