We’ve all been there, a slight tickling in the throat turns into a cough which turns into fatigue, fever, chills and eventually a cough that won’t seem to quit. As we move into the colder months this type of scenario is all too common, leaving you wondering… “is this a cold or something more?”
Bronchitis, an extremely common illness, could be the culprit.
Bronchitis is defined as inflammation or swelling of the bronchial tubes (the air passages between the mouth, nose and lungs). Let’s take a look at typical bronchitis symptoms and treatment, as well as a few effective natural bronchitis remedies you can use at home.
What Causes Bronchitis?
This inflammation can be ignited by either a pathogen, such as the influenza virus, or environmental and lifestyle stimuli.
Acute vs Chronic Bronchitis, What’s the Difference?
To better understand this condition, it is important to know the two types of bronchitis, acute (temporary) and chronic (enduring). Both types have similar symptoms, but have different causes.
- Acute bronchitis is referred to as a “chest cold”, usually lasting a couple of weeks. Typically, acute bronchitis is caused by a virus, often the same one responsible for the flu (influenza). In a small number of cases, the bronchitis is triggered by a bacterial infection. Cases of bacterial bronchitis are usually treated with antibiotics.
- Chronic bronchitis is frequently caused by smoking cigarettes. Air pollution, dust, and toxic gases in the environment can also cause chronic bronchitis. According to the CDC, roughly 9 million adults were diagnosed with chronic bronchitis in the U.S. in 2018. 3.6% of the population! Chronic bronchitis is known as a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in which the bronchial tubes produce an excess of mucus. It is either persistent or keeps coming back.
Bronchitis Symptoms: Same Symptoms, Different Cause
Though acute and chronic bronchitis are caused by a different set circumstances, both conditions stem from an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, and present the same symptoms. Keep an eye out for these symptoms of bronchitis in adults if you think you may be suffering from bronchitis.
- A persistent cough with mucus
- Wheezing
- Fever and chills
- A feeling of tightness in the chest
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Headaches
- A blocked nose and sinuses
- Trouble breathing
Children typically present with similar symptoms. Occasionally, bronchitis in children will trigger vomiting or a gagging reflex.
The main difference between acute and chronic bronchitis is the length of time these symptoms persist. If symptoms fade after a couple of weeks it is acute, if they last indefinitely, or keep coming back it is chronic.
Conventional Bronchitis Remedies
Whether acute or chronic, the effects of bronchitis can range from mildly irritating to seriously debilitating. While acute bronchitis usually resolves itself within a few weeks, if your bronchitis is not going away don’t ignore it! It’s important to seek care because chronic bronchitis indicates a significant imbalance in the body and is often a precursor to serious conditions such as emphysema or lung cancer.
Conventional treatments can be helpful in treating bronchitis, but they don’t come without potential risks and side effects. It is important to make an informed decision when agreeing to take a medication for bronchitis, making sure it is right for your lifestyle and condition.
- Antibiotics – are used in treating bacterial bronchitis to clear up the existing infection. While antibiotics can be lifesaving, it’s always a good idea to avoid an antibiotic unless necessary, as your body can build up a resistance to them making them less effective. Patients report side effects like diarrhea, stomach cramping, and bowel distress when using antibiotics. Don’t avoid antibiotics if you need them, but beware of doctors who prescribe them without first verifying that it is a bacterial infection.
- Cough suppressants – are used in treating bacterial bronchitis as well as chronic bronchitis to help in easing the urge to cough. Reported side effects are drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, upset stomach, blurred vision and dry mouth.
- Painkillers – relieve muscle aches associated with both chronic and bacterial bronchitis but come with the danger of abuse and misuse. Using painkillers can lead to kidney and liver disease, compromised immunity, addiction, and cardiovascular complications.
- Bronchodilators – are used in treating chronic bronchitis to reduce inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Feelings of nervousness, shaking, headache, and dizziness have been reported by those using this type of drug.
Can you Prevent Bronchitis? Yes!
Transmission – To prevent the transmission on acute bronchitis it is imperative to remember this illness can be spread by droplets of saliva produced while coughing. If you are experiencing bronchitis it is important to do the following;wash hands often, cough into a tissue, and avoid contact with those who suffer from a compromised immune system like children, the elderly and cancer patients.
Lifestyle – If you are a smoker, quit. There is no better choice for your overall health, specifically when chronic bronchitis is concerned. In fact, over 90 percent of people with chronic bronchitis have a history of smoking, this includes secondhand smoke. If your work of lifestyle has you encountering toxic gases, air pollution or industrial and chemical fumes, it is important to use a respirator and other appropriate protection for your airways.
Bronchitis Home Remedies
Don’t be surprised if your doctor initially recommends little more than rest and increased intake of fluids, but natural treatment options also aid in decreasing the discomfort and symptoms of bronchitis. These natural treatments are accessible and easy to administer.
7 Natural Treatments for Bronchitis
- Drink warm fluids to stay hydrated– When suffering from an infection, staying hydrated is imperative. Incorporating warm beverages like herbal teas will provide additional relief because they also loosen phlegm, making it easier to expel. Another option is to sip on bone broth or garlic broth. Broth will soothe your throat and fortify your body with the strength it needs to fight off infection.
- Saltwater gargle– Mix a couple of tablespoons of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle to soothe your throat membranes, making sure not to swallow.
- Rest– The old advice rings true. Rest is one of the most important components to healing. Avoid exercise at the onset of illness so as to not tax your body. If you feel like you need to move around try gentle yoga or going for a short walk.
- Heat– Bronchitis can cause a very uncomfortable and heavy feeling in the chest. Applying heat can ease some of the pressure. Try using a hot water bottle, heating blanket, heating pad, or taking a warm bath. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids if taking a bath as the hot water can dehydrate you.
- Steam– Warm, moist air is your friend when fighting bronchitis. Turn on the humidifier or take a long steamy shower to relax airways. Another option is putting an essential oil like peppermint or eucalyptus in a diffuser near where you sleep. It will provide relaxation and relief.
- Avoid irritants– Stay away from areas with high amounts of pollution or smoke. Places to avoid- bars, streets with high traffic, hair salons and gas stations.
- Herbs– Long used in treating illness, herbs are a great addition to the previous treatments. Herbs that have been reported to provide relief from bronchitis include echinacea, goldenseal, oregano, lobelia, coltsfoot, and thyme.
Microcurrent – Treating Bronchitis on a Cellular Level
As we previously discussed, bronchitis develops when the bronchial tubes become inflamed due to a virus or environmental disturbances. This is where microcurrent comes to the rescue.
Microcurrent uses very low frequencies of electricity to deliver healing on the cellular level. Every tissue in your body has its own frequency which becomes disrupted by illness or injury. With microcurrent, you can gently correct these disruptions through the delivery of the appropriate frequencies, thus eliminating inflammation in the entire body.
Treating bronchial inflammation with microcurrent therapy is non-invasive, pain free and requires no down time. We have had much success in helping patients resolve their chronic bronchitis through microcurrent therapy – even when they’d suffered for years.
Want to Learn More about Eliminating Inflammation with Microcurrent?
Knowledge is power! We want to empower you by sharing the latest information on fighting inflammation for good with microcurrent. We have compiled an easy-to-read report with some of the latest and most reliable treatment options and protocols available today. Download it for free to learn more about treating your inflammatory condition with microcurrent and other natural methods.
https://medlineplus.gov/chronicbronchitis.html
Source: https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=acute-bronchitis-in-children-90-P02930
https://lunginstitute.com/blog/chronic-bronchitis-facts/