A Few Ways To Treat Bronchitis

Inflammation of one or more bronchi, usually secondary to infection. There are two types of bronchitis. The acute version results, from an infection, while the chronic (permanent or recurrent) type of bronchitis is caused by the action of an irritant on already damaged lungs.

Some people are more susceptible to bronchitis than others. Male sufferers outnumber women ten to one, while smokers are 50 times more likely to develop chronic bronchitis than non-smokers. Bronchitis attacks are more common in winter, in polluted environments and damp, cold climates. Fatigue, chilling, overcrowding and smoking are all contributory factors.

The patient needs bed rest in a warm, humid room, with frequent steam inhalations from a vaporizer to soften the infected mucus in the bronchi. Hot drinks should be given; they help the patient cough up and spit out phlegm, and they prevent dehydration. Any sedative cough medicine may be taken at night to help the patient sleep. A cough syrup, with an expectorant, may help during the day.

Deficiencies of nutrients such as carotenoids and flavonoids allow unchallenged damage to the respiratory tract. The immune system is suppressed, such as by excess sugar which suppresses white cell activity against bacteria. The result is respiratory tract tissues that are vulnerable to bacterial infections. Magnesium is needed for muscles to relax - Consider using large amounts initially. Vitamin A - protects lung tissue. Vitamin E and Zinc (50 mg/day) improves healing.

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