Home Remedies for Bronchitis

Acute inflammation of air passages inside the lungs is known as bronchitis. The trachea ( windpipe) and the large as well as the small bronchi (airways) inside the lungs get inflamed on account of infection or due to other causes. Both adults as well as children suffer from it. It commonly occurs after “an upper respiratory infection” such as sinus infection or cold.

Causes of Bronchitis

• Several viruses lead to bronchitis, which includes influenza A as well as B, commonly referred to as flu.
• Irritating fumes can also cause it as well as dust. Chemical solvents as well as tobacco smoke can also cause bronchitis.
• Bacteria such as Mycoplasma pneumonia, which normally causes pnuemonia.
• The elderly are exposed to bronchitis as their immune system becomes weak with age.
• Smoking.

Symptoms of Bronchitis

• Cough is common. It may be dry or can produce phlegm. In case of too much phlegm, it could mean that the lower respiratory tract as well as the lung could be infected, indicating pneumonia.
• The cough can last for over two weeks. Persistent and forceful coughing can make the chest and abdominal muscles sore. Cough can be very severe, resulting in injury to the chest or becoming unconscious.
• Wheezing- This is due to the inflammation and causes shortness of breath.

Home Remedies for Bronchitis

• Humidify the environment – Instead of using suppressant available in the chemist shop, try to have more moisture in the air by using a cool or warm mist humidifier. The humidity will bring up the sputum up as well as out of the body. One can also stand in steamy bathroom and keeping the door closed. Keep a pan of slow boiling water or use a tea kettle to shoot out warm and moist air in order to loosen up and bring up the phlegm.
• Gargle with warm salt water – This soothes the inflammation in the throat and cuts through the mucus, which may be irritating and coating the throat membranes, which are sensitive.
• Drink plenty of liquids – The sputum remains more fluid and will be easy to expel. One can drink any kind of liquid,- soup, tea etc. Warm liquids would be better than cold ones. Warm fluids will soothe an irritated throat.
• Rest – One must get adequate rest. One should not move around too much while suffering from bronchitis. Walking around too much will slow down the body’s ability to fight the infection.
• Take ibuprofen or aspirin to relieve the chest pain.
• Cough remedy as a last resort – Coughing is the body’s mechanism to bring up the sputum. Some cough remedies contain guaifenesin, which helps bring up the sputum.
• Avoid places and persons from where you can pick up another infection as you are prone to them if you are suffering from bronchitis.
• In case of any complications consult your doctor.
• Almonds – These are rich in potassium, magnesium and calcium and heal respiratory illness.
• Lemons – These help in getting rid of mucus and bacteria. Have lemon tea by grating a teaspoon lemon rind and add it to a cup of boiling water. You can also boil a lemon wedge. Stain it and drink it.
• Honey – Keep a sliced onion in a bowl and put honey on it. Keep it overnight. Take out the onion. Have 1 teaspoon of honey four times in a day.
• Onions – They improve the flow of the mucus. Take it raw or cooked or in soup or stew or as seasoning.
• Water – Drink plenty of water as the mucus will get liquefied. It becomes easier to cough out. One can go in for steam treatment. Fill up the sink with hot water, bend the head into it. Place a towel above your head and breathe in the steam. One can add eucalyptus, rosemary oil or peppermint.
• Ginger – Steep about 1/2 teaspoonful of ginger, little ground cloves and cinnamon in a cup of boiling water. This tea is very beneficial.
• Bay Leaf – Take in the form of tea. Take one leaf and steep it in a cup of tea.
• Mustard – Mix 1 tablespoon of dry mustard with 4 tablespoons of flour. Stir warm water in it and make a paste. Apply oil on the chest either vegetable shortening or olive oil. Spread the mix on a cloth piece- muslin, kitchen washcloth or gauze and the cover with a similar piece. Keep it in place till it cools down and keep checking so that the skin does not get burnt.
• Thyme – This gets rid of the mucus. Lungs also get strengthened and can fight off any kind of infection. You can use in dried form a seasoning or have it in the form of tea by adding about 1/4th or 1/2 teaspoon of thyme to a cup of boiling water. Steep it for 5 minutes and add honey to it.
• Savory – This helps in getting rid of the mucus in the lungs. Have it as tea by adding about 1/2 teaspoon of savory to a cup of boiling water. Have it only once in a day.

One can treat bronchitis with the help of home remedies. They help in providing much relief.