Bronchitis: Home Remedies as a First Aid

Bronchitis is a respiratory illness with inflammation in the bronchial tubes to the lungs. There are three types of bronchitis: acute, chronic and allergic. Acute bronchitis is commonly caused by a virus and is a short term illness. Chronic bronchitis, caused by smoking, air pollution and other infectious agents, can last from months to years. Allergic bronchitis is caused by allergens.

There are home remedies for bronchitis that can serve as first aid for this condition. These remedies have been found to help heal bronchitis infection and ease some symptoms like congestion and coughing.

• Humidifers: humidifiers can moisten the air in the house and can help to bring up the sputum and loosen the phlegm by coughing. A similar effect can be achieved with a hot bath behind closed doors or slow boiling of water with eucalyptus oil.

• Take plenty of liquids: Drinking lots of fluids can help to thin out sputum and helps expel phlegm. The best fluids to drink are water, fresh fruit juices, soup and herbal teas. Warm teas can soothe the throat to ease coughing.

• Gargle with warm water and salt: Gargling with warm water with some salt can relieve an inflamed throat and can loosen up mucus attached to the throat. Gargle often and spit it out after gargling.

• Get enough rest

Rest is one of the most important remedies. Bronchitis can cause you discomforts and you might have problems sitting still or lying comfortably. Just take it easy so your body is able to fight the infections.

Your kitchen can also have natural remedies to help treat bronchitis. In addition to following your doctor's prescription, natural remedies may also soothe some symptoms. Ginger, a common kitchen ingredient, in your tea or honey can alleviate fever from bronchitis and soothe the throat. Onion juice first thing in the morning can reduce phlegm and stop its formation, because onion is a natural expectorant. Almond is another remedy for bronchitis or other respiratory illnesses, which can be taken in any form. Spinach mixes and asparagus drinks are great expectorants. The best diet to heal is an all raw fruit, salad and raw vegetable diet, including orange juice, vitamin C and water.

If your bronchitis became worse despite the home remedies you are using, you can take aspirin or ibuprofen for aches and pains. Of course, you should always consult with your doctor before taking medications or trying to treat yourself. Your doctor knows the treatments for bronchitis.

This article was written by Jim Krage of Healing Energy News .com.