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BRONCHITIS - SYMPTOMS, SIGNS, CAUSES & REMEDIES OF BRONCHITIS

Bronchitis (pronounced: brahn- kite -uss) is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes , the airways that connect the trachea (windpipe) to the lungs. Bronchitis is a condition which is clinically defined as a chronic cough with mucus production This infection is caused because of a certain type of bacteria or virus. In most cases of bronchitis, the larynx, traches and bronchial tubes are acutely inflamed. When a person has bronchitis, it may be harder for air to pass in and out of the lungs than it normally would, the tissues become irritated and more mucus is produced.

Types of Bronchitis

There are two types of Bronchitis:-

1) Acute Bronchitis :- An acute medical condition comes on quickly and can cause severe symptoms, but it lasts only a short time (no longer than a few weeks). If you smoke or are around damaging fumes (such as those in certain kinds of factories), you are more likely to get acute bronchitis and to have it longer. Infection by certain bacteria can also cause acute bronchitis. Most people have acute bronchitis at some point in their lives

Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis :

• Acute bronchitis often starts with a dry, annoying cough that is triggered by the inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes.
• Persisting cough
• Wheezing sound
• Traces of pus in the phlegm, its colour being yellowish or greenish
• Tired feeling, loss of appetite, headache and fever.

How long it will last?

It last for one to three weeks. Relief comes on its own in healthy person.

When to consult the doctor?

• When breathing becomes difficult or if there is pain in the chest while coughing.
• If the patient is a very old person or a child.

2) Chronic Bronchitis :- A clear bronchi will help serve easy passage for the air. Due to constant beats of cold and chest infection, the bronchi is narrowed leading to Chronic Bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis, can be mild to severe and is longer lasting - from several months to years. With chronic bronchitis, the bronchial tubes continue to be inflamed (red and swollen), irritated, and produce excessive mucus over time. Chronic bronchitis is caused most often by exposure to airborne pollutants such as smoke, excessive dust in the air, or chemicals. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of chronic bronchitis. Tobacco smoke is the cause of more than 80% of all cases of chronic bronchitis. People who smoke also have a much harder time recovering from acute bronchitis and other respiratory infections.

Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis:

• Severe cough with phlegm
• Heavy breathing and wheezing sounds
• In the early stages, the patient is tired after some work or a little walk. But, in the later stage, the feeling of tiredness will be there even while taking rest.
• An indefinable pain in the chest and a feeling of illness.

When to consult doctor?

• If the cough persists for 2 to 3 weeks.
• If the cough comes with every winter.

Home remedies of Bronchities

• Rub the throat and chest with garlic oil or cayenne extract to break up mucus and alleviate coughs.
• Milk cream is beneficial in the treatment of boils. One teaspoon of milk cream, mixed with half a teaspoon of vinegar, and a pinch of turmeric powder, makes an excellent poultice. It helps in ripening the blood boils and in their healing without allowing them to become septic.
• Comfrey, eucalyptus, and lobelia will relax the system, break up congestion, and decrease coughs.
• Application of turmeric powder on boils speeds up the healing process. In the case of fresh boils, a few dry roots of turmeric are roasted, the ashes dissolved in a cupful of water, and then applied over the affected portion. This solution enables the boils to ripen and burst
• Simmer 1-2 tablespoons of minced garlic in 8-10 ounces of low-sodium chicken broth for about 7 minutes. Sip the broth as hot as you can stand it. Very flavorful and helps to loosen congestion; do as often as you like throughout the day.
• Take rest in a warm place. Don't move from earm place to cold place.
• Take a mixture of a teaspoon of garlic oil and 3 teaspoons honey thrice daily.
• Garlic and onions have proved most effective among the several home remedies found beneficial in the treatment of boils. The juice of garlic or onion may be applied externally on boils to help ripen them, break them, and evacuate the pus. An equal quantity of the juices of these two vegetables can also be applied with beneficial results. Eating of two to three pods of garlic during meals will also bring good results .  

A few tips on prevention of Bronchitis:-

1. Stop smoking
2. Far from the smoking crowd
3. Drink plenty of water
4. Stop drinking coffee, tea etc
5. Steam inhalation
6. No use of inhalers
7. Good to cough
8. Cough drugs