Tips for Treating Bronchitis
Treating a sore throat may seem like a nuisance, but treating bronchitis is an entirely new ball game! Bronchitis is a condition in which the airways of the lungs become inflamed. These airways are called the bronchi and most often become inflamed due to an infection, however breathing in irritants or chemicals can also lead to the development of bronchitis. There are different ways that one can go about treating bronchitis, some of the methods being dependent upon the cause of the condition.
Inflammation is a term used to describe the irritation and often swelling of tissues. With bronchitis, inflammation often results in the thin lining of these airways becoming not only swollen but red and irritated. Because of this irritation, the cells within these tissues then leak fluid. As the fluid is released into the airways, the lungs create an uncontrollable urge to cough to work the fluid up out of the airways. Coughing can leave the throat feeling sore and irritated, and can make speaking and swallowing food difficult.
One of the most common causes behind bronchitis is the influenza, or flu, virus. As there is no cure for this virus, treating bronchitis caused by a virus simply involves easing and treating the symptoms as opposed to controlling the virus itself. Once the virus has been defeated by the body’s natural defense, bronchitis usually eases and disappears. This condition can also be caused by bacteria that make their way into the lungs. When the bacteria settles and spreads, inflammation takes over. In the case of a severe bacterial infection, antibiotics can help to hinder the spread of bacteria so that the body can better manage the infection.
Treating the typical outbreak of bronchitis caused by a bacterial or viral infection is largely a task of nursing the symptoms. Cough suppressants can be used to get a restful night’s sleep, however they should not be used during the day time as the fluids being secreted into the airways really should be coughed out of the lungs. A warm, moist cloth can be placed on one’s chest and back to help reduce inflammation, but the cloth should be removed once it cools. Cold air, cleaning products, and other harsh substances should be avoided as they could lead to further inflammation of the bronchi.
Foods which encourage mucous production should be avoided. For instance, dairy products, baked goods containing white flour, and overly sugary or processed foods can enhance one’s mucous production, leading to further coughing and fluid in the lungs. Certain vitamins have been known to boost one’s immune system and soothe the affects of coughing. Vitamins A and C, zinc, and CoQ10 are popular supplement choices, however anyone considering adding these supplements to their diet should consult their doctor to ensure that they will not interfere with an existing condition or medication.
Bronchitis can also be cause by chemicals such as cleansing products, chemical sprays, paint, cigarette smoke, and dust are other irritants that can lead to inflammation. Particles from these items make their way into the lungs and can become trapped or simply create irritation through direct contact. This then leads to irritation similar to that of a bacterial infection, however these particles can sometimes be more difficult to expel from the body. Wheezing or coughing fits can last for weeks before the symptoms seem to improve. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help reduce inflammation and ease muscle aches that may result from severe coughing. Replenishing fluids is very important, as is remembering to avoid cough suppressants during the day time and only using them at night when absolutely necessary.
In most cases, treating bronchitis is a process that can take a few weeks. A fever may occur, but if it lasts for more than a week, a doctor should be consulted to determine whether it the condition is actually pneumonia instead of bronchitis. A doctor should also be sought if the symptoms of bronchitis seem extremely severe or last for more than two weeks.