Home Remedies For Bronchitis

Bronchitis refers to the inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the bronchial tubes within the lungs. The bronchial tubes are the small air passages that connect the nasal passages to the lungs. The mucus membranes in these tubes function to trap bacteria and all other pathogens that invade the body and pose the danger of infecting the lungs and the respiratory system. Bronchitis may be acute or chronic. In chronic cases, the disease is of long duration and more serious.

In an upper respiratory infection like acute bronchitis, the individual is afflicted with a cough in which there may be phlegm or sputum brought up from the respiratory tract, but this is not always necessary. Acute bronchitis may develop during the course of a long-drawn viral infection even at times with something as mundane as a common cold or the flu. Viral infections do however account for up to 90% of all cases of bronchitis, while bacterial infections account for 10% or less. Acute bronchitis is therefore not always severe and acute bronchitis treatments are primarily aimed at treating the underlying cause. Because most cases of acute bronchitis are viral in nature, treating bronchitis with antibiotics is uncommon. Whether dealing with bronchitis in children or adults, bronchitis treatments with antibiotics are only used if the cause is bacterial. Moreover, the effects of powerful drugs and antibiotics are questionable to say the least, particularly when self-prescribed. Bronchitis home treatments are best administered for children, kids, and babies with natural care, as opposed to steroids or powerful over-the-counter drugs. It is of course most advisable to seek medical care when dealing with bronchitis in pregnant women or children, because of the possible complications that could develop, and also because a thorough diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Keep in mind that neglecting any of these seemingly trivial conditions that affect the respiratory system like a sinus infection or mild laryngitis could trigger bronchitis.

Chronic bronchitis on the other hand is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The individual would most likely suffer a productive cough that could last as long as three months or even longer in a year and would occur during a period of at least two years. Bronchitis of this nature develops as a result of persistent exposure to airborne irritants like cigarette smoke or pollution and environmental pollutants. This kind of bronchitis like asthma is therefore not caused by some disease, but by an allergic reaction. Chronic bronchitis treatments are therefore quite different from acute bronchitis and natural bronchitis treatments may be used for relief, while the most important goal should be the elimination of any exposure to irritants. Failing this, the condition will continue to be problematic and may even worsen. Bouts of chronic bronchitis should be taken very seriously as they could indicate the development of more serious conditions like asthma or pneumonia or walking pneumonia.

Although not a disease in the strict sense, bronchitis is contagious in that the virus or bacteria responsible for the infection that is behind the development of bronchitis may be passed on. This of course only holds true for acute bronchitis and there is no risk of contagion when dealing with chronic bronchitis. The lungs are among the body’s largest organs. The air we breathe enters our bodies through the trachea (windpipe), which connects with the bronchi, the breathing tubes that lead into the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs. In the lungs, the air is exchanged for carbon dioxide. You should always consider a bronchitis naturist treatment approach since it will complement perfectly with other conventional treatments.

Bronchitis is an inflammation or obstruction in the bronchial tubes. This inflammation results in a buildup of mucus, along with coughing, fever, pain in the chest area and/or back, fatigue, sore throat, difficulty breathing, and, often, sudden chills and shaking. Bronchospasm, a contraction of the smooth muscle in the walls of the bronchi, may also occur. Swelling of the mucous membranes and hypersecretion by the bronchial glands frequently accompany bronchospasm. 

Bronchitis can be either acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by an infection, which can be bacterial, viral, chlamydial, mycoplasmal, or caused by a combination of agents. It typically follows an upper respiratory tract infection, such as a cold or influenza. In acute bronchitis, bronchospasm is more often associated with viral (rather than bacterial) infection. Most cases of acute bronchitis are self-limiting, with full recovery in a matter of weeks. But recovery time can be shortened by using acute bronchitis home remedies. In some cases, however, the condition can lead to pneumonia. This is more likely to occur in those who also have chronic respiratory disease or other debilitating health problems.

Chronic bronchitis results from frequent irritation of the lungs, such as from exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollutants, or other noxious fumes, rather than from infection. Allergies may also be the cause of chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis diminishes the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs, so the heart works harder in an attempt to compensate. Over time, this can lead to pulmonary hypertension, enlargement of the heart, and ultimately heart failure.

