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 with 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 with 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 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 for 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. Bronchitis SymptomsInflammation in the BronchiDue to inflammation in the bronchi, large quantities of mucus are secreted and expelled as phlegm. This phlegm is sticky, semi-fluid and may even be purulent.Fever, Difficulty in Breathing, CoughThe patient suffers from fever, experiences some difficulty in breathing, and has a cough.Hoarseness, Pain in Chest and Loss of AppetiteOther symptoms are hoarseness, pain in the chest and loss of appetite.Acute Bronchitis SymptomsAcute bronchitis symptoms are usually very similar to those of other upper respiratory infections. There are many flu-like symptoms, and the patient may have a slight difficulty in breathing. The patient may also experience a stuffy nose.CoughInflammation in the bronchioles can cause the mucus membranes to produce excessive phlegm and mucus. As the mucus begins to accumulate in your lungs, you may find it difficult to breathe. This also leads to a chronic cough. Both bacterial and viral bronchitis symptoms include coughing.WheezingAlthough this is not as common as coughing, wheezing also occurs in bronchitis. The tightness of the muscles in the bronchioles and the inflammation of the air passages cause wheezing. There could also be a shortness of breath and even difficulty in breathing associated with the condition.Causes of BronchitisBronchitis Symptoms, Causes, Remedy and DietSmokingAn important cause of bronchitis is smoking. Excessive smoking irritates the bronchial tubes and lowers their resistance, so that they become vulnerable to germs breathed in from the atmosphere. Working in a stuff atmosphere, use of drugs and heredityOther causes are living or working in a stuffy atmosphere, use of drugs to suppress earlier diseases, and hereditary factors. Weather ChangesChanges in weather and environment hasten the onset of the disease.  PathogensThere are several pathogens that could trigger off the inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Both viruses and bacteria could cause this inflammation. Influenza A and B viruses, both of which are responsible for flu, could cause an inflammation in the pathways to the lungs. These pathogens cause flu like symptoms along with symptoms of bronchitis. Certain strains of bacteria are also responsible for causing bronchitis. The bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniais often responsible for the symptoms of bronchitis. This bacterium causes a condition that is often known as ‘walking pneumonia’. AllergiesAs with asthma, allergies could also be a cause of the symptoms of bronchitis. Allergies could trigger the production of histamines, which inflame the bronchioles and cause the production of excessive mucus. Low ImmunityThose with low immunity, such as people suffering from chronic illnesses, young children and old people, are more susceptible to developing bronchitis than others. They are more susceptible to allergens, viruses, bacteria and smoke. Home Remedies for BronchitisBronchitis home remedies and natural cures, Questions and answersBronchitis treatment using TurmericOne of the most effective home remedies for bronchitis is the use of turmeric powder. Half a teaspoon of this powder should be administered with half a glass of milk, two or three times daily. It acts best when taken on an empty stomach. Bronchitis treatment using GingerAnother effective remedy for bronchitis is a mixture comprising of half a teaspoon each of the powder of ginger, pepper, and cloves, three times a day. It may be licked with honey or taken as an infusion with tea. The mixture of these three ingredients has also antipyretic qualities and is effective in reducing fever accompanying bronchitis. It also tones up the metabolism of the patient. Bronchitis treatment using OnionOnions have been used as a remedy for bronchitis for centuries. They are said to possess expectorant properties. They liquefy phlegm and prevent its further formation. One teaspoon of raw onion juice, first thing in the morning, is very beneficial in such cases. Bronchitis treatment using SpinachFifty grams of fresh leaves of spinach, and 250 ml of water should be mixed with a pinch of ammonium chloride and one teaspoonful of honey. This infusion is an effective expectorant in the treatment of bronchitis. Bronchitis treatment using Sesame SeedsAn infusion of one teaspoon of sesame seeds, mixed with a teaspoon of linseed, a pinch of common salt, and a teaspoon of honey, can be given once at night with beneficial results in bronchitis. Half a teaspoon of dry seeds pounded into powder should be given, mixed with two tablespoons of water, twice daily. Alternately, a decoction of half a teaspoon of the same should be taken twice daily. Bronchitis treatment using AlmondAn emulsion of almonds is useful in bronchial diseases, including bronchitis. It is prepared by making a powder of seven kernels of almonds and mixing the powdered kernels in a cup of orange or lemon juice. This emulsion may be taken once daily at night. Bronchitis treatment using ChicoryChicory 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. Bronchitis treatment using LinseedA hot poultice of linseed (alsi) should be applied over the front and back of the chest. This poultice may be prepared by mixing one cup or sixteen tablespoons of the seeds with a quantity of hot water, sufficient to convert them into a moist mealy mass. This should then be applied carefully. Turpentine may also be rubbed over the chest. Bronchitis treatment using HumidifiersOne of the best ways to deal with bronchitis is to use some humidifiers in your room. You can use these humidifiers for a few hours every day. This will help soothe the irritation and inflammation of the air passageways. Both warm and cool mist humidifiers can be used to help you get rid of the mucus in the airways. This will also help you get rid of your cough. Bronchitis treatment using Warm Salt WaterGargling with warm salt water can help you loosen the phlegm in your airways and the bronchioles. Simply add a spoon of salt to lukewarm water and gargle with it twice a day: once in the morning and once in the evening. In addition to this, drinking warm water with some turmeric could also help you get rid of the infection and soothe the inflamed airways. Acute bronchitis is contagious, especially if there are bacterial and viral agents involved. Therefore acute bronchitis treatment should also include adequate rest for the patient. Bronchitis DietBronchitis : Home Remedies suggested by usersOrange Juice and WaterIn acute bronchitis, the patient should fast on orange juice and water till the acute symptoms subside. Thereafter, he should adopt an all-fruit diet for two or three days. All-fruit Diet and then Well-balanced DietIn the case of chronic bronchitis, the patient can begin with an all-fruit diet for five to seven days, taking three meals a day of fresh juicy fruits. After the all-fruit diet, he should follow a well-balanced diet with emphasis on seeds, nuts, grains, raw vegetables, and fresh fruits. For drinks, unsweetened lemon water, or cold/hot plain water may be taken. Other Bronchitis TreatmentsHot Epsom Salts BathA hot Epsom salts bath every night or every other night is valuable during the acute stages of the attack. This bath is prepared by dissolving 1 ½ kg of Epsom salt in 60 litres of water having a temperature of 37.8"C. The patient should remain immersed in the bath for about twenty minutes. In the case of chronic bronchitis, this bath may be taken twice a week. Hot Towels Application over Upper Chest followed by Cold TowelHot towels wrung out and applied over the upper chest are helpful in both chronic and acute bronchitis. After applying three hot towels in turn for two or three minutes each, one should always finish off with a cold towel. A cold pack can be applied to the upper chest several times daily in acute conditions. The procedure is to wring out some linen material in cold water, wrap it two or three times round the affected part and cover it with flannel. The pack can remain for about an hour at a time. Fresh Air and Outdoor ExercisesFresh air and outdoor exercise are also essential for the treatment of bronchitis. The patient is advised to take a morning walk every day. Yogic KriyasHe should also perform yogic kriyas (cleansing exercises) such as jalneti and vamandhauti, and yogic asanas (body postures) such as ekpaduttanasana, yogamudra, bhujangasana, shalabhasana, padmasana, and shavasana. Simple pranayamas (breath-hoIding procedures) like kapalbhati, anuloma-viloma, ujjai, and bhramari will also be beneficial.
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