What is Bronchitis?
One of the most detrimental chest colds that often emerge out of a common cold or the flu, bronchitis can leave one with a nasty cough and acute pain in the chest for well over a month. Bronchitis refers to the inflammation of the bronchial tubes which are the passageways that deliver air to the lungs. The viruses which act as precursors to bronchitis are rhinovirus, linked to the common cold, influenza A or B virus and adenovirus. While the body is fighting off the virus, the bronchial tubes become very inflamed and swollen, producing excessive mucus. If this is the case, this is called acute bronchitis which can last up to several days with a lingering cough for up to several weeks. However, for those 45 and older chronic bronchitis presents a potential threat, especially to smokers or former smokers.
Treatments?
Treating bronchitis can be tricky as anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are commonly prescribed for pain relief. However, heavy usage of these drugs otherwise known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAIDs, can be incredibly harmful to your system especially the digestive system over time. In addition to poor side effects, NSAIDs only target the symptoms providing temporary relief instead of snuffing out the cause of discomfort.
Natural Treatments to boost immune system and decrease inflammation
- Fruits and Vegetables – Foods that are rich in vitamin C such as citrus fruits, red peppers, and dark leafy vegetables will boost your immune system and help keep inflammation down.
- Echinacea – This power immune stimulating flower has been known to reduce the chance of catching a cold by 58% and can shorten colds by 1 and ½ days if taken at the first sign of illness.
- Astragalus – This root is from the bean family and has been used to fight diseases for thousands of years as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. A powerful immune booster as well as a natural anti-inflammatory.
- Probiotics – Keifer, cultured vegetables like sauerkraut and kombucha all aid in providing good bacteria that repairs the lining in the gut that could otherwise compromise the immune system and promote inflammation.
A sure way to get to the bottom of a virus is to heal the body from the inside out. The best way to do this is through nutrition and even essential oils.
Treatment outside of the Body
- Eucalyptus Oil – Inhaling eucalyptus through steam or an oil diffuser has been found to improve lung function and reduce inflammation. It can also be mixed with coconut oil and applied to the chest as a soothing rub.
- Tea Tree Oil – This oil is an expectorant, meaning it aides in expelling mucus out of the air passageways. Using this as a vapor rub, tea tree oil can act as a powerful decongestant.
- Peppermint Oil – Aides in loosening mucus and phlegm.
In addition to essential oils and consuming the appropriate anti-inflammatory foods, staying hydrated is a must to help flush out your system. Also, getting enough sleep and reducing stress will support your immune system even further.
Forum Health Clarkston offers an effective nutrition plan and holistic, high powered supplements to target bronchitis and manage inflammation and swelling while the body fights off the virus. Whether it is acute bronchitis or chronic, let our expertise help lessen the severity of the symptoms and get you back on track to feeling great.
Forum Health Clarkston
7300 Dixie Hwy, Suite 500, Clarkston, MI 48346
248-625-5143
References
Axe, J. (2014) Bronchitis signs and symptoms + 13 Natural Remedies. Retrieved from: https://draxe.com/bronchitis-natural-remedies/
Axe, J. (2015) 10 Proven Benefits of Astragalus Root. Retrieved from: https://draxe.com/astragalus/
Caffasso, J. (2017) 5 Natural Expectorants to Kill Your Cough. Retrieved from: http://www.healthline.com/health/natural-cough-expectorants-cough#ivy-leaf6
Medline Plus (2017) Acute Bronchitis. Retrieved from: https://medlineplus.gov/acutebronchitis.html
