Bronchitis

Signs of Bronchitis

Did you know that bronchitis is one of the top ten conditions for which people seek medical care? The signs and symptoms of bronchitis, also often called a chest cold, include inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, that causes persistent cough, chest pain, wheezing, and occasionally, difficulty breathing. Bronchitis typically comes on after a bout of the common cold or another respiratory infection. Older adults, infants, and young children are at increased risk of developing bronchitis, as are smokers, and those who are immune compromised.

Bronchitis Signs & Symptoms

• Chest discomfort
• Chills
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Production of thick, sticky mucus; clear, white, yellowish, greyish, or green in colour
• Shortness of breath

Acute Vs Chronic Bronchitis Signs

Acute bronchitis is typically caused by viruses; the same viruses that cause the cold and flu. Acute bronchitis tends to resolve by itself once the infection is gone, with symptoms usually improving in 10 days or so, though coughing may linger for several weeks.

Chronic bronchitis (long-term inflammation of the bronchi) is a more serious condition that can develop over time and is characterized by recurrent episodes of bronchitis lasting anywhere from a few months to a few years. Unsurprisingly, one of the most common causes of chronic bronchitis is smoking. Air pollution also can contribute/aggravate the condition. Chronic bronchitis is a serious condition that should be treated as it can result in a drastic decline in lung function.

How Is Bronchitis Treated?

Although the conventional approach to treating bronchitis is often with a course of antibiotics, the truth of the matter is that more often than not bronchitis is caused by a virus, against which antibiotics are useless. Conventional treatment of severe or chronic bronchitis involves the use of bronchodilators.

Bronchitis responds especially well to lifestyle modifications, such as using a humidifier to ease coughs and loosen mucus in the airways (hot steamy showers can also help); practicing pursed-lip breathing – a technique used to regulate breathing and relieve shortness of breath; getting in at least 30 minutes of exercise daily will also help enhance respiratory clearance, and staying hydrated to thin the mucus in your bronchial tubes. Last but certainly not least on the lifestyle hygiene list is adopting an anti-inflammatory diet to bolster your immune system and lower inflammation in your bronchial tubes. Supplementation can also be extremely useful.

Supplements For Signs Of Bronchitis

Astragalus

Powerful immune-boosting properties. Strengthens the lungs and increases the body's ability to fight all sorts of infections.

Bromelain For Signs Of Bronchitis

Has potent mucolytic properties that help break up and expel mucus. Often used in pulmonary edema, bronchitis, and conditions related to inflammatory airway diseases such as asthma.

Colloidal Silver

Has been shown to kill over 650 different illness, causing microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Especially helpful for bronchitis used in a nebulizer. Speak to your ND to find if this is an option for you.

Echinacea

Potent immune stimulation, and antiviral properties. Stimulates macrophage function in the lungs and spleen.

Ginseng For Signs Of Bronchitis

Has been shown to improve lung function. Used to treat respiratory conditions, decrease lung bacteria, and has been used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Horehound

Supports bronchial disorders. Especially effective to help asthma, bronchitis, and whooping cough.

Ivy Extract

Highly effective for bronchitis and coughs. Stimulates expectoration and helps dissolve mucus, making breathing easier. Enhances lung function.

Licorice Root

Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helps support upper respiratory health.

Lobelia For Signs Of Bronchitis

Has a long history of use as an herbal remedy for respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, wheezing, uncontrollable coughing, and chest tightness.

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine

Help reduce frequency and severity of coughs and improves lung function. Increases the production of glutathione, an important antioxidant in the lungs, which helps thin mucus.

Marshmallow Root

A demulcent that coats and protects mucosal membranes, marshmallow extract also decreases coughs, helps expel mucus, and helps to heal the respiratory tract.

Mullein For Signs Of Bronchitis

Expectorant and demulcent that soothes irritated mucous membranes. Used for all conditions affecting the respiratory tract, particularly in cases of irritating coughs with bronchial congestion.

Zinc

Has been shown to improve acute illness. Also prevents premature cell destruction and helps reduce inflammation in the airways.

Vitamin C

Boosts the immune system and decreases the severity and duration of the cold and flu and other respiratory viruses.

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