Bronchitis is the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchial airways. It is
caused by viral infections such as influenza, or pyogenic organisms such as streptococcus, pneumococcus, or staphylococcus. It is often preceded by a common cold.
Acute bronchial irritation may also be caused by various physical and chemical agents such as
dust and fumes. Allergic factors should be considered as well. Predisposing factors are
exposure, chilling, fatigue, and malnutrition. The pathway of air to the bronchi and lungs
is still capable of warming inspired cold air, but there are limits. Because of this, it is
inadvisable to sleep in extreme cold or to vigorously exercise in extremely cold air without
wearing a face mask, so that the heat produced from exhalation will be available to the
inspired air.
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Bronchitis
he most obvious symptom of
bronchitis is coughing. The bronchi (the main branching passageways of the lungs) become
inflamed. The cough associated with bronchitis usually starts off dry and hacking, then
becomes rattling. It generally produces grayish or yellow mucous, and is often accompanied
by wheezing or mild shortness of breath.
Bronchitis has two main varieties: acute (sudden) and
chronic (continuing). Acute bronchitis is usually a complication of a viral infection.
With acute bronchitis, the cough may linger three or more weeks, and in most cases,
eventually goes away on its own. Chronic bronchitis, however, usually lasts at least three
months and produces the mucousy cough. Symptoms intensify over time and include
breathlessness and wheezing. While there are many conventional and alternative treatments
for chronic bronchitis, the best treatments are to quit smoking and to avoid air pollutants.
Herbal supplements are not a cure for bronchitis, but several herbs
have a long history of traditional use for coughs and respiratory comfort. Among them is
Licorice, traditionally
used as an expectorant.
Mullein has traditionally
been used for both wet and dry coughs. Garlic has
been used in folk practice for many years during colds and flu.
Wild Cherry Bark has
traditionally been used for dry, hacking coughs, and is not recommended for long-term use.
Echinacea is perhaps the
most popular and well-known herbal supplement on the market.
Bronchitis has two main varieties: acute (sudden) and
chronic (continuing). Acute bronchitis is usually a complication of a viral infection.
With acute bronchitis, the cough may linger three or more weeks, and in most cases,
eventually goes away on its own. Chronic bronchitis, however, usually lasts at least three
months and produces the mucousy cough. Symptoms intensify over time and include
breathlessness and wheezing. While there are many conventional and alternative treatments
for chronic bronchitis, the best treatments are to quit smoking and to avoid air pollutants.
Herbal supplements are not a cure for bronchitis, but several herbs
have a long history of traditional use for coughs and respiratory comfort. Among them is
Licorice, traditionally
used as an expectorant.
Mullein has traditionally
been used for both wet and dry coughs. Garlic has
been used in folk practice for many years during colds and flu.
Wild Cherry Bark has
traditionally been used for dry, hacking coughs, and is not recommended for long-term use.
Echinacea is perhaps the
most popular and well-known herbal supplement on the market.
Note:
This information is provided for educational purposes only
and is not intended to replace the use of a qualified
health care professional. We strongly recommend the use
of a physician for the diagnostic phase of any treatment.
With an accurate diagnosis in hand, we believe the consumer,
at that point, has a basic, unalienable right to seek out
factual information on all therapeutic approaches, both
orthodox and alternative, and choose those approach(es)
that are right for them. Nonetheless, a "good doctor"
should be considered a requisite starting point.To U.S. Users:
None of the products mentioned on this page have been
evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration;
therefore, they are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease.