Bronchitis

Treatment for bronchitis

Treatment for bronchitis usually depends on the cause. The causes include smoking, air pollution, and bacterial and viral pathogens. Bronchitis treatment is very important; other health problems may arise if left untreated. This includes pneumonia and asthma.

Bronchitis, caused by viral pathogens, usually disappears after a few days. This kind of bronchitis is not usually serious. Smoking needs to stop if it causes bronchitis. This is the only sure treatment for bronchitis for a smoker. Drugs can be used as a one-stop habit. If not stopped, the condition will reappear. This can lead to more chronic issues such as pneumonia, asthma, and cancer.Treatment for Bronchitis

Antibiotics are a treatment option for bacterial bronchitis. Note that antibiotics are not effective in conditions not caused by bacterial pathogens. The antibiotics can be used together with expectorant cough syrup. This makes it easier for harmful lung bacteria to be expelled from the phlegm. Most of the symptoms of the condition disappear within days of bronchitis treatment.

Another treatment option that has been effective in reducing the symptoms of bronchitis is a natural treatment. Natural bronchitis treatment has been proven effective without causing any side effects.

Knowing what bronchitis is and recognizing the symptoms may be beneficial in the early discovery of the disease and proper and timely treatment.

What is bronchitis?

Bronchi's inflammation

Bronchitis is a medical condition in which the bronchial tubes in the lungs get inflamed. The primary function of these tubes is to carry air to the lungs, and when these get inflamed, the person suffers from excess mucus, chest pain, breathing difficulty, low-grade fever, and wheezing.

Causes of bronchitis

The causes of bronchitis vary, depending on whether the disease is acute or chronic.

Viruses usually cause acute bronchitis, typically the same viruses that cause colds and flu (influenza). Antibiotics don’t kill viruses, so this medication isn’t helpful in most cases of bronchitis.

Causes of bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is most often caused by viruses that infect the epithelium of the bronchi, resulting in inflammation and increased secretion of mucus. In addition to viruses and bacteria, exposure to tobacco smoke and pollutants or solvents can initiate the development of bronchitis. GERD can also cause acute bronchitis. The usual causes of acute bronchitis are viral infections of URT, including Influenza A and B. Parainfluenza. Coronavirus (types 1-3) Rhinovirus. Respiratory syncytial virus. Human metapneumovirus.

The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is cigarette smoking. Air pollution, dust, or toxic gases in the environment or workplace can also contribute to the condition.

Signs and symptoms of bronchitis

The visible signs of bronchitis are cough, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, fatigue, and fever. A cough comes with yellow or green mucus that is produced in large amounts, causing discomfort in the airways. Not all the mucus produced is a result of bronchitis. A moderate amount of clear-colored mucus is produced in our throats daily, and this secretion is regularly swallowed with saliva. When bronchitis develops, the bronchial tubes become inflamed and secrete excessive colored mucus, which irritates the tubes and causes coughing.

Causes and Risk Factors

There are two types of bronchitis, namely acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection, while chronic bronchitis results from constant irritation of the linings of the bronchial tubes, often triggered by exposure to air pollutants or different forms of smoke.

Sometimes, it’s hard to tell the difference between bronchitis and other conditions that affect your lungs and breathing. The signs and symptoms of bronchitis often start with a cold: your nose is runny, your throat is sore, and you feel run down.

One of the common signs of bronchitis is a cough that lasts for five days or more. Here are some other signs and symptoms of bronchitis:

  • Clear, yellow, white, or green phlegm
  • No fever, although you might have a low fever at times
  • Tenderness or soreness in your chest when you cough
  • You feel tired all the time
  • Whistling or wheezing while you breathe
  • A rattling feeling in your chest
  • Chills

Types of bronchitis

The two main types of bronchitis are acute, or short-term, bronchial inflammation and chronic or ongoing, bronchial inflammation.

