Bronchitis is a respiratory disease very commonly found now a days.
In this condition the air passages in our lungs are inflamed.
This disease can either be chronic, acute, or asthmatic.
Acute bronchitis is short term.
Caused by the viral infection beginning in the sinuses and/or the nose spreading in to the air passages, it is believed to be cured generally in 10-12 days.
The chronic bronchitis occurs when cough in the sputum stays for three months and up to a year.
This is the rather dangerous disease that occurs mainly among the smokers.
It is also known as COPD that is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Once diagnosed in the early stage it is curable.
The symptoms though somewhat similar in both the cases vary at some point.
The signs & symptoms of acute bronchitis are: i.
Wheezing ii.
Fever iii.
Fatigue iv.
Sore throat v.
Cough producing mucus vi.
Burning sensation in the chest The symptoms of chronic bronchitis enlist: i.
Wheezing ii.
Chronic cough yielding excessive mucus iii.
Inability to breath iv.
Blue-tinged lips v.
Swelling of ankle, feet, leg, etc.
Some other facts about bronchitis are as follows: 1.
Viral infection causes acute bronchitis and bacteria.
2.
Usually, acute bronchitis is transmitted from one patient to another.
3.
Chronic bronchitis is often caused due to cigarette smoking & long-term exposure with irritants such as dust, grain and air pollution.
4.
When you go far an examination, the doctor listens to the chest and the back, examining the throat.
He then draws some blood & takes that for culturing the lung secretions in the check ups.
In case the doctor suspects COPD or pneumonia, he would also make you undergo a chest x-ray.
5.
The simple means of preventing these ailments are - i.
Keeping away from the irritants & air pollutants.
ii.
Taking yearly flu & pneumococcal vaccination to avoid infections leading to the chronic bronchitis exacerbation and/or acute bronchitis.
The treatments involved in the cases of these ailments are as follows: 1.
Usually viruses get cleared with in 7-10 days in the cases of acute bronchitis.
2.
For this the doctors recommend the cough medications including expectorants.
3.
They also suggest you to place room humidifiers in your house.
4.
You are always advised to drink loads of fluids such as water and juices to get rid of the growing symptoms.
5.
In case it is an infection cause due to virus or bacteria, it is a must to check with the doctor first.
6.
Usually the doctors prescribe antibiotics.
7.
In some cases the doctors prescribe bronchodilators, such as Albuterol.
This medication helps an easy opening of the airways in our bronchi.
They also effect the corticosteroids that is inhaled or taken in orally so as to reduce the inflammation & mucus.
8.
Leading a healthy and hygienic lifestyle is a must.
Quit smoking and make use of air conditioners, air filters and curtains in the house in order to breathe clean air in the house.
Changing your lifestyle is also a helpful remedy.
You need to stop smoking.
9.
Plant a steam or humidifier in house, especially bathroom.
10.
Get used to having lots of liquids such as water and juices.
11.
While the infection is active, you must take rest.
12.
In cases of chronic bronchitis when the oxygen in the body gets low, take oxygen therapy at your home itself.
13.
Focus on the dietary & nutrition supplements.
Experiment with some food materials and see if they are helping to deteriorate or control the bronchial symptoms.
14.
Record all the disturbances that you feel and make sure to report them to your doctor.
15.
Lessen the dairy products as much as possible as they produce lot of mucus that is not good for your health while in a bronchial condition.
Avoid eggs, milk, preservatives, nuts, food coloring, additives, etc.
16.
Put lots of garlic & onions in the food as it is advisable in such condition.
17.
The studies reveal that NAC that is N-Acetyl-Cysteine is helpful in dissolving the mucus and improving the symptoms pertaining to chronic bronchitis.
18.
Zinc supplementation enhances the activities in the immune system.
It protects the individual from bronchial infections and colds.
19.
The other advisable supplements are vitamin C, quercetin, bromalein, and lactobacillus.
All these supplements prevent the individual from getting afflicted with the infections & relieve him/her from the bronchitis symptoms.
20.
Usage of herbs to treat varied ailments is a very old & successful concept.
Yet this also has its advantages and disadvantages.
The herbs can land up in side effects if not taken with proper prescription and knowledge.
Especially their interactions with the other supplements, medications, and other herbs.
21.
Some of the well known herbs are as follows: i.
Berberis vulgaris or barberry improves the immune system functions & fights infections.
ii.
Eucalyptus also known as eucalyptus globules are apt for treating the common colds & coughs.
The oil made of eucalyptus helps loosening the phlegm.
iii.
Mentha x piperita or peppermint is effective in place of decongestants.
This contains menthol that helps in thinning the mucus just like an expectorant.
Peppermint also provides a calming & soothing effect for the dry coughs & sore throats.
iv.
Slippery elm, also known as the ulmus fulva is known above as it is recognized by U.
S.
FDA (that is Food & Drug Authority) for its effectiveness & no side effects in the respiratory symptoms & sore throat.
v.
Urtica dioica or Stinging nettle acts as another expectorant with anti-viral properties.
vi.
Homeopathy along with standard medical attention proves indeed helpful.
This is because a person's psychological, physical, and emotional all make-ups are taken in to consideration in this procedure.
At the end the chances of recovery of the bronchial patient are always enhanced if the treatment starts at an early stage!