Bronchitis or Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an aggravation in the lungs or a result
of the swelling of the bronchial cylinders (bronchi), the air passage between
the mouth, nose, and lungs.
It can arise out of minor
illness such as a viral illness, like the common cold or be the effect of a
chronic condition like smoking. It can likewise be caused by many factors like
subjection to chemicals, smoke, or microorganisms.
People suffering from
bronchitis have a diminished capacity to inhale air and oxygen. Additionally,
the symptoms include a sore throat, body aches, chills, a runny nose, and an
inability to get rid of mucus from the nasal passage. There are two principal
kinds of bronchitis: acute and chronic.
Even though there’s no
immediate cure for COPD available, it’s still treatable. With legitimate
administration, a great many people suffering from COPD can alleviate its
effects considerably, and also decrease the likelihood and the degree of
contacting other related conditions, including coronary illness and lung
disease. Naturally, it makes sense to understand how to get rid of bronchitis
through natural remedial measures that offer a sustainable solution. Let’s jump
right in.
How to Get Rid of Bronchitis Using Natural
Remedies
1: Essential Oils for Bronchitis
While you may question
the credibility of essential oils when we talk about natural remedies for
Bronchitis, essential oils have been found to have inherent properties that
have antimicrobial effects and help ward off microbes that can cause it in the
first place.
Here, we will explain
precisely how you can use natural oils to alleviate your woes. Keep in mind
that different essential oils serve a distinctive purpose, so make sure to why
you want to use the essential oil in question and for what reason.
I. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil
is widely known for being able to treat cough and related respiratory disorders
like pharyngitis and sinusitis. It is a known fact that numerous items in
pharmacies have eucalyptus oil as a primary ingredient.
A study conducted on
Eucalyptus grandis also depicted immune-enhancing effects along with an
increased ability to fight microscopic organisms.
Why does this work?
There have been numerous
studies which have pointed to the fact that a positive interaction between E.
camaldulensis essential oil (a tree in the Eucalyptus family) and existing
antibiotics can improve the efficacy of new treatment methodologies for
specific respiratory diseases.
The critical component of
eucalyptus oil is 1,8-cineole (popularly known as cineole and eucalyptol),
which imparts the oil its characteristic and sharp smell. Eucalyptol is also
known to have stable antibacterial and antiviral properties.
How to use and how much to use?
Consume little portions
of eucalyptus oil (0.05 to 0.2 milliliters daily). Consult a medical
practitioner on the required dosage for it. Always remember to dilute the oil
in warm water before consuming it in any form as high doses of the oil have
proven to be fatal.
To create a mixture, heat
one to two teaspoons of the leaves in some water and let the water soak it for
10 minutes. You can ingest up to two cups of this mixture every day. To make a
balm, add a couple of drops to petroleum jelly and apply a thick layer of it
thrice a day.
If you wish to make an
inhalant, add a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil to hot water and breathe in
the steam vapor for five to 10 minutes and take care not to consume any.
You can also utilize
eucalyptus oil during a hot shower. Add a few drops of the oil to your shower
water just before entering. You can also add a few drops of the essential oil
onto a wet washcloth, and as the water of the shower warms the washcloth and
the vaporized oil is discharged, you can bask in it.
II. Rosemary Oil
The crisp, pine-like
fragrance of Rosemary essential oil makes it ideal for dissemination and other
inward breathing courses when you have bronchitis. It opens up the airway and
battles microorganisms. Rosemary essential oil should be on your treatment
measures list for coughs, colds, bronchitis, sinusitis, and asthma.
Why does this work?
Rosemary is a typical
greenhouse herb. Being an oil with a high phenol content, it also has
antiseptic properties. Like eucalyptus, it contains the compound cineole that
has mucolytic, bronchodilating, and calming properties, and it lessens the rate
of exacerbation of COPD, along with alleviating symptoms in patients
experiencing asthma and rhinosinusitis.
How to use and how much to use?
