Doctors explain the causes and signs of bronchitis
Your lungs give you the breath of life.
However, many people aren’t really familiar with the complex workings of the air passages, bronchial tubes and lungs – these tubes and passages carry air to and from the lungs, making breathing possible.
But when you have bronchitis, this network works inefficiently .
In some cases, these tubes can become swollen or inflamed.
The swelling may be due to allergies or infection.
Inflammation in this area makes it hard to breathe.
When wheezing and coughing that prevents you from breathing become constant, you may be diagnosed with bronchitis.
ACUTE BRONCHITIS
Acute bronchitis is a common disease that affects about ten percent of the population each year.
A viral infection is responsible for this variety in most cases. Surprisingly, the same strain of virus that causes colds and flu is also responsible for this medical problem .
In some cases, however, a bacterial infection can also cause this illness. The bacterial variety occurs when you breathe in substances that are harmful to your lungs, such as cleaning chemicals, cigarette smoke, fumes, dust and allergens ,Although the infection usually leaves no damage, it can cause breathing difficulties and discomfort for days or even weeks.
CHRONIC BRONCHITIS:
Chronic bronchitis is different from the acute variety because an infection is not the cause. Rather, it is caused by irreversible damage to the lungs.
Chronic bronchitis is called COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD is a group of lung diseases that make it difficult to breathe.
The damage can be caused by years of cigarette smoke, working in a factory where you have inhaled dangerous chemicals all the time, or by diseases such as tuberculosis.
There is no cure, but there are treatments to improve breathing .
Living with this persistent disease means that you will cough continuously and may also have symptoms such as fatigue, fever, shortness of breath and chills.
IS BRONCHITIS CONTAGIOUS?
When you have the acute variety, your cough puts tiny droplets in the air. These droplets can also come from sneezing or even talking.
These microscopic droplets are infected with the virus, which can be quickly spread to other people.
Did you know that simply shaking the hand of an infected person can transmit the virus to you?
Must be careful when you are in public and in this state because it is easy to unknowingly transmit the virus.
Wearing a mask and staying at least one metre away from others can help stop transmission.
Most often, chronic varieties are caused by damage, not infection.
So, although many people may be suspicious of those around you when you cough and have difficulty breathing, it generally poses no risk to those around you.
NATURAL TREATMENTS FOR BRONCHITIS
The standard treatment for this disease is the use of steroids to reduce inflammation, antibiotics to cure the infection and bronchodilators to help relieve swelling quickly.
However, people with chronic disease may need oxygen because their lung capacity slowly decreases over time.
While the medical community is quick to prescribe steroids, there are natural remedies that do not come with the common side effects of drugs, such as dark circles under the eyes, restlessness and insomnia .
Here are the main treatments that nature offers that can promote healing and help you recover, without all the risks.
Garlic has long been considered “nature’s antibiotic”.
It has been used for thousands of years to fight infections and was even known to cure leprosy.
The healing properties of this vegetable earned the ancient doctors the name “Father of all medicines”.
The sulfur-based compound in garlic called allicin is what attacks viruses and other diseases.
When crushed or chewed, it releases the power of this powerful vegetable.
For those with acute respiratory problems caused by a virus, garlic can quickly attack the virus and destroy its hold on the body.
Onion, which is a relative of this vegetable, also has healing properties and can be used along with garlic.
GINGER
Ginger is a powerful herb that is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
When a person has an infection in the mouth due to a tooth abscess, rubbing ginger on the gums can bring immediate pain relief because the herb eats away the virus.
For bronchitis, ginger tea can quickly release inflammation in the bronchial tubes and help breathing.
It can be used instead of a bronchodilator as a preventative and fast-acting remedy.
People with chronic and acute illnesses can benefit from the power of ginger.
CURCUMA
Turmeric is a herb that has received a lot of attention lately.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Some experts believe that it is even more powerful than ginger in its ability to reduce swelling.
Turmeric is often used in Indian cuisine, although it can be used as a herbal supplement to combat chronic inflammatory problems.
Whenever you feel your airways swelling, you can mix a teaspoon of honey with half a teaspoon of turmeric.
The combination should be swallowed without water so that it can coat the throat. You can repeat this step as often as you think necessary.
USE THE FREEZER
If you have a bad cough and are having trouble catching your breath, an old remedy can help.
Just put your head in the freezer. It may sound crazy, but the cold air in the freezer can help open your airway.
THE POWER OF STEAM
When you feel short of breath, it can be quite frightening. Fortunately, natural remedies can help relieve your anxiety.
Steam is another standard old-school method of treating breathing problems. Boil water on the stove and add an essential oil such as peppermint or eucalyptus to the mixture.
Once the water has boiled, remove it and put it in a bowl on the table.
Use a towel to cover your head, place your head towards your intestine and let the steam enter your airways.
The healing power of steam, along with herbs, can bring quick relief.
Taking a hot shower may seem helpful, but you won’t have direct contact with the steam as you would in a bowl.
If you live close to a sauna area, it is also a great way to fight swollen airways.
BE GOOD WITH HONEY
Honey is one of nature’s perfect tonics.
It can help fight the chronic cough caused by this disease. Did you know that a single tablespoon of honey has enough power to clear mucus secretions and stop persistent coughs?
The antiviral and antibacterial properties of this golden elixir are undeniable.
It can help stop coughs while strengthening your immune system.
You can take it with a spoon, or use it in a cup of herbal tea.
The combination of hot water and honey is a sure way to find quick relief.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON UNDERSTANDING BRONCHITIS
While nature provides many remedies that can help treat acute and chronic bronchitis, some lifestyle changes can help promote more natural breathing. First of all, if you smoke cigarettes, you should quit immediately .
Also, second-hand cigarette smoke can be just as harmful to the lungs as direct smoking.
The carcinogens it contains can further damage the lungs, making breathing painful and difficult.
You should always wear a mask when working with chemicals, especially household chemicals such as bleach and ammonia.
Avoid polluted areas as they can cause inflammation of the bronchial airways. Wearing a mask may prevent you from inhaling these toxins.
A healthy diet rich in garlic, onions, ginger, turmeric and energy foods can boost your immunity.
A healthy immune system can prevent you from getting infections, even if you have them.
Finally, using a humidifier in your home can help clean the air you breathe. Even if you are careful, there are always small amounts of pollution and toxins in your air. In a typical home, you will find animal dander, pollen, dust, mould and other irritants.
When you suffer from an illness such as COPD or other breathing difficulties, it is essential to remove as many of these elements from your home as possible. The more you get rid of these problems, the less you will need to treat the effects they have on your body.
Both acute and chronic bronchitis are a challenge.
Fortunately, the acute varieties will disappear after a few weeks.