Bronchitis is a condition that happens when the tubes that carry air to your lungs get infected or irritated. It's more common during the winter and usually happens after you've had a cold. A lot of doctors say that it's one of the most common things they see patients for.
If you have bronchitis, consider asking your doctor for antibiotics to get better. But it's essential to know that antibiotics are not effective for treating bronchitis. A review conducted in 2006 concluded that using antibiotics to treat acute bronchitis is not a good idea. In fact, it is recommended that we avoid using antibiotics unless it is necessary.
Good news! There are a number of natural ways to help you feel better if you are suffering from bronchitis or other problems with your breathing.
Bronchitis symptoms
Bronchitis is a condition that can make you cough a lot, feel shaky, have chills and fever, and experience chest pain. This usually happens after you've had a cold. Pneumonia is also a condition that makes you cough, but it affects your lungs in a more serious way. You might have trouble breathing, and your breathing sounds might not be normal.
If you have a cough that lasts for more than a week or comes back again and again, or if you have a high fever, rash, or persistent headache, you should see a doctor. They will check your lungs to see if you have fluid or lymph in them, which could be a sign of a chest infection like bronchitis or pneumonia. It can be hard to tell these two conditions apart, so getting checked out is important to get the right treatment.
Bronchitis is a condition that can be caused by different types of germs, like viruses and bacteria. Usually, when someone catches a cold or the flu or they inhale things like cigarette smoke or other harmful fumes, their immune system can get weakened, and this can lead to bronchitis. Even cancer can sometimes cause bronchitis in healthy people.
Tried and true home remedy
When you have bronchitis, sinusitis, or pneumonia, one of the main things that can help you feel better is getting rid of the extra mucus in your lungs and air passages. There's a therapy called postural drainage that's been around for a long time and can really work wonders. If you have bronchitis, your doctor might recommend doing it twice a day until you start to feel better.
If you have chest congestion and discomfort, there are a few remedies you can try at home. One is to apply a warm compress, such as a microwavable heating pad, hot water bottle, or mustard poultice, to your chest for up to 20 minutes.
Sacksy Thyme Microwavable Heating pad for Bronchitis
To make a mustard poultice, mix dry mustard with flour and water to make a paste, then spread it on thin cotton or cheesecloth and place it on your chest. Keep an eye on it to avoid any skin irritation or blisters. This can help ease your chest discomfort and make you feel better.
After applying a warm compress or a soft, moist mass of herbs to the affected area, lie down on your stomach with your upper body hanging over the edge of the bed, supported by your forearms. Stay in this position for five to fifteen minutes while you try to cough up and spit out any mucus or phlegm into a bowl or a piece of paper on the floor.
Bottle blowing and salt pipes.
In 1997, a study was done in Sweden to find out if a simple exercise could help people recover from pneumonia faster. The researchers asked 145 adults in the hospital to blow bubbles through a plastic tube into a bottle of water 10 times a day. After doing this, they found that the patients were able to leave the hospital sooner.
A recent study has shown that a simple technique called 'bottle blowing' can help improve lung function in patients who have had heart surgery. It involves blowing into a bottle or playing a wind instrument and can be helpful in reducing the risk of respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia in vulnerable patients. So, if you or someone you know has had heart surgery or is prone to respiratory problems, this technique could be worth trying.
Instead of blowing bubbles, some people use a special type of inhaler called a salt pipe. These inhalers have tiny salt particles that can help make breathing easier. This practice originally came from central Europe, where people with trouble breathing would go to salt caves or mines to relieve their symptoms.
Mucolytics
If you are suffering from bronchitis, it is essential to use a medication that can help improve the quality of your mucus secretions and help you cough it out easily. Two of the best options available are described below.
- Did you know that there's a common ingredient found in many over-the-counter medicines that comes from beech wood? It's called guaifenesin, but you may also see it listed as glycerol guaiacolate. This ingredient can help relieve coughs and other respiratory symptoms.
- N-acetylcysteine, commonly known as NAC, is a substance that has been used for a long time to treat lung-related problems. It is especially helpful in treating chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Studies show that it can improve the function of the lungs, reduce coughing, and increase the amount of oxygen in the blood. In fact, research has found that taking NAC by mouth can reduce the risk of chronic bronchitis getting worse and improve symptoms when compared to a placebo. The usual amount of NAC taken is 200 mg three times a day.
Expectorants and immune system support
Using herbs can be a helpful way to support your body when dealing with bronchitis. Certain herbs act as expectorants, which can make it easier to cough up mucus and clear your airways. Some commonly used herbs for this purpose include licorice, South African geranium, ivy, and wild cherry bark.
Eating a well-balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, seeds, and nuts is important to keep your immune system healthy. Try to avoid foods that are high in unhealthy fats or added sugars. Drinking plenty of water (about 5-6 glasses a day) can also help boost your immune system. Make sure the water you drink is clean and filtered, if possible.
A Word From SACKSY THYME
If you have bronchitis and you want to feel better, try some remedies that might make your coughing less severe. You should start to see some improvement within two days. But if you don't, it's best to talk to your doctor.