Natural Treatments for Bronchitis:

Bronchitis is a condition that affects the lungs, causing inflammation of the bronchial tubes (airways) and leading to formation of excessive thick, yellowish-green mucous that collects in the lungs. The irritated lung tissue and mucous cause a persistent, hacking cough, along with some difficulty in breathing. In most cases, bronchitis is an after-effect of a viral infection such as the common cold or the flu, when the immune system is already weakened. This form of bronchitis is called acute bronchitis and it usually disappears in a few days when the viral infection has run its course. However, if the symptoms last for more than two months, chances are that the patient is suffering from chronic (long-term) bronchitis. This form can causes repeated infections and requires medical treatment. Doctors can prescribe medications similar to that used for asthma, which help to dilate (open up) the inflamed bronchial tubes. In severe cases, oxygen therapy may be recommended to ensure that the body’s cells get ample oxygen supplies.

For acute bronchitis, the treatment start with getting plenty of rest and letting the body’s immune system recover. If possible, the patient needs to have a humidifier, which can help promote coughing, which expels the thick mucous, making it easier to breathe. Steam inhalation from a bowl of hot water with a few drops of eucalyptus oil is also beneficial. It is recommended that the patient drink lots of water, which can help to ‘thin out’ the mucous, making it easier to cough up. Strong cough medication is best avoided, since some ingredients tend to dry up the mucous. Similarly, alcohol and caffeine-based beverages are best avoided due to their dehydrating nature.

Hot chili peppers in the diet may help, since they tend to increase production of certain fluids that thin out mucous. Secondhand smoke can be very harmful to a bronchitis patient; smokers with bronchitis will take a much longer time to recover, even after quitting. A regular gargle with a mild salt solution can help to relieve any inflammation of the throat and clear out any collection of mucous. The old home remedy for bronchitis recommending chicken soup is actually effective, since it helps to dilute the mucous and provide vital nutrients to the patient. Medical experts also advise regular flu shots, since bronchitis can increase the risk f contracting other viral infections such as influenza. This is especially important due to the worldwide spread of the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu.