Bronchitis

Bronchitis can come about as a result of a lingering cold that has turned into an unbearable cough that can last for weeks. The condition of bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes that line the lungs and it can become rather serious if left untreated.

There are two types of bronchitis, acute and chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is normally associated with smokers who have chronic coughing and symptoms of bronchitis all the time. Acute bronchitis can be a secondary infection because of a virus like the common cold or the flu, but is usually caused by a virus.

Acute bronchitis occurs suddenly, and can last up to two weeks. Symptoms are wheezing, coughing (usually worse at night and in the morning) that produces green or yellow phlegm, shortness of breath, and pain in your chest, behind your breastbone, and a slight temperature.

Since antibiotics are ineffective on viruses, bronchitis sufferers have tended to follow common sense cures like getting plenty of rest, plenty of fluids, acetaminophen to relieve fever, and over the counter cough syrups or prescription expectorants.

A change in weather or certain breathing conditions can add to the aggravation, often coughing up excessive phlegm, have difficulty breathing, and may even suffer from a fever. Although rare, bronchitis could lead to pneumonia. For an individual who exhibits signs of bronchitis it can be essential to receive proper medical attention for diagnosis and ultimately treatment.

Home Remedies and Natural Cures for Bronchitis

It is highly recommended to start with medical treatment for bronchitis. There are some excellent prescription medications that can help in treating the symptoms associated with it.

Drink Plenty of Fluids

Drinking plenty of clear fluids throughout the day can help loosen mucus and help an individual breathe easier. Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, clear soups and try to avoid caffeine and alcoholic drinks.

Get Plenty of Rest

Whenever an individual is sick, getting plenty of rest the first few days can help heal the body. So be sure to rest as much as you can.

Gargle with Salt Water

Gargling with salt water can help to temporarily soothe a sore throat associated with bronchitis. Simply dissolve 1/2 teaspoon salt into 8 ounces of warm water (warm enough to dissolve salt but not so hot it burns your throat).

Tilt your head back and gargle for 30 seconds, spit out and repeat until gone. This can be done about every four hours throughout the day.

Humidifier

Particularly effective for acute and chronic bronchitis sufferers, is using a humidifier, nebulae, or electric inhalation machine to calm bronchitis symptoms, and promote rapid recovery from acute bronchitis. a humidifier will increase the moisture in the air to a preferred 30-50% which will help to loosen mucus in the airways and make phlegm easier to cough up.

If you don't have a humidifier available, it may be helpful to set a pot of water on the stove and let it slowly simmer. While difficult to control the overall humidity it does release moisture in the the air helping to moisturize your airway.

Decongestants/Expectorants

Phlegm and mucus as a result of a cold virus may benefit from OTC medications that help to dry up nasal secretions (decongestants) expectorants which thin mucus allowing you to cough up the congesting secretions more easily. Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Vitamins and Supplements

It seems your mother was right, when she made you drink lots of citrus juice and take Vitamin C supplements when you were sick with bronchitis.

Vitamin C provides antihistaminic relief due to its ability to detoxify and metabolize histamines in the system.

N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) has been found to be affective when administered to those who have chronic bronchitis, by significantly reducing the number of attacks each month, lowering the days of hospitalization required, and reducing the number of sick days taken from work.

Semen Sinapis Alba

Semen sinapis alba has been shown to ease difficult breathing and coughing due to colds, bronchitis, and phlegm retention. With its pungent taste and warm nature, this herb removes obstructions from respiratory channels, and aids in recovery from acute bronchitis.

Onion

Onion seems to have an unlimited number of healing powers and we see it appear yet again in the treatment of bronchitis. Onion is said to have natural expectorant powers and therefore should be taken as a natural cure for bronchitis.

Taking a teaspoon of raw onion juice first thing in the morning on an empty stomach might help to liquefy phlegm and prevent it from forming altogether.

Turmeric Powder

Another excellent home remedy for bronchitis is turmeric powder, and fortunately it is quite easy to find at any natural health food store.

Mixing a teaspoon of turmeric powder with a glass of warm milk makes for a powerful drink in the treatment of bronchitis and should be consumed on an empty stomach. Turmeric powder can also be added to one teaspoon of honey and taken up to three times a day.

Almonds

Crushing up a handful of almonds and turning this into an emulsion mixed with lemon juice will act as a natural home remedy for bronchitis. Almonds in this form can help battle bronchial problems, particularly bronchitis, and is a preferred natural cure.