Rosemary oil can ease the
muscles in your trachea and give you respiratory relief. To use Rosemary oil,
blend it with a carrier oil and apply it to your skin. You can also make
Rosemary essential oil diffuser by including a few drops of the oil to your
nebulizing diffuser and inhaling it. To make a balm, add around 15 drops of
Rosemary oil to an ounce of any carrier oil, like almond oil or coconut oil,
and apply it topically onto the chest just before bed. This leads to a superior
night’s rest and opens up your nasal passage.
Another effective
treatment is to prepare a bowl of boiling water and add 8 to 10 drops of
Rosemary oil. Place a towel over your head and around the bowl so that the
steam directly rises to your face and can’t escape beyond the towel.
III. Tea Tree Oil
You may realize tea tree
essential oil as Melaleuca, an expectorant with antibacterial and antiviral
properties, which make it an excellent option for the treatment of both viral
and bacterial bronchitis. The vapors from tea tree oil help especially in clog
alleviation, clearing aviation routes, and calming the muscles of the trachea.
Why does this work?
Tea tree oil is mostly
renowned for its antimicrobial properties. It battles yeast, growths, and
microorganisms, even those that might be insusceptible to general antibiotics.
It diminishes aggravation of the bronchial cylinders, so it is ideal for
bronchitis.
Tea tree essential oil is
known to have stable antiviral and antimicrobial properties. It can help
repress the infection that causes COPD. It also has stable mitigating
properties that help to loosen up the swollen nasal passage and break up the
mucus holding them.
How to use and how much to use?
Add a couple of drops on
a towel or cloth and hold it close to your nose and mouth, and breathe in
gradually and delicately to clear up your nasal passage. You can also add 10-15
drops to a steam vaporizer, tent a towel over your head, and gradually breathe
in the steam for around 10 minutes on end.
To create an ointment,
blend ½ cup liquefied coconut oil with 10 drops each of tea tree oil and
eucalyptus oil. Store it in the fridge until it is ready to use. Use it as you
would a conventional vapor rub.
2: Foods for Bronchitis
If you’re pondering over
how to get rid of bronchitis and which foods may help you do so, you’ve come to
the right place. The following foods for bronchitis don’t go to “waist”
(pun intended). We all know that starving oneself only pushes the body into
“fat-storing” mode, so our suggestion is to engage in smart eating.
Picking the right food
will not only help with hunger cravings but also boost your metabolism and help
you lose weight! So now, you can eat your way into a slimmer you!
I. Garlic for Bronchitis
You may not like the
smell, but you certainly can’t ignore its health benefits. When it comes to
alleviating COPD woes, garlic is a gift from God.
Why does it work?
There is enough evidence
that suggests that garlic gets rid of bad, inflammation-causing bacteria
instead of the good bacteria. Plus, it is also rich in Allicin, the compound
that gives garlic its capable antiviral, antibacterial properties.
How to use and how much to use?
For best results,
pulverize or chop natural garlic and blend it to make a coarse paste. Swallow
the blend. Do it twice a day until the side effects start wearing down.
II. Spicy Foods for Bronchitis
If you are someone who
relishes spicy food, the remedy to your phlegmy airway and blockage may be
stowed away in your kitchen.
Why does it work?
Hot bean stew peppers
contain capsaicin, which helps in easing congestion by dispersing the mucus.
How to use and how much to use?
There are a variety of
ways you can intake spicy foods. You can include a touch of cayenne pepper to
your tea. There is no specific limit on how much spicy food you can eat, so
only eat as much as you would like to. Apart from the above-mentioned benefits
of spicy foods, they also help to boost the blood flow.
III. Onion for Bronchitis
Just like garlic, onion
is also frowned upon for its pungent taste and sharp smell. However, it is a
known fact that onions are perfect for treating bronchitis.
Why does it work?
Onion has amazing
antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It is a natural antibiotic as well
and is very effective in thinning the mucus in your respiratory tract.
How to use and how much to use?
Chop up onions and blend
them with honey. For included advantage, blend in cayenne pepper
and oregano oil for bronchitis as well. Swallow the mixture, don’t chew
it. Take it twice daily for maximum benefits.
