of Bronchitis
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- What is bronchitis?
- Symptoms of bronchitis
- Causes of bronchitis
- Prevention of bronchitis
- Risk factors for bronchitis
- Complications of bronchitis
- When to see a doctor about bronchitis
- Diagnosis of bronchitis
- Conventional treatment of bronchitis
- Alternative/complementary treatment of bronchitis
- Living with bronchitis
- Caring for someone with bronchitis
Alternative/complementary treatment of bronchitis
Acute bronchitis
The alternative / complementary treatment of acute bronchitis centres on reducing severity and duration of symptoms, enhancing immune system function and preventing further bronchial infection.
Herbs - there are various herbs which help to clear up the lungs and reduce the symptoms of bronchitis more quickly. It is advisable to talk to a qualified herbalist who can create a liquid formula especially for you (it does not necessarily have to contain all of the herbs below, as everyone's symptoms are different):
- Astragalus - the herb astragalus has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties and stimulates the immune system into action to reduce severity and length of symptoms associated with acute bronchitis
- Echinacea - the herb echinacea has both anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and studies show it prevents the onset of bronchitis in the first place, but also reduces symptoms in people with existing bronchitis as it assists the immune system the clear out the inflammation and other symptoms associated with bronchitis
- Elderflower - studies show that the herb elderflower has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, lowers fever, breaks up mucous and allows it to be expelled, plus it is useful in alleviating the other symptoms of bronchitis and reduces length of illness
- Ginger - either fresh or as a supplement, ginger acts to loosen and break up thick mucous, assisting with breathing
- Goldenseal - the herb goldenseal clears up congestion and alleviates inflammation. Goldenseal also decreases over-production of mucous and helps breathing
- Mullein - the herb mullein acts to break up mucous and soothes the lining of the bronchi, so helps with alleviation of inflammation
- Olive leaf - studies show olive leaf is a potent antioxidant herb which helps to reduce inflammation and severity of symptoms
- Thyme - the herb thyme has beneficial effects on the respiratory tract, loosening thick mucous to allow it to be expelled, decreasing congestion and enabling breathing to be normal
Minerals - studies have shown that certain minerals may help reduce symptoms once bronchitis starts, prevent it from worsening or prevent this condition altogether
- Zinc - many studies show that the mineral zinc is a potent antioxidant which helps to relieve many of the symptoms associated with bronchitis and it also help to heal the lung tissue more quickly
Nutrients - certain nutrients have a positive effect on bronchitis and can reduce symptoms
- Cod liver oil - this potent oil contains high levels of both vitamin A and vitamin D, which help to restore mucous membranes to normal healthy levels, assist with immunity and reduce any inflammation in the lungs
- Garlic - either as a supplement or fresh in cooking, garlic is great for reducing severity and duration of symptoms. Garlic has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, so is very beneficial for acute bronchitis
- N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) - studies show that NAC loosens mucous, opens up the airways and makes breathing much easier, as well as alleviating other symptoms
- Omega 3 fatty acids - studies show that omega 3 fatty acids are useful in reducing the inflammation associated with any type of bronchitis. Studies also show that newborns who get adequate amounts of the essential omega 3 essential fatty acids EPA and DHA have a much lowered risk of developing bronchitis in their first twelve months of life
- Quercetin - studies show that people who eat foods high in quercetin develop less upper respiratory infections such as bronchitis
Nutrition - certain foods should be limited (or eliminated) for the duration of the illness, while others should be increased:
- Artificial colours, flavours, preservatives - should be eliminated as they put more stress in the body and provide no real nutrition, when the body requires as much support from the diet as possible to help reduce symptoms
- Dairy foods - might produce more mucous and exacerbate some symptoms in some people; the higher fat dairy usually has more of an adverse effect and should be limited
- Fruit - eat good quality, preferably organic fruit (3-5 servings a day), as they have a lot of essential vitamins, minerals and are packed full of potent antioxidants which all help the body heal much more quickly from an acute bronchial infection
- Nuts - any type of nuts may be hard to eat (and also swallow) with a sore throat
- Soup - organic vegetable or organic chicken soup with plenty of vegetables is a great way to support the body to help it heal
- Vegetables - eat plenty of raw or steamed vegetables, which have a lot of essential vitamins, minerals and are packed full of potent antioxidants which all help the body heal much more quickly from an acute bronchial infection
- Water - keeping the body well hydrated is essential to help heal the inflamed bronchi and break up and expel thick mucous, plus keeping the mucous membranes well hydrated ensures they are healthy and are able to expel bacteria and viruses before they can cause infection; aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day
Vitamins - studies have shown that certain vitamins may help reduce symptoms once bronchitis starts, prevent it from worsening or prevent this condition altogether:
- Vitamin A - the antioxidant vitamin A is important to ensure the mucous membranes lining the bronchi are healthy and strong. Studies show that vitamin A is important in reducing symptoms of acute bronchitis by reducing inflammation of the bronchi
- Betacarotene - the vitamin betacarotene is the precursor to vitamin A, so it has the same properties
- Vitamin C - studies show that vitamin C help to reduce the incidence of respiratory infections like bronchitis and it also assist with healing the mucous lining of the bronchi, thereby reducing inflammation and irritation
- Vitamin E - the antioxidant vitamin E has an important role in maintaining the immune system and helps to improve symptoms of existing bronchitis and protect against getting bronchitis in the first place
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Chronic bronchitis
The alternative / complementary treatment of chronic bronchitis centres on improving lung function, reducing further damage to the lungs and reducing severity and duration of symptoms.
