Bronchitis is an infection of bronchi. You may have heard that people suffering from bronchitis are strongly discouraged from smoking as smoking has a huge impact on Bronchitis. Along with smoking, there are many more reasons that can cause Bronchitis and make the situation worse. Here is some more information that you need to know about Bronchitis, its causes, symptoms and natural treatments.
What Is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is the swelling of Bronchial tubes in the lungs that carry air. Bronchitis is divided into two types: Acute bronchitis or chest cold and Chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is more common and lasts only for a few weeks while chronic bronchitis is serious and keeps coming back.
Acute Bronchitis
Acute Bronchitis is also known as the chest cold. It is inflammation of bronchi for a short period of time and a very common symptom is coughing. It lasts for a maximum of three weeks but some people can carry its symptoms for three more weeks. In 90% of cases, acute bronchitis is caused by viruses. No specific test is needed to diagnose acute bronchitis but taking proper rest and drinking fluids frequently is really necessary when suffering from it.
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic Bronchitis is a cough that lasts for three months or more, continuously for at least two years. Usually, people with chronic bronchitis also suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A large fraction of chronic bronchitis cases occurs due to smoking and other forms of tobacco.
Bronchitis Causes And Symptoms
Bronchitis can be caused due to many reasons and habits. Here are some of the main causes of Bronchitis.
1. Viruses
Acute bronchitis is caused by a virus that enters the bronchial tubes. Influenza viruses that cause the common cold are a major cause of acute bronchitis. These viruses damage the lining of bronchi. Our body fights against the infection by forming mucus and performing swelling. Until body kills the virus and even after the virus has been treated we experience symptoms such as coughing and wheezing.
2. Occupational Exposure
If you are regularly exposed to material that can damage lungs such as ammonia, grain dust, chlorine and strong acids, there is a high risk of Bronchitis. Many pieces of research have proved that occupational exposure or industrial work leads to increased risks of chronic bronchitis.
3. Breathing An Irritant Substance
Breathing in harmful substances such as tobacco and other harmful chemicals can cause Bronchitis.
4. Gastric Reflux
Gastric reflux is a condition in which acid present in the stomach keeps coming back to oesophagus along with other contents. Due to stomach content oesophagus produces heartburn and can also irritate your throat. It also causes cough and chest congestion, increasing the chances of Bronchitis. Apart from Bronchitis, gastric influx can also cause Asthma and Pneumonia.
5. Smoking
A person who smokes has high risks of acute and chronic bronchitis. Smoking makes Bronchitis worse too. It is the main cause of chronic bronchitis. Read More: The effects of smoking and drink on your skin's health Bronchitis comes with lots of symptoms. Some of the common symptoms of Bronchitis include:- Cough
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Production of mucus
- Fever and chills
- Chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Ache and pain
- Running or blocked nose
How To Treat Bronchitis At Home?
Bronchitis pain can be treated by using different natural ingredients easily available at home. Let’s have a look at some remedies that are helpful to treat the condition simply and naturally.
1. Tea Tree Oil
What You Will Need
- Few drops of tea tree oil
- Water
What To Do
- Add the oil in water.
- Bath with the water
How Often To Do
Do it daily to get relief.
Why This Works
Tea tree oil's health benefits come from its antibacterial and antiviral properties that help in treating Bronchitis too. It also relieves from congestion and clears the passage of air.
Also Read : Top 10 Benefits of Tea Tree Oil for Health
ANVEYA AUSTRALIAN TEA TREE OIL, 100% PURE, 15ML
- Works on ACNE, SCARS & PIGMENTATION due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
- Application in treating SKIN, NAIL & TOE INFECTIONS
- Great for HAIR. Fights against DANDRUFF with its antifungal properties
- Diffuse for fresh & CLEAN HOME
2. Garlic
What You Will Need
- A clove of garlic
What To Do
- Chop the garlic.
- Mix it into honey and consume it.
- Swallow, don’t chew.
How Often To Do
Have it two times a day for better results.
Why This Works
There are many benefits of garlic for health. Allicin present in garlic contains antiviral and antibacterial properties that help in treating the infection and provides relief.
3. Cinnamon
What You Will Need
- A pinch of cinnamon powder
- 1 teaspoon honey
What To Do
- Add the cinnamon powder and honey in a bowl.
- Consume the mixture.
How Often To Do
Use this remedy until you get relief from Bronchitis.
Why This Works
Honey naturally cures Bronchitis with its vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes. It stabilises the immune system, reduces inflammation and treats the infection. Adding cinnamon to honey promotes the anti-inflammatory properties and treats Bronchitis.
Also Read : Cinnamon Essential Oil - Benefits,Precautions And More
4. Thyme
What You Will Need
- 2 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 cup of water
What To Do
- Boil the water and add thyme to it.
- Let it steep for 5 minutes.
- Drink this solution.
How Often To Do
Drink it twice a day.
Why This Works
According to researches, thyme is a great remedy for treating Bronchitis. It reduces cough and mucus formation and helps in treating Bronchitis.
5. Oregano Oil
What You Will Need
- Oregano oil
- Olive oil
What To Do
- Mix 1 drop of each oil
- Swallow it with water.
How Often To Do
You can consume it daily.
Why This Works
Carvacrol present in oregano oil targets chest congestion and inflammation. Also, Its antiviral and antibacterial properties treat the infection caused by bacteria or virus.
6. Honey And Lemon Water
What You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon honey
- One lemon
- 1 cup of water
What To Do
- Take a glass of warm water.
- Add the juice of one lemon and honey in it.
- Mix them well.
How Often To Do
Consume it two to three times a day.
Why This Works
Medicinal and antibacterial properties of honey relieve the irritation of the mucous membrane and provide relief. Properties of lemon also act as a great remedy for treating Bronchitis.
7. Eucalyptus Oil
What You Will Need
- 2 drops of eucalyptus oil
- Hot water
- Towel
What To Do
- Add 2 drops of eucalyptus oil in warm water.
- Put the towel over your head and take the steam by covering your head from the towel.
How Often To Do
You can use this remedy every day.
Why This Works
Inhalation of this steam will loosen the mucus and provide relief from wheezing. Also, anti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptus oil reduce the inflammation and heal the pain.
Also Read : How to Use Eucalyptus Oil for Cold Relief
ANVEYA EUCALYPTUS OIL, 100% PURE, 15ML
- HAIR & SCALP Health
- Helps to overcome ACNE & BLEMISHES
- Use during COLD COUGH & SORE THROAT.
- Antispasmodic and relieves STRAINED MUSCLES.
8. Salt And Water Gargle
What You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Warm water
What To Do
- Take a glass filled with warm water.
- Add one tablespoon of salt in it.
- Stir the solution and gargle with it.
How Often To Do
You can do it 3-4 times a day.
Why This Works
Gargling with salt water reduces the infection occurring in the respiratory tract and also relieves from excess mucus.
9. Ginger
What You Will Need
- A piece of dry ginger
- Black pepper
- Long pepper
- Honey
What To Do
- Obtain powder from the dry ginger.
- Add all the other ingredients to it and mix them well to obtain a paste.
- Consume this mixture.
How Often To Do
Consume it three times a day for relief.
Why This Works
Dry ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the swelling in the respiratory tract while Black pepper relieves from nasal congestion. Long pepper also has anti-inflammatory properties that help in getting rid of Bronchitis.
10. Tomato Soup
What You Will Need
- 1 cup tomato soup
What To Do
- Consume the soup regularly.
How Often To Do
Drink it two times a day.
Why This Works
Tomato is rich in Vitamin C reduces the excess mucus and heals the condition of Bronchitis.
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