IV. Apples for Bronchitis
Apples additionally
contain quercetin, which is a flavonoid found in many fruits and which are
known to diminish the side effects of sinusitis. Other fruits containing the
same component include blueberries, cranberries, and strawberries.
Why does it work?
Brimming with nutrients
and phytochemicals that generally improve lung health, apples are a godsend.
Buy natural apples and eat its skin also as it is the place where the most
healthy flavonoids are found.
How to use and how much to use?
There are a variety of
ways of consuming an apple. You can eat it as it is. You can also make apple
juice. To do this, take a whole apple, remove its stems, and mix it with honey
in a blender. Don’t discard the pulp as that is where the meat lies.
V. Probiotics for Bronchitis
Packed to bursting with
beneficial bacteria, probiotic foods are known to decrease aggravation.
Sufficient intake of probiotics (gut greenery) is imperative for your general
well-being and contributes to a robust immune system.
Why does it work?
Probiotics appear to
lessen allergic reactions, and, for specific individuals, bronchitis is
triggered by such sensitivities.
How to use and how much to use?
There is no cap on how
much of it you should consume. Intake of supplements and non-dairy homemade a
coconut-nut yogurt smoothie can work wonders. Stay away from dairy items as
they contribute to the production of mucus.
3: Home Remedies For Bronchitis
Though there is no
defined cure for bronchitis, its side-effects can certainly be assuaged with
the help of home remedies. Many of these measures have added health benefits
apart from serving their primary purpose of alleviating bronchitis and its
related effects.
I. Raw Honey and Cinnamon for Bronchitis
Have you ever deliberated
over why is honey for bronchitis such an integral part of remedial
measures for respiratory diseases. It is because raw honey has essential
vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that can treat bronchitis and heal your body
from the inside out.
Why does it work?
This alkaline-forming
food calms your immune system, lessens inflammation, and prevents allergies
that can contribute to bronchitis.
How to consume it?
You can add cinnamon to
raw honey to turn the mixture into a robust anti-inflammatory bronchitis and
allergy treatment. By mixing these ingredients, you can meliorate your immune
system and prevents the onset of cold and flu viruses.
II. Ginger for Bronchitis
There is corroborating
evidence that states ginger has anti-inflammatory effects when it comes to
treating respiratory infections.
Why does it work?
The ginger plant is rich
in natural chemicals that can promote your health and wellness. Apart from its
anti-inflammatory properties, its antioxidants also help you to mitigate heart
diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and symptoms of aging.
How often should you consume it?
You can consume ginger in
any form, such as ingesting a clove of it early in the morning. You can also
make ginger water, chew crystallized ginger, use it to make tea for bronchitis,
eat it raw, or add it to your food.
III. Turmeric for Bronchitis
Turmeric is a spice which
finds heavy use in Indian foods. A study pointed out that turmeric contained
more anti-inflammatory properties than ginger. It is also known to enhance
antioxidant activity.
Why does it work?
Turmeric is rich in
antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Its versatility lends to
expanding the scope of its functions.
How often should you consume it?
You can consume turmeric
as you have up until this point. However, there a few proven measures that
shouldn’t go amiss. You can add fresh turmeric to salads or use it to make
pickles. Or you can mix 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric in powdered form along with 1
teaspoon of honey and create a paste. Ingest the paste 1 to 3 times a day while
symptoms last.
IV. Steam for Bronchitis
This one’s a no-brainer.
Steam helps in easing up the congestion in your lungs by breaking up the mucus
so that you can release it quickly. The easiest way to use steam is in the bath
or shower.
Why does it work?
The heat of the steam
helps ease any tensed up muscles that may be so as a result of coughing. You
can go to a steam room at a gym or spa if there are any such amenities
available. However, remember not to take a hot bath if you feel short of
breath.
How much to consume?
The easiest way to bask
in steam is in the shower or the bathroom. Turn your shower heater as high as
you can handle and breathe deeply through your nose. Another practice involves
pouring hot water in a large utensil and covering your head and the bowl with a
towel so that your face rests at a comfortable distance from the bowl as you
inhale the steam.
