Bronchitis:
Causes, Symptoms, Preventions and Remedies?
Bronchitis is an inflammation
of the “bronchi” – the airways within the lungs
– that causes excessive production of mucus and swelling of
bronchial walls. It can be caused by:
- Viral infection from cold or flu
- Respiratory yeast infection from a poor immune
system or previous antibiotics
- Long term exposure to cigarette smoke
- Post-nasal drip into bronchial tubes from
infected sinuses
- Airborne allergens and pollution or allergies
to such
- Occupations handling caustic materials or
fine grains and dusts
Symptoms of bronchitis range as follows:
- Dry, congested cough or mucus-producing cough
- Wheezing or shortness of breath, especially
after exertion
- Low fever
- Fatigue
- Blue-ish lips from insufficient oxygen flow
- Other respiratory infections
Bronchitis can involve all 3 bad guys –
bacteria, virus and fungus, especially when occurring after another
infection. For example, bronchitis is very common following a sinus
infection due to the post-nasal drip of thickened mucus.
If antibiotics were taken for
sinus or other infections, and there were no signs of bronchitis
before, chances are the bronchitis started from overly thick mucus
reaching the bronchi and attracting fungal yeast. This yeast can
congregate in the sinus and respiratory mucus membranes and make
the discharge even thicker and harder to remove.
Antibiotics often lead to yeast
infections because they kill “friendly” bacteria along
with the bad. The balance of our body’s good and bad bacteria
is important to our immune system and helps prevent infections.
What is the difference between “acute” and “chronic”
bronchitis?
“Acute” bronchitis is sudden and short-lived,
usually following a viral infection which first attacks the nose,
throat and sinuses. Unfortunately, too many people are given antibiotics
for mild viral respiratory infections, which can best be resolved
with steam and other remedies (discussed below). Antibiotics are
only effective on killing bacteria. However, once the mucus is settled
and thickened, bacteria and fungus may then be drawn in. This can
lead to long-lasting bronchitis.
“Chronic” bronchitis is persistent
bronchitis for longer than three months. The airways may become
packed with very thick phlegm, plus a heavy, congested, unproductive
cough. Bacterial involvement and the growth of fungus are highly
possible by this time.
Approximately 95% of true “chronic” bronchitis is from
cigarette smoking, and characterized by a persistent cough and excessive
production of mucus. In severe stages, bronchitis is considered
a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), along with Emphysema.
In fact, if unresolved, chronic bronchitis can develop into emphysema
due to damaged lung and respiratory tissue.
Chronic bronchitis can lead to pneumonia if not treated properly.
If one can’t breathe, fluid will begin gathering in the lungs,
not allowing enough oxygen. Call your doctor if you:
- Cough up blood.
- Have a high fever or shaking chills.
- Have a low-grade fever for three or more
days.
- Cough up thick, greenish foul-smelling mucus.
- Feel short of breath or have chest pain.
Natural and Homeopathic Treatment
for Bronchitis
Take VÄXA Lung Formula,
our homeopathic medicinal for the best way to quick, specific relief.
It naturally enhances the body’s ability to:
- Break up phlegm with its gentle expectorants
- Relax bronchial muscles with anti-spasmodic
herbs
- Maintain or restore correct amounts and consistency
of mucus
- Restore healthy lung functions
Because Lung Formula is not for children,
try these home remedies to calm their symptoms:
- Rub a eucalyptus vapor rub on the outside
of the throat and chest.
- Massage the chest while taking steamy showers.
Gentle “Tarzan” type pounding also helps break up
congestion!
- Inhale steam from a pot of 2 cups boiling
water with the following solution:
- Garlic - 1/2 clove or open a 500 mg capsule
- Tea tree oil - 2 drops
- Eucalyptus vapor rub – ¼
teaspoon
- South American herb pau d’arco
- 2 drops or half of one 500 mg capsule
Do this for 2 minutes, twice daily.
A rag can also be soaked in the solution (warm, not hot) and
laid on the chest or throat.
Diet & Habit
- Eliminate dairy products - milk, cream, cheese,
ice cream – sugar and sugary desserts, and minimize breads,
pastas. All these foods cause mucous buildup and encourage yeast.
Health food stores have some great replacements.
- Eat garlic or take garlic tablets! Garlic
has natural antibiotic, antifungal properties.
- Drink only hot beverages to break up phlegm.
- Don’t smoke! Heavy smokers should also
go outside the house to protect their loved ones – second
hand smoke can cause bronchitis.
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