Herbs - there are various herbs which help to clear up the lungs and reduce the symptoms of bronchitis more quickly. It is advisable to talk to a qualified herbalist who can create a liquid formula especially for you:
- Ginger - either fresh or as a supplement, ginger acts to loosen and break up thick mucous, assisting with breathing
- Goldenseal - the herb goldenseal clears up congestion and alleviates inflammation. Goldenseal also decreases over-production of mucous and helps breathing
- Mullein - the herb mullein acts to break up mucous and soothes the lining of the bronchi, so helps with alleviation of inflammation
- Olive leaf - studies show olive leaf is a potent antioxidant herb which helps to reduce inflammation and severity of symptoms
- Thyme - the herb thyme has beneficial effects on the respiratory tract, loosening thick mucous to allow it to be expelled, decreasing congestion and enabling breathing to be normal
Minerals - studies have shown that certain minerals may help reduce symptoms once bronchitis starts, prevent it from worsening or prevent this condition altogether
- Zinc - many studies show that the mineral zinc is a potent antioxidant which helps to relieve many of the symptoms associated with bronchitis and it also help to heal the lung tissue more quickly
Nutrients - certain nutrients have a positive effect on bronchitis and can reduce symptoms
- Cod liver oil - this potent oil contains high levels of both vitamin A and vitamin D, which help to restore mucous membranes to normal healthy levels, assist with immunity and reduce any inflammation in the lungs, so it is very beneficial for people with chronic bronchitis
- Coenzyme Q10 - studies have shown that levels of coenzyme Q10 seems to be quite low in people with chronic bronchitis and supplementation helps to improve oxygenation in the blood
- N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) - studies show that NAC loosens mucous, opens up the airways and makes breathing much easier, as well as alleviating other symptoms
- Omega 3 fatty acids - studies show that omega 3 fatty acids are very useful in reducing the inflammation that is associated with chronic bronchitis and can help to improve lung function and reduce symptoms overall
Nutrition - people with chronic bronchitis have very special requirements to help support them through the duration of the illness, when symptoms are at their worst:
- Artificial colours, flavours, preservatives - should be eliminated as they put more stress in the body and provide no real nutrition, when the body requires as much support from the diet as possible to help reduce symptoms
- Dairy foods - might produce more mucous and exacerbate symptoms in some people; the higher fat dairy usually has more of an adverse effect and should be limited while symptoms are at their worst
- Fruit - eat good quality, preferably organic fruit (3-5 servings a day), as they have a lot of essential vitamins, minerals and are packed full of potent antioxidants which all help the body heal much more quickly from an acute bronchial infection
- Nuts - any type of nuts may be hard to eat (and also swallow) with a sore throat
- Soup - organic vegetable or organic chicken soup with plenty of vegetables is a great way to support the body to help it heal
- Vegetables - eat plenty of raw or steamed vegetables, which have a lot of essential vitamins, minerals and are packed full of potent antioxidants which all help the body heal much more quickly from an acute bronchial infection
- Water - keeping the body well hydrated is essential to help heal the inflamed bronchi and break up and expel thick mucous, plus keeping the mucous membranes well hydrated; aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day
Vitamins - studies have shown that certain vitamins may help reduce symptoms once bronchitis starts, prevent it from worsening or prevent this condition altogether:
- Vitamin A - the antioxidant vitamin A is important to ensure the mucous membranes lining the bronchi are healthy and strong. Studies show that vitamin A is important in reducing symptoms of chronic bronchitis by reducing inflammation of the bronchi
- Betacarotene - the vitamin betacarotene is the precursor to vitamin A, so it has the same properties
- Vitamin C - studies show that vitamin C help to reduce the incidence of respiratory infections like bronchitis and it also assist with healing the mucous lining of the bronchi, thereby reducing inflammation and irritation
- Vitamin E - the antioxidant vitamin E has an important role in maintaining the immune system and helps to improve symptoms of existing bronchitis in people with chronic bronchitis and protect against getting it in the first place
Always ensure that you notify your medical practitioner of any supplements that you want to take - it may interfere with other medication or conditions you have. Confirm with your doctor it is safe to take BEFORE you try it.
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