Types of bronchitis

  • Acute bronchitis

Infections or exposure to lung irritants are the usual causes of this type of bronchitis. Viruses that cause common colds and flu can also be a causative factor for this condition. Some bacteria may also cause bronchial inflammation.

In acute conditions, the active infection may be present for a week to ten days, but the cough may persist for longer. Some factors that can increase your risk of developing acute bronchial inflammation include smoking, both active and passive, air pollution, dust, fumes, and other lung irritants. It is better to consult a physician or pulmonologist to prevent the condition from becoming chronic if you notice these symptoms.

  • Chronic bronchial inflammation

This is a type of bronchitis that is much more serious. In this case, the lining of the bronchial tubes continuously gets inflamed and infected, leading to excessive mucus and coughing. Smoking is one of the most common causative factors for this condition. In individuals who smoke, the lining is constantly irritated, and when exposed to other irritants like viruses or bacteria, the damage worsens. The symptoms like cough, mucus, and breathing trouble can get severe, and the person may even require hospitalization.

Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition that requires extensive therapy. It is best to consult a doctor when the symptoms appear; an early diagnosis means better treatment outcomes. If you are a smoker, then you must quit the habit to get relief from the symptoms. Otherwise, medications may only provide temporary relief, and the symptoms will soon start all over again. Complete recovery is only possible if you quit smoking or avoid passive secondhand smoke; along with medications and a healthy lifestyle, you can bid goodbye to this debilitating condition.

Bronchitis vs pneumonia

It is challenging to understand the difference between bronchitis and pneumonia. Both are lower respiratory system diseases and equally adversely affect pulmonary air passages. Proper knowledge about the difference between bronchitis and pneumonia facilitates a correct diagnosis, which is important in effectively managing and treating respiratory disorders.

Bronchitis vs Pneumonia

Viruses cause most cases of bronchitis, often the same viruses responsible for common colds and the flu. “The same virus that causes the common cold settles lower down and causes bronchitis” in some people.

Bacteria are the most common cause of pneumonia and can occur independently or from a viral infection, like the cold or the flu.

Bronchitis vs Asthma

Bronchial asthma and asthmatic bronchitis are respiratory diseases that cause bronchial tube inflammation. As a result, less air can flow in and out of the lungs. It is characterized by thick mucus in the bronchi, and phlegm is coughed up often.

Asthma and bronchitis have similar symptoms but different causes. In both asthma and bronchitis, the airways become inflamed. They swell up, making it harder for air to move into the lungs. As a result, less oxygen gets out to the organs and tissues. Too little oxygen causes shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness.

Viruses or environmental factors like tobacco smoke and pollution cause bronchitis. Gene changes and environmental triggers like pollen and dust in the air cause asthma.

Natural treatment for bronchitis

Natural treatment for bronchitis is one of the best approaches to cure bronchitis permanently. Natural treatments for bronchitis are practical, easy to achieve, and have no side effects. The most common, effective, and popular natural treatments for bronchitis are listed below.

Natural treatment for bronchitis

Home remedies for bronchitis – the most popular form of natural treatment for bronchitis

Home remedies for bronchitis are topping the list of natural remedies that are easy to achieve at home and can help relieve bronchitis symptoms. 

Listed below are effective home remedies for bronchitis

Use humidifier

  • Keeping the air in the home or workplace moist helps to loosen mucus in the airways and reduce coughing. This is the #1 home remedy for bronchitis.

Drink lots of water.

  • Staying adequately hydrated when battling bronchitis helps to thin out mucus, making it easier to expel.

Wearing a face mask in cold weather

  • A sudden blast of cold air can make you cough more. Covering the mouth and nose before going outside in cold weather can help reduce coughing and shortness of breath. Cold-air face masks are available, or the mouth can be covered with a scarf or other item of clothing. Another essential home remedy for bronchitis is preventing cold air from flowing through the bronchi.

