Bronchitis, Symptoms & Home Remedies for Bronchitis Treatment
Bronchitis is a disease of the lower respiratory tract, mainly an inflammation of the air passages within the lungs. There are two classification of bronchitis: acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis occurs when there is an onset of viral illness such as common cold or influenza, in short, it is caused by viruses, it may develop cough with or without sputum or mucus that is expectorated. Chronic bronchitis is a type of COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease manifested by presence of cough for the last 3 months or more for the last 2 years. This type of bronchitis is a result of recurrent trauma to the air passages caused by inhaled irritants; most common cause is cigarette smoking second in line is air pollution.
Physiology of Bronchitis: How does it develop?
When bacteria and viruses enter the lungs, the air passages within the lungs become inflamed due to infection. The thin membrane or mucous of these airways may become irritated and swollen, the cells that make up this lining respond to infection by secretion of fluids and the body responses to clear up the secretions from the lungs; this reflex is called cough.
Bronchitis Culprits
Smoking - Excessive smoking can lead to bronchial tube irritation. It also lowers down the immune system making us vulnerable to germs. Second hand smoke is also as harmful.
Weather Changes - unpredictable weather condition can hasten the development of bronchitis.
Hereditary - Heredity can also be a factor in developing this kind of disease.
Drug Abuse - Using prohibited drugs can cause lower immune system and destroy normal body process which can lead to bronchitis and other disease.
Signs and Symptoms of Bronchitis
Symptoms for both adult and children are similar, infants usually get bronchiolitis which involves smaller airways and causes symptoms similar to asthma.
Cough - the most common symptom of acute bronchitis may or may not produce phlegm.
Wheezing - a sound that can be heard when the chest is auscultated, this may occur because of the constricted airways due to inflammation. This may also cause shortness of breath.
Fever - indicated presence of infection. May be accompanied by muscle aches and chills if high grade.
Nasal congestion - mucous may be secreted through the nose.
Sore throat - due to excessive coughing.
Home Remedies for Bronchitis Treatment
Warm castor oil leaves using a pan, let it cool and spread on the chest overnight. This is a good home remedy for bronchitis.
Prepare a mixture of mustard powder, flour and water in equal amounts and apply to chest area. Note* for people who have sensitive skin, the mustard might sting, so do a skin test on a small area first.
Daily intake of fresh cabbage juice is a good home remedy for bronchitis.
Prepare a grounded or chopped horseradish root in a container and pour a cup of boiling water in it, let it settle for 5 minutes. Take it 3 times a day.
Prepare a mixture of half a teaspoon of licorice tea ion a cup of hot water, let it settle for 10 minutes, strain the mixture and take regularly 3 times a day.
|