You can also add
essential oils or mentholated vapor rub to the hot water to help with
decongestion of the mucus. However, this method can be dangerous if the water
is warmer than what you intended it to be, and it could cause the steam to burn
your airway.
4: Lifestyle Changes For Bronchitis
If you have thought that
you can cure bronchitis by making no lifestyle changes, you’re thoroughly wrong
and will never experience real results. Bronchitis is a serious condition which
can also turn chronic if you don’t pay heed to your body. For those wondering
what to do for bronchitis, here are a few lifestyle tips you can espouse in
your quest to mitigate COPD and its related effects and keep them from coming.
1. Quit Smoking
Bronchitis from smoking
is the primary source of chronic bronchitis. Giving up on smoking and keeping
your distance from it can improve an individual’s quality of life. Regularly
smoking harms the bronchial cylinders and exacerbates the condition of the
body’s defense system.
Breathing in smoke can
also trigger regular bouts of coughing if an individual has bronchitis.
Stopping smoking altogether or limiting harm to the bronchial cylinders can
help patients with quicker recuperation.
An individual who gives
up smoking is less likely to get bronchitis later on. Individuals ought to
likewise avoid different irritants that may trigger bronchitis, for example,
dust, chemicals, and air contaminants.
II. Follow a Healthy Diet Regimen
To ease the side effects
of bronchitis and deal with its condition, you can make subtle lifestyle
changes in the form of introducing a healthy diet regimen.
An empowering diet
comprises of natural products, vegetables, and entire grains, just as it also
contains lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. It should have a
healthy composition of no-fat or low-fat dairy items.
Having a fortifying
eating regimen keeps an individual insusceptible to most diseases. Not eating
healthy can cause a person’s immune system to get deteriorated over time.
This is brought about by
a deficiency of vital macronutrients and micronutrients.
III. Avoiding Over-the-Counter Cough
Suppressants
There are two principal
types of over-the-counter coughing drugs:
- Cough
suppressants, which diminish it by curbing the coughing reflex.
- Cough
expectorants, which help in thinning the mucus arising from a wet cough
and lubricate the respiratory tract.
It isn’t wise for
individuals to use cough suppressants for a cough that produces mucus. When the
covering of the bronchial tubes is disturbed by irritants, excess fluid is
formed, causing incessant coughing. Coughing up the mucus expels the irritants
from the lungs and nasal passage. There is little proof to propose that cough
medications are any more powerful than home remedies for bronchitis.
IV. Use a Humidifier for bronchitis
Humidifiers increase the
moisture levels of a room by discharging water vapor or steam. Low humidity and
cooler temperatures have been associated with an increase in respiratory tract
diseases.
Low moistness can
likewise bother nasal sections and the throat, that causes irritated eyes and
dry skin. Breathing in warm and humidified air can help you release mucus if
you were to use a humidifier.
Individuals utilizing a
humidifier should ensure that the unit is appropriately taken care of and the
humidity levels are supervised. Also, remember that dirty or bad humidifiers
are a seedbed for bacteria and too high a moisture level can cause respiratory
issues like allergies and asthma.
People who don’t own a
humidifier can disperse water in the air by boiling it on the stove. They can
also add a couple of drops of essential oils and rest their head over the bowl
or dish of bubbling water for a couple of minutes to soothe any irritations.
V. Drink Plenty of Fluids
Bronchitis is a lower
respiratory tract disease of the nasal passage and lungs. One popular piece of
advice by medical practitioners to individuals with respiratory diseases is to
increase their water intake. Individuals with bronchitis have dehydration
because of growing fluid loss as a result of fever, runny nose, retching, and
loose bowels. Lack of hydration can also cause unsteadiness, giddiness, and
headaches. Drinking enough liquid with bronchitis can help:
- Reduce
dehydration.
- Decrease
mucus build-up.
- Release
nasal mucus.
- Soothe
the throat.
5: Supplements for Bronchitis
Because of a frantic
lifestyle and an ill-advised eating schedule, we are deprived of a host of
important and beneficial nutrients.
Supplements can help
replenish our system with those nutrients and result in the betterment of our
immune system, subsequently helping our body ward off bacteria and promoting
general well-being. If you have been wondering what to take for bronchitis, or
more precisely which supplements to take for bronchitis, we’ve listed them
here.