Lifestyle changes

A healthy lifestyle is a natural remedy that can help prevent the occurrence of bronchitis. The following changes may help improve your recovery and reduce the risk of bronchitis:

Banana and honey

  • Avoid polluted environments.
  • Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke environments.
  • Boost your immunity with a healthy diet.
  • Exercise at least thrice a week for at least 20 minutes each time.
  • Wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of infection.

Honey

  • Honey is a natural bronchitis remedy often used for cough and is said to have both antiviral and antibacterial properties. This is the most popular home remedy for bronchitis.

Essential oils for bronchitis: a practical and simple natural treatment for bronchitis

Essential oils are natural remedies that help combat bronchitis by focusing on reducing the symptoms of the illness. There are several essential oils out there that can help with bronchitis, and some are more effective than others. These oils can help expel mucus buildup, reduce inflammation in the airways, and help relax the mind and body so they can heal properly. Listed below are essential oils for bronchitis:

Tea Tree

  • Tea tree essential oil has strong antiviral and antimicrobial properties; this is one of the best ways to cure bronchitis permanently. This means it can help inhibit the virus that causes the illness. It also possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties that could help relax the swollen airways and break up the mucus clogging them.

Eucalyptus

  • Eucalyptus oil is a popular essential oil for bronchitis that can help reduce inflammation in the airways and help treat bronchitis and cold and flu symptoms. It also has expectorant properties, making it easier to expel mucus.

Lemongrass

  • Lemongrass can help to kill bacteria that may trigger bronchitis or other respiratory illnesses. Its bright scent can also help invigorate the mind and body.

Lavender

  • Lavender essential oil has a wide range of benefits to human health. It can help relax the mind and body for a more restful sleep and help reduce the cough associated with bronchitis by relaxing the airways.

Acupuncture for bronchitis: a traditional Chinese natural treatment for bronchitis

Acupuncture for bronchitis

Acupuncture for bronchitis is one of the most effective forms of natural treatment for bronchitis that causes no side effects. Studies have confirmed that acupuncture for bronchitis can reduce the bronchial mucosa’s inflammatory damage by reducing serum interleukin’s expression levels and tumor necrosis factor. At the same time, it can increase serum levels, enhance the body’s ability to fight inflammatory responses and improve immune function.

Breathing exercises for bronchitis are an essential part of any natural treatment for bronchitis.

Breathing exercises for bronchitis have many benefits to help relieve bronchitis symptoms. During breathing exercises for bronchitis, the muscles need more oxygen. This increases the demand on the lungs to take in air and the heart to circulate blood.

Regular exercise makes muscles more robust and efficient, decreasing the amount of oxygen required for physical exertion. When lung tissues are inflamed, the airways narrow and fill with mucus. This reduces oxygen intake during inhalation and carbon dioxide output during exhalation.

Listed below are breathing exercises for bronchitis

Deep breathing

  • Deep breathing is a breathing exercise for bronchitis that helps prevent air from getting trapped in your lungs, which can cause you to feel short of breath. As a result, you can breathe in fresher air.

Coordinated breathing

  • Feeling short of breath can cause anxiety that makes you hold your breath. To prevent this from occurring, you can practice coordinated breathing using these two steps: Inhale through your nose before beginning an exercise. While pursuing your lips, breathe through your mouth during the most strenuous exercise. An example could be when curling upward on a bicep curl.

Yoga

  • Yoga includes breathing exercises for bronchitis that help the phlegm travel upwards. Yoga cleans the respiratory tract and improves lung capacity. Pranayama is a type of yoga pose extensively used in treating bronchitis to allow the muscles to relax and stay comfortable. Deep breathing, or pranayama, helps the muscles relax and obtain fresh air.

