Home Remedies and Herbs for Bronchitis

Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes or the air passages in the lungs. There are two types of bronchitis. ¹ Acute bronchitis is a short-term condition and is usually due to a viral infection, such as a cold, that starts in the sinuses and spreads to the airways. It may last a few days but a cough may persist for weeks.^2,3 Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition. It occurs mostly in people who smoke. Together with emphysema, the condition is known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is characterized by a persistent bronchitis cough that’s termed a “productive” or “wet” cough. Mucus produced by chronic bronchitis eventually forms scar tissue in the lungs making it difficult to breathe.²

What Causes Bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis causes are the same viral infection that causes a cold. Exposure to airborne toxins like secondary smoke can bring on bronchitis as can a digestive system condition called gastroesophageal efflux disease (GERD).² By far the largest cause of chronic bronchitis is direct tobacco smoking followed by prolonged exposure to air pollution and dust. One study indicates that excessive snoring is associated with chronic bronchitis.^2,3 Although bronchitis in children is somewhat rare, it’s also caused by the same thing as in adults. Complications from common cold viruses will bring on acute bronchitis in children as well as exposure to secondary smoke and other pollutants

Bronchitis Symptoms

Bronchitis symptoms are very evident. Primarily, it’s presented as a difficulty in breathing accompanied by a persistent bronchitis cough. Other bronchitis symptoms are: ^1,2,3,4

• Production of mucus (sputum) which is yellowish-gray or green in color
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Sore throat
• Blue-tinged lips
• Fatigue
• Ankle, leg, or feet swelling
• Slight fever and chills
• Chest discomfort

Bronchitis in children or babies must always be diagnosed by a physician. As with adults, a bronchitis diagnosis is made by a combination of throat examination, chest listening, culturing mucus, and x-raying the lungs. Acute bronchitis usually improves in a few weeks with no lasting effects. There are a number of natural cures and home remedies for acute bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis may be a lifelong condition that needs to be professionally managed.

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Bronchitis

Bronchitis natural remedies, including bronchitis home remedies for babies and children include:

• Garlic - Garlic is one of nature’s superfoods. It’s closely related to the onion family and is a common cooking additive around the world. Garlic is ingested orally and widely available in a raw bulb state or in dried powder form. Garlic is also used for medicinal purposes due to its antioxidant properties. It has a powerful effect as an acute bronchitis natural cure.
• Ginger Tea - Ginger is another root vegetable with strong medicinal properties. For bronchitis treatment, ginger is best consumed in a liquid tea form. It can be made directly by boiling the root or purchased in ready-made tea bags.
• Honey - Natural honey made by bees has a soothing effect on the throat of bronchitis sufferers and also eases breathing difficulty. Raw honey benefits other medical ailments and is one of the best bronchitis home remedies babies and children suffering from bronchitis symptoms.
• Maple Syrup - As with honey, the sweetness of maple syrup has a powerful effect on relieving discomfort from bronchitis. It’s also consumed in a liquid form and is widely available in grocery stores.
• Inula Root - Inula root is also called Elecampane and is a known respiratory tonic. It eases breathing for bronchitis and asthma sufferers.
• Turmeric - Turmeric is an ancient spice traditionally used in Asian and Indian cooking. It contains curcumin which treats infection and boosts immune systems and acts as a bronchitis natural remedy.

References

1. http://www.uofmhealth.org/conditions-treatments/pulmonary/bronchitis
2. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/brain-cancer
3. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/bronchitis
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bronchitis/basics/definition/con-20014956
5. http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/community/for-patients/common-illnesses/bronchitis.html