Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi, the structures that carry air to and from the lungs, which causes coughing and shortness of breath. This is usually a complication of a mild illness, such as a cold; it is generally not a serious condition and can be treated naturally.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Learn about Bronchitis
Step 1. Recognize the difference between chronic and acute bronchitis
This pathology is the consequence of an inflammation of the air passages in the lungs and can be divided into acute or chronic. It is important to be able to recognize the differences, because different treatments are implemented according to the type of bronchitis.
- Acute bronchitis typically results from a viral infection and symptoms last no longer than 7-10 days. This is the type of bronchitis that can be treated with natural remedies and does not require a prescription.
- Chronic bronchitis is a lifelong disease that typically affects smokers mostly. It is just one aspect of a variety of disorders that contribute to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. If you have chronic bronchitis, you shouldn't try to cure it naturally, but you should contact your doctor.
Step 2. Check for symptoms
It is important to know the symptoms of bronchitis. People often confuse them with those of other sinus or cold infections; in this way, however, bronchitis is not treated properly.
- Acute bronchitis looks very similar to a common cold. Symptoms include sore throat, sneezing, wheezing, fatigue and fever. However, it is different from a cold and is typically accompanied by a cough that produces greenish or yellowish phlegm.
- Symptoms should only last 7-10 days; However, if they remain for a longer period, and you also notice that the lips tend to blue and that the ankles, feet and legs are swollen, then it could be chronic bronchitis.
- If you are not a smoker and do not have specific symptoms of chronic bronchitis, you probably have acute bronchitis. This can be treated naturally and with over-the-counter medications. There is no need for medical attention if symptoms disappear within 7-10 days.
Step 3. Know the risk factors
If you are still having a hard time identifying the symptoms of bronchitis, you may be able to understand the type of condition you are suffering from based on your risk factors. There are multiple factors that can increase the risk of bronchitis.
- If you have a compromised immune system, the risk of contracting bronchitis increases, as it is of viral origin. If you have had a cold for a long time or suffer from some disease that has weakened your immune system, such as HIV / AIDS, you run a higher risk of getting sick. You are also more likely to get bronchitis even if you have low immunity due to age. Young children and the elderly are more vulnerable to viral infections that can lead to this disease.
- If your job involves exposing yourself to lung irritants, such as ammonia, acids, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, or bromine, you are at risk of developing bronchitis. These irritating elements easily enter the airways to the lungs, causing inflammation and obstructions.
- Gastric reflux can irritate your throat and make you more susceptible to this inflammation.
- If you are a smoker, you run a higher risk of contracting both types of bronchitis, acute and chronic. If you think yours is caused by smoking, you should rule out the idea of natural remedies and seek medical treatments.
Part 2 of 3: Treating Bronchitis at Home
Step 1. Sleep
Bed rest is generally recommended to treat bronchitis, as the body needs time to recover and heal from the virus. However, it can be difficult to sleep due to the symptoms associated with the disorder.
- It is worth setting up habits that, even when you are in good health, can improve your sleep conditions. Keep your bedroom quiet, turn off all appliances and electronic devices, don't look at your computer or cell phone before bed.
- In health food stores, you can find herbal syrups and sedative cough teas. If you have a persistent cough that prevents you from sleeping at night, this can be a viable solution.
- Sleeping with the head slightly raised may help. This relieves the pressure from the sinuses by moving it towards the ears and makes breathing easier. Try sleeping with an extra pillow or on a recliner.
- Drink chamomile tea or a specific herbal tea to help you sleep, to try to relax before going to bed and get the fluids your body needs. A cup of tea just before bed or a nap can help.
Step 2. Humidify the environment
Moist air can reduce symptoms by thinning the mucus and consequently reducing coughing and sneezing. You should increase the humidity in the house a little.
- Get a humidifier. You can buy one online or at home improvement stores. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, especially regarding cleaning the accessory. You must avoid worsening the symptoms by spreading pollutants into the air.