Asthma bronchitis naturist treatments are very common and this page was created to offer you an alternative or complementary treatment for asthma bronchitis. Herbal medicine has proven to be very effective in the treatment of acute and chronic bronchitis. The following treatments may be very useful in alleviating some of the symptoms.

Symptoms of bronchitis range as follows:

• Dry, congested cough or a mucus-producing cough
• Wheezing or shortness of breath, especially after exertion
• Low fever
• Fatigue
• Blue-ish lips from insufficient oxygen flow
• Other respiratory infections
• Bronchitis can involve all 3 bad guys – bacteria, virus, and fungus, especially when occurring after another infection. For example, bronchitis is very common following a sinus infection due to the post-nasal drip of thickened mucus.
• If antibiotics were taken for sinus or other infections, and there were no signs of bronchitis before, chances are bronchitis started from overly thick mucus reaching the bronchi and attracting fungal yeast. This yeast can congregate in the sinus and respiratory mucus membranes and make the discharge even thicker and harder to remove.
• Antibiotics often lead to yeast infections because they kill “friendly” bacteria along with the bad ones. The balance of our body’s good and bad bacteria is important to our immune system and helps prevent infections.

Diet & Habit

• Eliminate dairy products – milk, cream, cheese, ice cream – sugar and sugary desserts, and minimize bread, and pasta. All these foods cause mucous buildup and encourage yeast. Health food stores have some great replacements.
• Eat garlic or take garlic tablets! Garlic has natural antibiotic and antifungal properties.
• Drink only hot beverages to break up phlegm.
• Don’t smoke! Heavy smokers should also go outside the house to protect their loved ones – secondhand smoke can cause bronchitis.

Home Remedies For Bronchitis

1. An effective home remedy for bronchitis is the mixture of dried ginger powder, pepper, and long pepper taken in equal quantities of a quarter teaspoon three times a day with honey. The powder of these three ingredients has antipyretic qualities and is effective in dealing with fever accompanied by bronchitis. They also tone up the metabolism of the patient.
2. Onion has been used as a home remedy for centuries for bronchitis. It is said to possess expectorant properties. It liquefies phlegm and prevents its further formation. The intake of half a teaspoon of raw onion juice first thing in the morning will be beneficial in such cases.
3. American and Siberian ginseng is especially good for the lungs. They clear bronchial passages and reduce inflammation. Important: Do not use American ginseng if you have high blood pressure or any other heart problem.
4. Both American ginseng and Siberian ginseng clear the bronchial passages and reduce inflammation.
5. A soup prepared from drumstick leaves is also highly beneficial in the treatment of bronchitis. This soup is prepared by adding a handful of leaves to 150 ml. of water which has been heated to a boiling point. The water is allowed to boil further for five minutes. It should then be removed from the fire and allowed to cool. A little salt, pepper, and lime juice may be added to this soup. This drink should be taken first thing every morning.
6. Bromelain in tea form; helps liquefy and decreases bronchial secretions; It also prevents the progression of bronchitis and sinusitis. Take 250 to 500 mg. 2 to 3 times a day between meals.
7. Coltsfoot relieves acute congestion and hoarseness. Take only over the course of one week then discontinue. Make tea in one cup of water and take it 3 times a day.
8. Lobelia breaks up bronchial congestion and stops wheezing. Take 500 – 1,000 mg capsules 3 times a day. Use only for two weeks and discontinue.
9. Colloidal silver is a natural antibiotic that destroys bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It also promotes faster healing. Take as directed on the label, alternating one week on and one week off.
10. Chicory or endive is another effective home remedy for bronchitis. The powder of the dry root of this herb should be given in doses of half a teaspoon mixed with one teaspoonful of honey thrice daily. It is a very useful expectorant in chronic bronchitis.
11. Pycnogenol removes dangerous substances and protects the lungs. It is also a powerful antioxidant.
12. Take Quercitin-C 500 mg 3 times a day. It is used for allergic bronchitis, it has an antihistaminic effect.

Author: Dr Izharul Hasan

READ MORE:

• Home Remedies For Bone Fracture
• Home Remedies For Body Odor