Bronchitis: Simple Ways to Manage It
Bronchitis is a respiratory condition with inflammation in the lining of the bronchial tubes leading to the lungs. Acute bronchitis is commonly caused by viruses or bacteria. Chronic bronchitis is caused by prolonged irritation of the lungs from smoking, air pollution or exposure to harmful chemicals.
There are simple ways to help manage bronchitis:
- Avoid pollution - stop smoking, avoid smoke from other tobacco users, avoid smoke in polluted areas, wear a mask if necessary.
- Use a vaporizer/humidifier to moisten the air. This can loosen mucus and ease breathing.
- A warm water bottle or hot towel on your back or chest before going to sleep can help decrease inflammation.
- Cold weather often aggravate bronchitis, so cover your mouth and nose outside in cold weather.
- Don't use cough suppressants because coughing helps expel mucus. Only use cough suppressants at bedtime in order to sleep, if necessary.
- Take your prescribed medicine. Don't miss a dose, and follow the full prescribed duration. To avoid most side effects, only use inhalers or medicine in proper dosages.
- Confine your nutrition to raw foods if possible, and drink warm fluids like soup, tea, and water. Stay away from foods that increase mucus like flour, milk, canned foods, poultry and foods that can cause allergy reactions.
Here are some home remedies to manage bronchitis for informational purposes only. Always consult a doctor to manage your condition.
- Cucumber and vinegar can help reduce bacteria in the respiratory tract and facilitate mucus expectoration.
- Water and powdered charcoal gives a slushy drink, which taken every 4-6 hours can absorb bacteria which are then eliminated through your bowels.
- Organic juice and oil of frankincense, 2 drops 3 times a day for 3 days, then the next three days with oregano and thyme, can help relieve shortness of breath.
- Breathe steam from boiling water by placing your face close to the bowl and covering your head and the bowl with a towel to catch the steam. This helps loosen the phlegm.
- Firmly but gently clapping on the back while the patient is lying down with his upper body hanging over the bed, can help drain mucus. Be careful: this process may be uncomfortable and even unsafe if done incorrectly. Have your doctor show you the proper procedures.
- If symptoms of bronchitis last longer than a week, and you arespitting out yellow, green or rust colored mucus, or if you have severe coughing or chest pain, visit your physician. Consult with your doctor first to properly treat bronchitis.