I. Glutathione
Glutathione is an
antioxidant that helps in the creation and building of proteins in the body and
also has a variety of health benefits.
Why does it work?
Being an antioxidant,
Glutathione can avoid damage to our body’s critical cellular components caused
by species like free radicals, peroxides, and lipid peroxides. Studies suggest
that it is necessary to help the body fight illnesses.
How to consume?
You can consume
Glutathione orally in the form of a tablet, or you can also inhale it for
treating lung diseases other than bronchitis.
How much to use?
A daily dosage of 250–600
mg daily is recommended. However, the form of administration and the dosage
will differ.
II. N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
This is an amino acid
derivative. It helps treat chronic bronchitis, as it increases the level of
glutathione in the body.
Why does it work?
This supplement is an
upgraded version of the amino acid cysteine. It is known to reduce both the
recurrence and degree of coughing. NAC can also thin the mucus in the bronchi,
enabling it to be disposed of from the body more effectively.
How to use?
You can ingest capsules
of N-acetylcysteine after consulting a doctor.
How much to consume?
For chronic bronchitis or
COPD, it is proposed that individuals should consume 1,200 milligrams (mg) of
it every day. Those having bronchitis without an airway obstruction can consume
600 mg every day. However, the dosage will vary from person to person, and it
is advisable to consult with a medical practitioner first.
III. Vitamin C
Vitamin C, since time
immemorial, has been one of the most popular remedial measures for flu and
colds, but it can also be beneficial in treating bronchitis.
Why does it work?
Studies have pointed out
that vitamin C is useful against viral and bacterial infections as it avoids,
lessens, and mitigates infections. In one study, a high dosage of vitamin C
prevented the onset of and relieved the symptoms of cold and flu.
How to use?
It can be taken as a
supplement, or you can have various citrus fruits rich in Vitamin C, such as
lemon, grapefruit, mandarin, oranges, sweet lime, etc.
How much to use?
There is no cap on how
many citrus fruits you can consume. When it comes to supplements, however,
studies found out that high doses of vitamin C of the order of 3000 mg daily in
3 doses were enough to prevent the outbreak of flu.
6: Herbal Remedies For Bronchitis
For some people, herbal
remedies are a blessing, while a few skeptical other doubt its credibility. It
is only with a regulated and consistent practice that consuming the right herbs
can cure aggressive lung disorders like bronchitis.
If you’ve been wondering
about how to get rid of bronchitis with the help of herbal remedies, here are
four of the most effective ones that can help you alleviate the severity of the
symptoms quicker.
I. Echinacea
Triphala is a wonder herb
that promotes the secretion of a hormone signaling to the brain that your
stomach is full. It also aids in rejuvenation and detoxification.
Why does it work?
Echinacea helps
strengthen the immune and the defense of the body and wards off bacteria and
viruses.
How to use?
You can either consume
dry powdered extract or liquid extract tinctures of the herb.
How much to use?
The recommended dosage
for bronchitis is about 500 milligrams of Echinacea four times a day. The
dosage varies from person to person and on the type of bronchitis too. Consult
your doctor for the prescribed dosage before starting.
II. Astragalus
Astragalus herbs have
anti-inflammatory properties and strengthen the immune system in addition to
preventing viral and bacterial infections by boosting the immune system.
Why does it work?
Astragalus’
anti-inflammatory properties ease the congestion in your throat and thin the
mucus allowing for natural expulsion of it.
How to use?
The root of the
astragalus plant is converted into various forms such as liquid extracts,
powdered extracts, capsules, teas, supplements, etc.
How much to use?
The recommended dosage
for bronchitis is about 500 milligrams of Astragalus four times a day. However,
please consult your doctor to know your personalized dosage.
III. Ginseng
Ginseng is a well-known
herbal medicine, and it is derived from the roots of many slow-growing
perennial plants.
Why does it work?
Ginseng is known to
possess anti-inflammatory features, which help it curb inflammation in the bronchi.
How to use?
