Bronchitis is the swelling in the branch that carries air to and from the lungs. When these air tubes become irritated and swollen they produce mucus, which clogs the airways and causes continual coughing. For most people an attack of bronchitis comes fast and doesn't last long. It starts when a virus that causes cold or cough spreads to the airways. Agents such as tobacco, chemical fumes or dusts are the main culprits.
Symptoms of bronchitis:
- Hacking dry or wet cough that brings up green gray or yellowish mucus.
- Wheezing and shortness of breath.
- Pain in the upper chest, made worse by fits of coughing.
- Fever of 100 degrees and over.
- Pressure behind the breast bone.
Acute bronchitis preventions:
- Don't smoke. Avoid going to smoky places with lots of fumes.
- On days with poor air supply don't exercise or do outdoor work.
- Keep germs away. Most colds can spread through touch.
- Wash your hands often.
- Clean things used by many people like phones, and door knobs with a disinfectant.
- Blow your nose in tissues and not handkerchiefs as bacteria linger in the cloth until washed.
- Try to stay away from people who sneeze and cough often.
- Get a flu vaccine each year and a pneumococcal (a common type of pneumonia) vaccine one time.
Cure for acute bronchitis, home remedies for acute bronchitis:
- Take a acetaminophen or ibrufen to fight fever and pain.
- If there is a lasting dry cough then try over the counter cough medicine.
- Stay home in a warm room and take rest.
- Inhale steam from a vaporizer or a pot of hot water or take hot showers.
- Drink a lot of liquids at least 8 glasses per day.
- Get a massage for a sore back and chest muscles.
Identifying the need of Home remedies for Acute Bronchitis
- If the symptoms don't ease in 2-3 days.
- If the person with bronchitis is an infant or a senior.
- If the mucus increases or darkens and thickens.
- If you have a lung or a heart disease and you suffer a bronchitis attack.
- If you cough up blood or become short of breath.
- If you have a fever of 102 degrees or higher.
Home Remedies for Bronchitis
Listed below are some of the effective home remedies for bronchitis:
- Honey, Black Pepper, Cloves and Ginger Paste for Bronchitis Cure: Experts suggest that honey can help in opening the blocked tube between throat and lungs and promote clear breathing. This might help in treating bronchitis. One might take half a teaspoon of honey and mix it with very small amount of powdered clove, black pepper and fresh ginger paste.
- Turmeric as Natural Bronchitis Cure: It is suggested that the anti-inflammatory property of turmeric can help in relieving lung congestion, thereby treating bronchitis. A teaspoon of turmeric powder can be taken with a cup of milk twice daily.
- Bay Leaf for Natural Bronchitis Treatment: It is believed that the antibiotic property of bay leaves can help fight infection-causing cough and cold. Moreover, its antispasmodic property can help in soothing the walls of the respiratory tract. Together, these might cure bronchitis. One can add a fresh or dried bay leaf in a cup of boiling water and steep it for 5 minutes in a covered pot before drinking.
- Ginger as a Natural Cure for Bronchitis: Ginger is considered a potent expectorant. It can liquefy and soften dry phlegm and prevent congestion in the bronchial tract, thereby treating bronchitis. To prepare ginger tea, add half a teaspoon of freshly chopped ginger root in two cups of boiling water. Steep it for five minutes in a covered pot before drinking. For added taste, one might add a teaspoon of honey.
- Coltsfoot Tea for Natural Bronchitis Relief: The antispasmodic, expectorant and demulcent properties of coltsfoot can make it an effective remedy in bronchitis. To make the tea, one might take one teaspoon each of coltsfoot, dried mullein and anise seed in a cup of boiling water. Steep it for 5 minutes and strain the liquid.
