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.
According to ayurveda any disease is caused by the formation of a favorable environment for the disease causing organism. Due to a poor lifestyle and wrong eating habits the body is thrown out of balance and loses its immunity to diseases. Contrary to the modern medicinal treatments methods ayurveda focuses on maintaining a healthy and sound body and not just curing the disease. Ayurveda attacks the root cause of any disease. This branch of medicine identifies the metabolic type of the person (whether vata, pittha or kapha) and provides a holistic approach in treating the patient. Once that has been determined ayurveda utilizes many approaches like herbal medicines, dietary changes, yoga, oil massages and meditation in treating the disease.
According to ayurveda bronchitis develops due to many imbalances in the human body including poor nutrition, poor digestion, accumulation of toxins resulting in poor circulation, imbalance in the nervous system, disruption of the biological rhythm and lowered immunity. The first step is to remove the toxins from the respiratory system. This involves loosening the impurities embedded in the trachea and helping them to liquefy so as to allow smooth elimination. The next step is to open the channels of circulation so that the system gets maximum nourishment. Massage increases the circulation in the body and helps remove any impurities present in the tissues. Another important point is regarding nutrition. The food must be highly nutritious as well as easily digestible. 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. One should include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet.
Meditation removes Vata imbalance, which is the physiological basis for the stability of the nervous system. Yoga allows more oxygen to enter the lungs thereby increasing its vascularity. When all the above steps are followed perfectly slowly your body will regain its self resistance and become cured of the disease.
Bronchitis- Signs and Symptoms
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. 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. Acute bronchitis is caused either by a bacterial or viral infection while chronic bronchitis is a serious lung disease and is mainly caused by inhaling respiratory tract irritants. In bronchitis 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.
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One of the main symptoms of bronchitis is the ever presence of mucus producing cough. Mucus in itself is not a serious symptom because our airways usually do produce secretions of mucus everyday but these secretions are cleared into our throat and then swallowed with the saliva. They do not tend to stay in the airways. But 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 presence of non white mucus indicates secondary infection.
But sometimes the signs of bronchitis show up only gradually. Also you may not be producing the discolored mucus all the times. Sometimes children might swallow the mucus so their parents might not be aware of the situation. 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. Sometimes other illnesses like chronic sinusitis can also mimic bronchitis. Chronic sinusitis also produces thick yellow or green nasal discharge and chronic cough.
Bronchitis- Homeopathic concept and treatment
Homoeopathy states that the substance that causes disease in a person can also help cure the disease. Commonly called the law of the similars, the principle is used to determine the remedy for a person. Homoeopathy has a holistic approach in the fact that it treats the person and not just the disease. In homoeopathy each single individual is treated differently and given medicines. Sometimes two people having the same disease may get different medicines.
Homoeopathic medicines are derived from plant, animal and mineral substances. The method of making homoeopathic medicines involves a series of dilutions and shakings which distils the substance to its essence. Homeopathic remedies are gentle on the body and without any side effects. They not only cure the symptoms but also strengthen the immune system.
There are many kinds of remedies available in homoeopathy for bronchitis including belladonna, bryonia, aconite, mercurius, phosphorus, antimonium tartaricum, sulphur etc. Belladonna is given when bronchitis is accompanied by high fever, continuous cough, irregular breathing, hot skin and fullness in the chest. Bryonia is given in case of severe cough when it begins to hurt ones head. Aconite is mainly given during the onset of bronchitis and will prevent the development of chronic bronchitis. When the bronchitis stays in a sub acute condition for long, mercurius may be used. It provides relief from inflammatory bronchial catarrh. Phosphorus is used for individuals who are not so resistant. It cures sub acute cases that have been lingering for a while. Antimonium tartaricum can be used in both the early and the late stages associated with bronchitis. It is very useful in the beginning stage of capillary bronchitis is young infants and elderly people.
Bronchitis- How can we prevent?
