Bronchitis Symptoms & Various Natural Treatment

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. Smoking and a damp, dusty, or foggy atmosphere can lead to chronic bronchitis resulting from long-term irritation of the air passages.

Symptoms 
• 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

Smokers are 50 times more susceptible to bronchitis. Male sufferers outnumber female sufferers by ten to one. Ayurvedic breathing exercises and yoga generally assist breathing and shortness of breath. 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.

Acute chemical bronchitis may be caused by the inhalation of irritating fumes, such as smoke, chlorine, ammonia, and ozone. Chronic bronchitis results from prolonged irritation of the bronchial membrane, causing coughing and the excessive secretion of mucus for extended periods. By far the most common cause of chronic bronchitis is cigarette smoking, but air pollution, industrial fumes, and dust are also recognized lung irritants.

TREATMENT 

Ayurveda 
Heat mustard oil and apply as a compress to the head to reduce fever. Crush root ginger, add to a little honey and lime, and drink as required. Hollyhock may be appropriate, as well as bitter orange and stramonium.

CAUTION
If your temperature rises above 102 degrees, of if you cough blood, call your physician.

Chinese Herbalism 
The source is believed to be external Wind, Cold, or Heat in cases of acute bronchitis, and internal Deficient Spleen or Lung, or internal Mucus for chronic bronchitis. Acute conditions will respond to fritillary bulb, plantain seed, and balloon flower root. Chronic conditions would respond to honeysuckle flowers, mulberry leaves, gardenia fruit.

Traditional Home and Folk Remedies 
Honey and lemon work to fight infection and ease coughs. Combine mustard seed powder and water to make a poultice to decongest the chest. Onions will soothe inflamed membranes and induce perspiration. 

Herbalism
Anise diluted in a small amount of water soothes a hacking cough. Wild cherry bark extract added to any herbal drink relieves coughing. Coltsfoot can be added to licorice and honey to alleviate coughs. Rub garlic oil into the chest to fight infection and encourage healing. Drink ginseng in hot water, as it will help to eliminate infection and ease coughing fits. Peppermint tea will soothe the cough and help to bring out the infection.

Aromatherapy 
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. Juniper, myrrh, and rosemary will help to prevent mucus, and act to detoxify the body. 

Homeopathy 
The following remedies can be offered for acute bronchitis; chronic bronchitis must be treated constitutionally:
• Pulsatilla, for symptoms that are worse in stuffy rooms, and for a cough which is dry at night and loose in the morning.
• Ipecac., for nausea, vomiting, and suffocation feelings.
• Bryonia, for a dry, stabbing cough accompanied by a headache and great thirst.
• Phosphorus, for a tight, tickly cough, when you are pale, anxious, and thirsty for cold water.
• Aconite, for sudden onset bronchitis, with a dry cough and chills.

Vitamins and Minerals 
Increase your intake of vitamins B, C, and A, and zinc.