What is Chronic and Acute Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the bronchi and bronchial tube within the chest. It is a breathing disorder affecting the expiratory function. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchi (the air tubes of the lungs). Acute bronchitis, in which mucus infected with bacteria is expelled from the lungs, often follows a viral illness such as a cold or flu. In most cases, some infection also occurs in the nose and throat. It is a disease endemic to cold, damp climates, but may occur anywhere. Bronchitis may be acute or chronic. In chronic cases, the disease is of long duration. It is more serious than the acute type as permanent changes may have occurred in the lungs, thereby interfering with their normal movements. Chronic bronchitis is more frequent in males than in females and mortality rate is also higher in males. Smoking and a damp, dusty, or foggy atmosphere can lead to chronic bronchitis resulting from long-term irritation of the air passages.
What Are Common Symptoms of Bronchitis?
In bronchitis, the larynx, trachea and bronchial tubes are acutely inflamed. The tissues are swollen due to irritation. Large quantities of mucus are secreted and poured into the windpipe to protect the inflamed mucous membrane. The phelgm, when expelled is found to be viscid and purulent. There is usually a higher fever, some difficulty in breathing and a deep chest cough. Other symptoms are hoarseness and pain in the chest and loss of appetite. Breathing trouble continues till the inflammation subsides and mucous is removed. Some common symptoms includes a cough, dry at first but with gradually increasing sputum, possibly chest pain, shortness of breath and wheezing. In cases of chronic bronchitis symptoms may begin in winter, but then persist throughout the year.
What Are Root Causes of Bronchitis?
The chief cause of bronchitis is wrong feeding habits. The habitual use of refined foods such as white sugar, refined cereals and white-flour products results in the accumulation of morbid matter in the system and collection of toxic waste in the bronchial tube. Another important cause of this disease is smoking. Smokers are 50 times more susceptible to bronchitis. Excessive smoking irritates the bronchial tubes and lowers their resistance so that they become vulnerable to germs breathed in from the atmosphere. Tobacco smoke compromises immune defenses, inflames the bronchial linings, increases mucus, and paralyzes the cilia. Other causes of bronchitis are living or working in stuffy atmosphere, use of drugs to suppress earlier diseases and hereditary factors. Changes in weather and environment are common factors for the onset of the disease. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by infection by one of the many viruses that cause the common cold or influenza, and is frequently associated with measles.
Bronchitis Home Remedies
- Turmeric: One of the most effective remedy for bronchitis is the use of turmeric powder. A teaspoonful of this powder should be administered with a glass of milk two or three times daily. It acts best when taken on an empty stomach.
- Licorice Root Powder: For bronchitis take 1/4 oz. (5g) of the powdered licorice root 3 times daily with honey or in capsules, for up to 2 weeks. For a decoction use 1/2 teaspoon to 1 cup of water – take 3 cups daily. Half this for long-term use. Boiling the decoction for an hour and then drying it out in a low oven produces an extract that is easy to take.
- Horehound: Horehound also known as Pahari gandana or Peppermentuchcheti. Try two teaspoons of horehound per one cup of boiling water. Add lemon and licorice to taste.
- Ayurveda Herbal Formula: A mixture of dried ginger powder, pepper and long pepper taken in equal quantities three times a day can be helpful to bronchitis patients. It may be licked with honey or infused with one’s daily tea. The powder of these three ingredients have antipyretic qualities and are effective in dealing with fever accompanied by bronchitis. They also tone up the metabolism of the patient.
- Honey + Garlic: Honey is antibacterial and moistening and reduces nighttime cough in children more effectively than a placebo, antihistamines, and the cough suppressant dextromethorphan. Garlic is antimicrobial and an expectorant. Some of its chemicals are excreted across the lungs. Although that may give you garlic breath, the good news is some of garlic’s beneficial chemicals are coming into contact with your lungs. Peel the cloves and gently squash each one with the flat of the knife. Doing so activates an enzyme that converts an inactive chemical in garlic to one of the key ingredients. Drop the cloves into a clean mason jar. Add enough honey to completely cover the garlic. Stir with a chopstick. Cap the jar. Let it sit for four to six weeks in a cool, dry place. If you already have a cough, you can dip into the honey pot in two days. You can eat the garlic cloves along with the honey.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Vinegar is antispasmodic, and is useful for treating the bronchospasms common to bronchitis sufferers. Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchi, which link the windpipe to the lungs. It causes production of thick phlegm, and gives rise to bouts of coughing. Inhaling the steam given off by hot cider vinegar will soothe spasms. Pour some apple cider vinegar into a pan and put it on the cooker to heat. Bring to the boil and simmer for a few minutes. Remove from the heat and pour into a medium-sized bowl. Take the bowl to your kitchen table and sit down with it in front of you. Drape a large towel over your head and the bowl, making a tent. Inhale deeply while the steam continues to be produced. This will also help catarrh.
- Onion: The onion has been used as a food remedy for centuries in bronchitis. It is said to possess expectorant properties . It liquefies phelgm and prevents its further formation. One teaspoon of raw onion juice, the first thing in the morning will be highly beneficial in such cases.
- Mustard Oil: Oils to help clear the congestion include eucalyptus and thyme, which can be inhaled as required. Ginger oil can be diluted and rubbed into the chest for chronic bronchitis, to dispel mucus. Mustard oil is also helpful. Heat mustard oil and apply as a compress to the head to reduce fever. If your temperature rises above 102 degrees, of if you cough blood, call your physician.
- Thyme: Thyme helps open tight airways, combats infection, calms coughs, and helps expel mucus. Put 1 cup dried thyme leaves or fresh thyme leaves in the top of a double boiler. Add enough (approximately 1 1/2 to 2 cups) honey to completely cover it. Add water to the bottom pan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer. Keeping an eye on the honey, and stirring frequently, simmer for 2 hours. You can either bottle it with the thyme leaves or strain out the thyme leaves and bottle the herb-infused honey. Take honey by the teaspoon to relieve coughing.
- Linseed Poultice: A simple hot poultice of linseed should be applied over the front and back of the chest. It greatly relieve pain. Poultices act by diluting the vessels of the surface and thereby reducing the blood pressure. The heat of the poultice acts as a cardiac stimulant. A poultice should be applied neatly and carefully and should be often renewed, so that it does not hamper respiration.
- Ginger: Crush root ginger, add to a little honey and lime, and drink as required.
- Epsom Salt Hot Bath: A hot Epsom salts bath every night or every other night will be highly beneficial during the acute stages of the attack. This bath is prepared by dissolving three lbs. of Epsom-salts to 60 liters of water having a temperature of 100 o F. The patient should remain immersed in the bath for about 20 minutes. In case of chronic bronchitis, this bath may be taken twice a week.
- Eucalyptus Chest Rub: In a small bowl, blend 1/4 cup (55 g) petroleum jelly or unscented hand lotion with 2 to 3 drops eucalyptus essential oil (half that much for pregnant women and children). Rub on your chest. (Wash your hands before putting your fingers near your eyes or other sensitive tissues.) I recommend wrapping up in a warm sweater or blanket and sipping hot herbal tea, which will further increase circulation to your chest, thereby promoting healing. The antiviral and antibacterial essential oil of eucalyptus is absorbed across your skin to help fight congestion. It also favorably alters immune function and helps clear excess respiratory mucus.
- Yogic Asanas: Fresh air and outdoor exercises are also essential to the treatment of bronchitis and the patient should take a good walk everyday. He should also perform yogic kriyas such as jalneti and vamandhouti and yogic asanas such as ekpaduttansana, yogamudra, bhujangasana, shalabhasana, padmasana and shavasana. Simple pranayamas like kapalbhatti, anuloma viloma, ujjai and bhramari are also highly beneficial.
Tips to prevent Bronchitis
- Drink a lot of fluids. Staying well hydrated thins respiratory mucus, making it easier to expel.
- Spend time in a warm, steamy shower. Steam loosens mucus and clears air passages. A side benefit is that it also gives you a facial.