Herbs for bronchitis—the most popular home-based natural treatment for bronchitis

Herbal remedies

Many herbs have been proven to help relieve the symptoms of bronchitis. Herbs for bronchitis represent another approach to the natural treatment for bronchitis that causes no side effects; they are very effective in treating bronchitis. Listed below are natural bronchitis remedies prepared from herbs:

Ginger

Ginger is one of the herbs for bronchitis that contains an anti-inflammatory effect against respiratory infection. You can take ginger in several ways:

  • Chew dried, crystallized ginger.
  • Use fresh ginger to make tea.
  • Eat it raw or add it to the food.

Garlic

  • Garlic is said to have countless healing properties. Garlic effectively inhibits the growth of the infectious bronchitis virus. This finding suggests garlic can be used as a natural remedy for bronchitis.

Turmeric

  • Turmeric is a spice often used in East Indian foods. Turmeric is an herb for bronchitis that provides more anti-inflammatory effects than ginger. Turmeric also increases antioxidant activity. That means it may help reduce irritation and boost your immunity.

Homeopathic Treatment of Bronchitis

Homeopathy provides excellent relief for the discomfort caused by bronchitis, and it is safer because it is a natural treatment technique. This treatment involves the improvement of the body’s immune system to adapt and fight infections without the use of antibiotics.

Homeopathic medicine helps reduce the length of an acute bronchitis attack and its toxicity. The administration of homeopathic medications that require a prescription achieves this. Chronic bronchitis can also be tamed with the right homeopathic drug, and it can also help smokers quit smoking.

Homeopathic treatment is safe and has no side effects. It also prevents other bronchitis-related complications, such as respiratory failure, pneumonia, heart failure, etc. The treatment can be administered to any patient in any age bracket, making it the perfect treatment.

Here are some common treatments for these respiratory illnesses:

  • Cactus grandiflorus is used for the treatment of shortness of breath and chest discomfort, clearing out all cardiac infection
  • Sambucus Nigra – for the treatment of babies and children with asthma.
  • Lachesis treats attacks that come up when asleep or early in the morning.
  • Kalium bichromicum helps reduce the excessive secretion of mucus.
  • Antimonium tartaricum treats symptoms such as shortness of breath, spasmodic coughing, asphyxiation, and difficulty breathing.
  • Kalium carbonica addresses attacks triggered by emotional stress.
  • Phosphorus treats asthma caused by sudden changes in temperature.
  • Caladium treats asthma caused by smoking.
  • Squilla treats asthma characterized by involuntary urination.
  • Bryonia causes pain in the chest as a result of coughs.
  • Ignatia calms nervous bronchial asthma.
  • Moschus treats dyspnea and anxiety-related asthma.
  • Mercurius solubilis relieves nightly attacks of breathlessness.
  • Pertussin treats symptoms of whooping cough.
  • Sulfur is highly effective when gout is present with this disease; it is the recommended treatment.
  • Cuprum metallicum: treats this illness when it leaves the patient suffocating and unconscious.
  • Ipecacuanha relieves the nauseating feeling of a dry, spasmodic cough.
  • Thuja is recommended for asthma triggered by vaccination.

RECOMMENDED DIETS AND EATING PRACTICES—an essential part of any natural treatment for bronchitis.

  • Avoid artificial colors or chemicals in food.
  • Wash fruits and vegetables to be eaten very well and with hydrogen peroxide if available.
  • Avoid foods rich in saturated fats.
  • Avoid frequent exposure to allergens.
  • Stick to a gluten-free diet.
  • Eat natural things like leafy, dark green vegetables, legumes, seeds, and whole grains.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
  • Stop smoking if you do, and avoid secondary smoking.

Treatment for Bronchitis in Philadelphia

Bronchitis is a severe disease and requires professional attention. However, a complete cure is expected if this illness is taken under control at the earlier stages in many cases.

Usually, Dr. Tsan at the Philadelphia Homeopathic Clinic treats respiratory ailments with a combination of acupuncture and homeopathic medicines that are thoroughly selected based on the homeopathic constitution of each particular patient.

To discuss your best treatment options, contact Philadelphia Homeopathic Clinic to make an appointment with Victor Tsan, MD.