How to Treat Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi - the tubes that connect your trachea to your lungs. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by an infection - typically bacterial or viral - while chronic bronchitis is caused by a continuous irritation to the lungs, such as smoking or exposure to toxic chemicals.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scarves
• Humidifiers
• Dietary Supplements
• Echinacea
• Hot Water Bottles
• Vitamin C
• Pollen/dust Masks
• Vitamin C
• Hot water bottles

1. Take steps to reduce your exposure to toxins. Avoid smoking and breathing in secondhand smoke, stay indoors as much as possible during periods of high air pollution, and wear the appropriate face mask and protection if you work with chemicals or other irritants.

2. Use a humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to the air. This will help loosen secretions and help you breathe easier.

3. Place a hot-water bottle or a warm, moist cloth on your chest and back. This will reduce inflammation and is particularly useful at night, when you want to sleep.

4. Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf if you must go out into cold air. The cold can further aggravate bronchitis.

5. Avoid using a cough suppressant, except at night. You need to cough in order to bring up secretions.

6. Take medications as directed. If you are taking antibiotics for a bacterial infection, take the entire dose, even if you start to feel better before it is completed.

7. Use aerosols and inhalers as directed. Do not use a larger dose than directed and do not use more frequently than directed. This can cause side effects.

8. Talk to a naturopathic doctor or general practitioner about dietary supplements such as goldenseal, echinacea, colloidal silver, zinc, coenzyme Q10, and vitamins A and C.

9. Improve your diet. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas and soups.

10. Eliminate or reduce your intake of mucus-forming foods such as dairy products, white flour, sweet fruits, sugar and some processed foods, and avoid substances that cause allergic reactions.

Tips & Warnings

• You should see a doctor if symptoms last longer than a week; if your mucus turns yellow, green or rust-colored; if the cough increases in severity; or if you have deep chest pain when you cough.
• Call your doctor if you are having trouble breathing, or seek emergency care.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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[maddy31luvsyeww]

on 10/23/2009 haha hope this works i am tired of getting called marge simpson.... lol

[handyblog]

on 10/18/2009 Oh my God I hope this works...I've been doing something the things you say to avoid and have notice my sickness getting worse. I let you know if it worked for me!

[tauntria]

on 7/21/2007 I had Bronchitis, the Dr's prescribed everything, inhaler, lung fluid drainer, claritin, cough suppression pills, anti-biotics, I went through hell. My chest would rattle when I coughed :( Then my mom told my my grandmother said to take 3 teaspoons of codliver oil a day till it goes away. I was skeptical but I did it day 4 gone! It's a miracle. What the Dr's don't want you to know. $9.00 saved me. The end.

[imthefred]

on 2/26/2007 The best remedy I have found, and my family swears by it to this day is:

this must be done in the shower. Place one leg up on the side of the tub, or, if you have a shower only, as high up on the shower wall as possible. Take care to use leverage. Now, with that one leg up, reach your hand around to your back and thump approximately six or seven times, varying each thump's intensity, breathing deeply and then not-so-deeply, and combinations thereof. Now, lower the leg and switch legs. Thump again, but this time don't breathe at all. After eight days either it will have gone away completely or it will somewhat help it. Again, do this and drink a shot of whiskey before bed and you will be great.

on 8/8/2006 Bring a pot of water to boil on the stove (add aromatic herbs or such, if you like); turn off the heat and (being careful not to burn yourself), lower your face to the steam and cover your head with a towel to create a mini steam bath. Breathe in the steam as long as it's comfortable to do so. It's okay to step away for a moment or two to cool down and return. You should do this several times a day.

The steam helps to break up the phlegm. Lay on your bed, belly down. Hang the upper part of your body off of the mattress. If possible, have someone pound on your back with gentle, but firm strokes. This can help dislodge/break-up the phlegm. It's not comfortable but try laying like this for 10 minutes or so, several times a day. And work on coughing up the mucous plugs!