Bronchitis

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is usually a temporary illness that develops after a cold or flu; however it can also be a serious condition that can keep occurring especially in smokers.

Did You Know?

30 Million days are lost each year through the illness – the UK has more cases of chronic bronchitis than the rest of the world!

Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis

• Chesty Cough – white, yellow or green phlegm
• Low fever (37.8C or less)
• Chest muscle pain when coughing
• Coarse breathing sounds which change or disappear when coughing

Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis

• Persistent cough that produces yellow, white or green phlegm for at least three months of the year for two consecutive years.
• Wheezing and breathlessness
• Coughing during any kind of exertion

Acute Bronchitis often follows a cold or flu whereas chronic bronchitis occurs when the lungs have been irritated from a long time which explains why people who have smoked for long periods can develop the disease. People who develop bronchitis are usually from the following group – smokers, workers exposed to chemical fumes and individuals with chronic allergies. There is an inflammation of the windpipe and the bronchial tubes (the large airways that lead to the lungs)

How can Supplements help

A good Multivitamin and mineral supplement can be taken to help ward off cold which can initiate bronchitis & in addition to this other supplements can be taken to help the condition. Acute bronchitis only requires supplementation whilst the person is ill – Chronic bronchitis may need long term use

Vitamin C – is useful as it helps to fight of viruses that attack the respiratory system and assists in the healing of lung tissue that has been damaged

Thyme tea can help to thin mucus secretions

Echinacea has antibacterial, antiviral and immune strengthening properties which can be used to ward off acute bronchitis – Pau d Arco can also help.

what else can you do?

Drink plenty of water so that the mucus is given less opportunity to thicken as dehydration can cause mucus to thicken

Avoid Smokey places and stop smoking if your are a smoker

Stay indoors if the air quality is poor – look at the reports online

Do not use aerosol products or anything that can irritate the airway passages

Caution

Lung symptoms will not be helped by antihistamines or decongestants – these drugs could worsen the condition as they thicken and dry mucus which makes it more difficult to cough up. See your doctor if a persistent cough interferes with daily activities, if mucus becomes dark or thickens and if your fever is above 37.8C. You should also seek advice if you cough up blood or your symptoms last more than 48 hours

Buy the Recommended Supplements

Vitamin C

Echinacea

Bronchitis News Report