You can either consume
crude preparations of dried root powder or have it in the form of capsules.
How much to use?
It has been found that an
equivalent dose of 6g/person of ginseng extracts are effective in alleviating
bronchitis symptoms. However, the right dosage should only be decided after
consulting a doctor.
Do(s) & Don’t(s) for Alleviating
Bronchitis Symptoms
Here are some common
do(s) and don’t(s) to prevent the onset of bronchitis:
If you wish to be
completely free from the irritating ailment that bronchitis is, only searching
for “natural remedies for bronchitis,” or “how to treat bronchitis” will seem
like a lost cause unless you adopt a holistic approach to counter it from Day
1.
Only by maintaining a
healthy diet regimen, employing specific lifestyle changes, such as, quitting
smoking, drinking fluids, exercising regularly, ministering home remedies, and
deriving the benefits of natural products can you expect to see positive
changes in your life.
Bronchitis is a serious
matter and can turn into a debilitating condition if you try to circumvent your
way around what’s prescribed to you. It is advisable always to be mindful of
your responsibilities towards your body and continue to conduct the
above-mentioned practices accordingly.
In the unlikely scenario
that the aforementioned remedial measures and lifestyle changes seem to be
doing no good for you, please consult a medical practitioner to gain
enlightenment about the possible next steps to take. Put yourself through the grind,
obey your doctor, and ensure that all the regulations to lead a healthy life
are followed by you and come out with flying colors.
Answers to frequent asked questions.
1. What is bronchitis?
Bronchitis is a
respiratory disorder characterized by inflammation of the air passages within
the lungs. This condition is given rise to when the trachea and the large and
small bronchi in the lungs are inflamed as the result of an infection or
aggravation from different causes.
People who are afflicted
with bronchitis often develop a cough with mucus. Mucus is a slimy substance
that exists on the lining of the bronchial tubes. It can also result in
wheezing, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
2. What are the two types of bronchitis?
Acute and chronic
bronchitis are the two main types of bronchitis.
Acute bronchitis can last
up to 10 days at the maximum and can happen to anyone. Bronchitis in kids is a
typical case of it. But, the bouts of coughing can persist for several weeks to
come after the infection has subsided.
Chronic bronchitis is
bronchitis that extends beyond 3 months and is a severe condition. It adversely
affects the lining of the bronchi, as it turns up always irritated and
inflamed, causing long-term coughing fits.
3. Are bacteria, viruses, and chemicals the
leading cause of acute bronchitis?
Yes, bronchitis with
fever or as a result of it is the most frequent causes of acute bronchitis.
Fungi, bacteria, and chemicals irritants can also cause acute bronchitis.
4. What is usually the cause of chronic
bronchitis?
More often than not,
smoking cigarettes is usually the leading cause of developing chronic
bronchitis.
Chronic bronchitis is
characterized by fits of regular coughing with the production of sputum for at
least 3 months. The diagnosis of chronic bronchitis is usually made after
basing it on medical reports of a long-winded and persistent coughing fit often
linked with tobacco consumption and abuse.
5. Is bronchitis contagious?
Yes, bronchitis can be
contagious sometimes.
- If
the reason for bronchitis is bacterial or viral, it can be easily
contracted.
- If
the reason for bronchitis is a result of smoking and air pollution, then
it is not contagious.
6. How important is water intake for
bronchitis?
It is imperative that
people suffering from bronchitis have a high water intake. Being adequately
hydrated leads to secretions in the bronchi to be more liquidy and thus easier
to discharge.
7. Is acute bronchitis always, or in most
cases, a chest cold?
Yes. When a person has a
cold, it can often turn into bronchitis, which is referred to as chest cold. If
the coughing continues long after the cold has gone away, see a doctor.
8. Can bronchitis be prevented in people?
Yes, you can avoid
contracting bronchitis at all if you:
- Give
up smoking
- Keep
your distance from things that trouble your nose, throat, and lungs
- Listen
to your doctor’s advice
- Have
a healthy diet regimen
- Drink
plenty of fluids
- Avoid
over-the-counter cough suppressants
- Sleep
well
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