- If you don't want to buy a humidifier, you can create humidity with other methods. Boil a pot of water and inhale the steam, or take a hot shower with the bathroom door closed to increase the humidity in the room as much as possible. Houseplants are also a valid alternative, because they purify the air and at the same time make it less dry.
Step 3. Avoid exposing yourself to irritants
When you are at home, be careful not to come into contact with anything that could further irritate the lungs.
- Do not smoke while you are still experiencing symptoms. If you live with a smoker, ask him to smoke outside, so as not to be exposed to secondhand smoke.
- Household cleaners and fresh paint are also respiratory irritants and you should avoid contact when symptoms persist.
- If you know you are allergic to certain elements that cause coughs and sneezing, avoid them during bronchitis.
Part 3 of 3: Eating Habits
Step 1. Drink lots of fluids
Liquids help manage bronchitis, as the body loses them in the event of a fever; also by drinking a lot you can thin the mucus, reduce coughing, sneezing and other symptoms.
- Drinking plain water is the best and easiest way to hydrate. Make sure you always have a bottle of water with you and fill it as soon as it is empty.
- You can also drink more soothing hot drinks. Soups, herbal teas, or teas will relieve your throat if you have had a cough for a long time; boiled water is also a good option.
- Avoid milk, as cow's milk promotes mucus production. It is also not particularly moisturizing when compared to other drinks.
Step 2. Supplement your diet with foods that help reduce the symptoms of bronchitis
There are a variety of foods that can help you treat symptoms, and if you add them to your diet, you can find relief during your recovery period.
- Lemon and ginger soothe the throat by reducing cough and mucus production. You can add them to herbal teas, plus you can put grated lemon peel in water to add more flavor and relieve throat pain.
- Almonds contain several vitamins and nutrients that promote healing from respiratory tract infections.
- Spicy foods can induce rhinorrhea, but the mucus that forms is more liquid and easier to excrete. Eating hot food helps clear the airways and improves breathing.
Step 3. Get the honey
It is a highly recommended food in case of colds or flu for a valid reason: it has remarkable natural antitussive properties.
- A study was performed in which some patients with cold-like symptoms underwent different treatments and honey, especially buckwheat honey, proved to be the best remedy for treating the symptoms. This food appears to reduce discomfort much more than other treatments. This helps dispel the widespread belief that honey-based cold treatments are just an old "grandmother's" custom and are not actually effective.
- You can add honey to your evening tea or eat a spoonful before going to bed; this way you will fight the symptoms. However, keep in mind that coughing is not always a bad thing; it is actually necessary for the body to expel mucus and clear the airways, so you shouldn't eat honey all day for the purpose of suppressing a cough. Try to limit yourself to the times when the cough interferes with your rest.
Step 4. Gargle with salt water
This remedy helps relieve a sore throat temporarily. If the symptoms are particularly bothersome, you can try this salt and water solution and see if it gives relief.
- Usually 1-2 grams of salt are enough to dissolve in 240 ml of water.
- Gargle with this solution for about 30 seconds, as if using a mouthwash, and finally spit the liquid into the sink. Repeat as needed.
- Water temperature is a matter of personal preference, but warm or warm water may be more effective.
Step 5. Use eucalyptus essential oil
The oil that comes from the eucalyptus tree, sold in health food stores and pharmacies, is a powerful natural remedy. It is able to relieve congestion, cough and sore throat. However, you need to take important precautions when you decide to use it.
- You should not take it by mouth if you have not received specific medical advice on this. It usually has to be used for external use and can be dangerous if swallowed.
- For bronchitis, add 5-10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to half a liter of boiling water. Put a towel on your head, lean over the water and inhale the steam.
- You can also apply the oil to your skin, as long as it's diluted with another carrier oil such as olive or almond oil. This remedy is usually more suitable for skin rashes and inflammation and is not always effective in case of bronchitis.
- Do not use this oil on children without first seeking the advice of the pediatrician, as it may be toxic.
