Bronchitis is the inflammation of the air passages between the nose and the lungs. It may also include the trachea and the windpipe and also the larger air tubes of the lungs that bring in air from the trachea. The interior linings of the bronchial tubes swell thereby reducing their effective diameter. Due to this the amount of air passing through the trachea into the lungs is reduced and so does the amount of waste gas coming from the lungs. This triggers the production of thicker mucous which further blocks the air passages. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is of short duration and is cured within two weeks while chronic bronchitis persists for much longer duration.

When chronic bronchitis proceeds breathing may become more difficult and you may feel tightness in your chest. Due to breathing difficulties less oxygen is inhaled into your body. This may cause your lips and body to turn blue and cause overall tiredness. In the advanced stages you will get chest pains and your feet and ankles may become swollen. Many tend to lose weight and have trouble sleeping. The damaged lungs may force the heart to work harder leading to its failure.

Many causes have been suggested for bronchitis like influenza virus A and B, bacteria like the Mycoplasma pneumoniae, lung irritants like fumes, dusts, chemical solvents, smoking. When a cough brings up large quantities of yellow, green or discolored mucus for more than three months of a year, then a case of bronchitis can be suspected. The main symptoms accompanying an upper respiratory tract infection may include: sore throat, chest congestion, soreness or burning sensation in the chest, fullness of the sinus, wheezing, breathlessness, slight fever, frequent cold or flu and overall malaise.

 In many instances acute bronchitis will simply go away without being given any treatment. Chronic bronchitis on the other hand can only be treated if diagnosed very early. There is no permanent cure available for chronic bronchitis in allopathy but only different types of medications to keep the disease under control. Allopathy does not take into consideration the individual differences present and prescribes the same drug for a number of patients. The limitations of allopathy have forced many to turn towards alternative ways of controlling the disease including naturopathy. Naturopathy also called green allopathy focuses on treating the illness using antimicrobial herbs and other nutrients.

Treatment begins by taking a detailed assessment of the patient’s condition including his susceptibility to the disease. His lifestyle including sleeping and eating habits are also taken into consideration. Naturopathy treatment includes changes in dietary and lifestyle along with treatment methods using green herbs and water. Excess bananas, sugar, white flour, processed foods, milk and dairy products- all have mucus forming tendency. One should also avoid coffee, tea, soft drinks and alcohol as they tend to take away fluid from the body. Drinking water in sufficient quantity is a must for any bronchial patient. Onions and garlic contain antioxidants and are very good for preventing bronchitis. One should include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables especially those rich in antioxidants in the diet. Antioxidants seem to improve lung function.

Hydrotherapy is an important part of naturopathy and involves application of water in either hot or cold form to the body. Both hot baths and wet saunas increase the body temperature making it less hospitable for microbes. Hot teas containing herbs like ginger, peppermint, yarrow may also be consumed to increase body perspiration. They can be very useful in treating respiratory illness. Herbs like wild cherry, Ivy leaf, mullein, Elecampane, Marshmallow all are very beneficial in treating bronchitis and other diseases associated with it.