Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the air passages to the lungs. Millions of cases usually occur each year. It can be either in acute or chronic form which means it may last extensively with recurrent episodes.

Acute bronchitis is usually followed by a viral respiratory infection. Initially, it affects your throat, sinuses and nose and then spreads throughout the lungs. Bronchitis commonly occurs among smoker, persons with lung and heart diseases, and in infant, young children and elderly.

On the other hand, chronic bronchitis is one type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. It is an ongoing, serious health condition which can be triggered by infection, allergies and air pollution. People usually cough to get rid of excessive mucus, which aids ease of breathing. You must have a cough with mucus for at least 3 months to be diagnosed with chronic bronchitis.

Main signs and symptoms of bronchitis are coughing accompanied by mucus, low fever, chest pain, and wheezing. Diagnosis is mostly based on signs and symptoms. However, definitive test is done to accurately diagnose chronic bronchitis.

Treatments include rest, aspirin that is used for adults only, increase fluid intake, and avoiding triggering substances. Bronchodilator, mucolytic and cough suppressant may be prescribed to help open airways, expel mucus and keep you as healthy as possible.

Smoking is the primary cause of chronic bronchitis. Other known triggering factors are exposure to allergens and polluted air. The most important step to take in order to prevent its occurrence is to quit smoking or not to start smoking at all. Handwashing is the best means of protecting oneself against diseases particularly bacteria and viruses. You may also ask your doctor about getting flu shot every year and a pneumonia vaccine.

Eating foods that are spicy can liquefy the mucus and help keep air passages patent. Avoid dairy product if possible as they contain components that suppress fluid secretions resulting to thinner mucus in the respiratory tract. On the other hand, nothing beats an active and healthy lifestyle. If you observe preventive measures, then surely you can avoid getting bronchitis or any other diseases.

Nutritional Supplements:

• N-acetyl-cysteine—200 mg twice daily, liquefies mucus and protects lung tissue, an antioxidant.
• Vitamin A—25,000 IU, protects lung tissue.
• Beta carotene—an antioxidant.
• Vitamin C—300 to 500 mg, has mucus liquefying properties, neutralizes free radicals.
• Bioflavonoids—work synergistically with vitamin C.
• Vitamin E—with mixed tocopherols, protects lung tissue and increases oxygen supply.
• Carnitine—2 g twice daily, eases breathing during exercise.
• Magnesium—if deficient, deficiency may not be reflected in blood tests; needed for normal lung function.
• Bromelain—decreases bronchial secretions.

Herbal Supplements:

• Eucalyptus—steam inhalation or tea, an expectorant (loosens phlegm).
• Garlic—has antiviral and antibacterial properties.
• Mullein—tincture in steam or tea, an expectorant; soothes throat, helps inhibit coughing and has antibacterial activity; also for bacteria infected bronchitis.
• Stinging nettle—infusion with raw honey, relieves symptoms.
• Couchgrass—relieves symptoms of respiratory inflammation.
• Ginger—use as tea.
• Elecampane—an expectorant and antiseptic.
• Horehound, Wild cherry, yerba santa, lobelia— expectorants.
• Marshmallow—a demulcent and anti-inflammatory, soothes respiratory tract.

Aromatherapy:

• Cypress—an antibiotic, use at first sign of sore throat; can prevent progression of bronchitis; take one drop on tongue, repeat when soreness returns.
• Eucalyptus dives—liquefies mucus; mix with eucalyptus radiata to enhance affects.
• Thyme—contains antiviral properties.
• Marjoram—for acute bronchitis with accompanying cough.
• Oregano—1 to 2 drops, has high concentrations of carvacol, an antibacterial; for acute bacterial infection of the bronchi.
• Pine—use in diffusor, has strong antibacterial effect.
• Rosemary (verbenone type)—has mucolytic effect.
• Marjoram—has spasmolytic esters and the antiseptic terpinen-4-ol.

Ayurvedic Medicine:

Kapha type most susceptible to bronchitis.

Herbal mixture of the following, take one quarter tsp with raw honey twice a day after meals:

• Sitopaladi—500 mg
• Punarnava—300 mg
• Trikatu—100 mg
• Mahasudarshan—300 mg
• Ginger—grate root and add honey and lemon or lime juice.

Chinese Medicine:

Effective treatments prescribed.

• Honeysuckle, Forsythia, and Scullcap—lessens symptoms of cough, fever, and wheezing.
• Ephedra
• Fritillary bulb, Plantain seed, Balloon flower root—for acute conditions.
• Gardenia fruit, Honeysuckle flowers, Mulberry leaves—for chronic conditions.
• Acupuncture—dilates throat muscle walls.

Homeopathy:

Take remedy according to symptoms:

• Aconitum napellus
• Antimonium tartaricum
• Arsenicum album
• Bryonia
• Calcarea carbonica
• Calcarea phosphorica
• Causticum
• Ferrum phosphoricum
• Hepar sulphuris calcareum
• Kali bichromicum
• Phosphorus
• Pulsatilla
• Silicea
• Sulfur