subject: Treating Acute Bronchitis At Home [print this page] Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes of the lungs. The bronchi are airway passages in the lungs that form a tree-like system, each getting narrower as they descend into the lungs. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection that inflames these passages, causing them to narrow and secrete mucus. Common viruses that can cause acute bronchitis are the rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza. Symptoms are often a loose productive cough, a runny nose, nasal congestion and a sore throat. Antibiotics are generally not effective in treating acute bronchitis.
There are some natural remedies to calm that cough due to bronchitis to help you rest better. Drinking plenty of liquids like hot tea for example with lemon and honey or even warm apple cider helps to relax you. This will loosen the cold up that has your chest feeling congested. So your body will be able to feel temporary relief until a more effective solution is taking to expel the mucus from the lungs.
There are two different types of coughs associated with bronchitis. If you have a lot of congestion you may have a wet cough; with this type of cough, while uncomfortable, is necessary to get any mucous and liquid out of your lungs. Humidity is very effective bronchitis treatment, it helps to break up the mucous, making it easier to get it out of your lungs. Try standing under a hot, steamy shower for ten to fifteen minutes. Make sure you dry yourself and wrap up good when you get out. A vaporizer, either steam or cool mist, placed in your bedroom at night will help you to sleep better too. Put some eucalyptus oil in the vaporizer as an expectorant to help get rid of the phlegm in your chest.
Good handwashing is key to preventing most diseases and anyone who has acute bronchitis or comes in contact with someone who has it should use this as their first line of defense. Experts recommend washing your hands with soap and warm water for a least 15 seconds before and after coming in contact with a person who is ill. This is about the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice.
There are several natural products, herbal teas and syrups that can be of some help if the bronchitis fever is mild too. The herbal preparations for treating a mild case of bronchitis fever are too many to name here but they contain things like peppermint to open up nasal passages and help chest congestion, eucalyptus for chest and nasal congestion, preparations with this are generally for the vaporizer steam or chest rubs. Things like willow bark in pill form for a fever reducer but if you are under 16 or allergic to asprin you need to avoid it.
People who want to use pelargonium should try Bronovil. The South African flower is Bronovils key ingredient is the South African geranium mentioned above. Pelargonium works by preventing viruses from attaching to cells in the body. This herb boosts the bodys immune system, which makes it useful for older people and people suffering from HIV/AIDS.
