Tips to manage Bronchitis effectively Bronchitis is a progressive medical condition that can be managed and controlled but not cured. Bronchitis as a medical condition is described as a condition of the lungs wherein the lining of the bronchial tubes gets inflamed or infected. Patients suffering from bronchitis have impaired breathing function due to which is there is reduced air and oxygen going into their lungs. Due to Bronchitis symptoms like persistent cough, there is also heavy mucus or phlegm blocking their airways making breathing difficult. Diagnosing Bronchitis Diagnosing bronchitis is not very difficult due to its evident set of symptoms. However for conclusive diagnosis, doctors carry out tests as and when the need arises. In case of acute bronchitis, just a description of symptoms along with a physical examination is enough for diagnosis. In case of acute bronchitis there is a distinct rattling sound found in the lungs' upper airways that is checked for by the doctor using a stethoscope to confirm diagnosis. In cases of chronic bronchitis which need more conclusive diagnosis, the doctor is likely to recommend an X-ray of the chest to find out the extent of lung damage caused by the infection. There is certain pulmonary function tests also carried out to assess the performance of the lungs. The oxygen level in the blood is also checked using a small sensor clipped on to the finger of the patient. Treatment of Bronchitis Acute Bronchitis Acute bronchitis arising from a simple cold or flu is typically easier to manage and treat. The patient needs to get ample rest, keep up the fluid intake and avoid smoking or inhaling environmental pollutants that can trigger an attack. In severe cases of acute bronchitis doctors recommend bronchodilators to loosen up the mucus built up in the chest and help the body throw out the same by way of a productive cough. In healthy people suffering from bronchitis, antibiotics are not necessary in most cases. If the cause behind the cold is a virus, it usually settles on its own without any antibiotics. Persistent cough is a symptom of acute bronchitis and is body’s way of throwing out the mucus from the lungs. However, if the cough is persistent leading to sleeplessness, or painful then the doctor may prescribe a cough suppressant. Chronic Bronchitis Chronic Bronchitis on the other hand is a lot more serious and troublesome for the patients’ as compared to acute bronchitis. In case of chronic bronchitis, lungs become more vulnerable to infections. A yearly flu shot along with a vaccination against pneumonia, PPSV23 helps in protection against common type of pneumonia caused by bacteria until the age of 65. Medical advice regarding the same should be sought from the treating doctor. Bronchodilators are found helpful in opening up the airways helping the patients to breathe better.
For some patients doctors also recommend inhalers that help the medicine directly reach the lungs. It is important to use the inhalers as per the prescribed dosage so as to obtain maximum benefit and reduce the risk of side effects. In some cases, doctors may even prescribe steroids to treat chronic bronchitis. The steroids can be a pill, injection or in the form of an inhaler. Home remedies to treat bronchitis Apart from the therapies and medication, there are natural remedies that are proven to have great benefits to manage bronchitis.
Ginger: Ginger due to its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties helps in relieving symptoms of bronchitis like irritated, inflamed or swollen bronchial tubes. Turmeric: Turmeric contains certain enzymes that have excellent antiinflammatory properties. Turmeric is an age old remedy for treating bronchitis associated cough symptoms. A pinch of turmeric along with milk is an excellent remedy to expectorate excess mucus and soon you will get relief. Salt water therapy: Salt water or saline water is known to have the ability to thin down the mucus blocking the airways and causing irritation. Gargle with salt water is excellent remedy to soothe throat pain. Taking salt water steam is extremely effective in bringing out relief from the blocked nose helping to breathe easy. Eucalyptus oil: Eucalyptus oil is one of the most effective treatments for managing bronchitis naturally. The oil can be added to boiling water and used in steam therapy that helps soften the mucus. The healing properties of the oil help in easing burning sensation and provide relief to inflammation in the throat. Tea tree or pine oil also has the same efficacy as eucalyptus oil in treating bronchitis. Herbs: Herbs like thyme, holy basil, and licorice are known for their therapeutic properties and can really help in alleviating the symptoms related to bronchitis. These herbs are generally boiled in water to get a concoction and drank hot as herbal teas to provide immediate relief. Essential oils: Essential oils like tea tree, lavender, rosemary, anise, peppermint and cypress are excellent cures for treating symptoms of bronchitis in the most natural and safe manner. These oils can be massaged on to the chest and throat of the patient or sprinkled on the pillow to ease breathing for the patient.
Apart from the above remedies, the best way to treat bronchitis is by drinking a lot of warm fluids like water, broths and soups. Fluids help the mucus secretions to thin down thereby helping the body to excrete it out easily. It is also helpful to use a humidifier in the room where the patient spends maximum time. Warm and moist air from the humidifier helps in loosening the mucus blocking the airways. However, when using a humidifier care should be taken to clean the device thoroughly using a sanitizer to prevent bacteria and germs build up in the water container. Therapies: To manage chronic bronchitis, doctors often recommend patients to undergo a pulmonary rehabilitation program which is a breathing exercise plan wherein
the therapist teaches the patient ways to breathe easily by way of increased exercise ability. Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter