Shortness of breath, your lungs feel cloudy and you have a cough that can wake up the neighborhood. Unfortunately, you probably have bronchitis.
When inflammation occurs in the lining of the bronchial tubes, it can lead to bronchitis. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic, and can have the patient coughing up a thick mucus. Acute bronchitis is treatable, but chronic bronchitis means it will most likely return. Whether you have the acute or chronic bronchitis, we’re here to shed some light on some natural home remedies for bronchitis.
Causes and symptoms of bronchitis
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Bronchitis may often follow a cold or a respiratory infection. It is also caused by a virus. Viruses do not respond to antibiotics, so medications are not an effective treatment to rid a person of bronchitis.
Other environmental factors that can lead to bronchitis include smoking, air pollution and toxic gases.
Symptoms of bronchitis include:
- Cough
- Mucus – often discolored, but can be clear
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Slight chills and fever
- Chest discomfort.
There are other factors that can put people at a higher risk for bronchitis. They include being a smoker, having a weak immune system – this is why bronchitis is common in seniors – being exposed to toxins in a work environment and gastric reflux.
8 natural remedies for bronchitis
Typical treatments involve medications to suppress the cough so you are able to rest at night, an inhaler or antibiotics if your doctor suspects you have a bacterial infection. If you’re weary of using medication, there are natural home remedies that can help improve symptoms of bronchitis.
Honey: Honey is known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. Consuming honey, whether in a hot beverage or mixed with other ingredients such as black pepper or onions, can help relieve chest congestion and break up mucus.
Oregano oil: Oregano oil can help relieve a cough associated with bronchitis. Try a few drops on the tongue daily.
Salt water: Salt water can break through mucus, but don’t drink it – simply gargling salt water is enough to offer relief.
Orange juice: Not only does orange juice contain the vitamins your body needs to boost its immune system, but it can help ease an inflamed throat as well.
Onion: By ingesting raw onion juice daily, or incorporating raw onion into your diet, you can ease throat inflammation caused by bronchitis.
Lemon: Lemon, similar to orange juice, contains the necessary vitamins to boost the immune system. Additionally it can help treat a sore throat. Simply heat up some water and add in a few lemon slices.
Water: With any illness hydration is key to flush out the infection. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.
Spinach: Combine spinach with honey in water and drink it.
Bronchitis prevention
Your best defense against bronchitis is prevention. Here are some ways you can lower your risk of developing bronchitis.
- Don’t smoke
- Stay hydrated
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air
- Avoid air pollutants when possible
- Wear protective gear to avoid pollutants at work
- Always practice proper hygiene to minimize cold and flu germs
- Get the flu shot.
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Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bronchitis/basics/prevention/con-20014956
http://www.webmd.com/lung/understanding-bronchitis-basics
http://www.homeremedyshop.com/25-home-remedies-for-bronchitis/
