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's 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.
|