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. Acute bronchitis is caused either by a bacterial or viral infection while chronic bronchitis is a serious lung disease and is mainly caused by inhaling respiratory tract irritants. Acute bronchitis mainly occurs during winter and is followed by viral infection like cold or flu. A secondary bacterial infection may also accompany this disease. Chronic bronchitis develops only slowly. Cilia, the hairy outgrowths from the cells that line the respiratory system slowly become paralyzed and their movement is stopped due to the inhalation of the lung irritants. So, the cilia are no loner able to move the mucus and the airways become clogged.
Many causes have been suggested for bronchitis. Viruses like influenza A and B, commonly referred to as the flu virus is one of the culprits in leading to bronchitis. Then there are bacteria like the Mycoplasma pneumoniae that can cause bronchitis. Another cause of bronchitis is inhaling lung irritants like fumes, dusts, chemical solvents etc. Smoking is considered as one of the main culprits leading to bronchitis. One of the main symptoms of bronchitis is the ever presence of mucus producing cough. 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.
Bronchitis can be cured through medication but the best way is to prevent yourselves from getting infected with it once you have been cured of the disease. For that you will have to know why the disease happened to you and prevent ways of getting it in the future. If you are a chain smoker you must quit smoking as soon as possible. According to the American Lung Association about 85% of chronic bronchitis is caused by smoking. Smoking irritates the lungs and the bronchi and leads to further infection. Air pollution is also being suggested as another important cause for bronchitis. People living and working in polluted environment are at greater risk of getting bronchitis. Even if it’s not possible to quit your job or leave the area, you may still maintain good air condition inside your home by installing air filters. Drink plenty of fluids and stay away from coffee and alcohol as they tend to increase fluid loss from the body producing more cough. Stay away from dangerous chemicals and other bronchial irritants.
Lifestyle
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.
Many causes have been suggested for bronchitis. Viruses like influenza A and B, bacteria like the Mycoplasma pneumoniae, lung irritants like fumes, dusts, chemical solvents, smoking – all lead to bronchitis. 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.
Bronchitis can be cured through medication but the best way is to prevent yourselves from getting infected with it once you have been cured of the disease. For that you will have to know why the disease happened to you and maintain a balanced lifestyle. If you are a chain smoker quit smoking as soon as possible. According to the American Lung Association about 85% of chronic bronchitis is caused by smoking. Smoking irritates the lungs and the bronchi and leads to further infection. Air pollution is also being suggested as another important cause for bronchitis. People living and working in polluted environment are at greater risk of getting bronchitis.
Even if it’s not possible to quit your job or leave the area, you may still maintain good air condition inside your home by installing air filters. People working in polluted areas should use respiratory masks. Drink plenty of fluids and stay away from coffee and alcohol as they tend to increase fluid loss from the body producing more cough. Stay away from dangerous chemicals and other bronchial irritants. Wash your hands frequently. Avoid sugary and dairy products as they enhance the production of mucus. You may also get vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia. Go for naturopathy and yoga treatments as they have less harmful effects.
Ideal Diet
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. Acute bronchitis is caused either by a bacterial or viral infection while chronic bronchitis is a serious lung disease and is mainly caused by inhaling respiratory tract irritants. Acute bronchitis mainly occurs during winter and is followed by viral infection like cold or flu. A secondary bacterial infection may also accompany this disease. Chronic bronchitis develops only slowly.
Bronchitis can be cured through medication but the best way is to prevent yourselves from getting infected with it once you have been cured of the disease. For that you will have to know why the disease happened to you and maintain a balanced diet. It is always essential to avoid foods that produce more mucus. 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 in the diet. Eat oranges and lemon that are rich in Vitamin C. Naturopathy and other non-medicinal therapies can provide the right guidance in dealing with bronchitis.
Yoga management for Bronchitis
Bronchitis can be treated with medication. But it may reappear if favorable conditions prevail. So the ultimate aim of any bronchial patient should be to prevent the episode of infections. The main problem associated with any bronchitis patient is the unavailability of adequate amount of oxygen. Maintaining a healthy respiratory system is the most crucial step in preventing bronchitis. The exercises for bronchial patients must not be too hard but at the same must aerate the lungs and increase the oxygen levels in the blood.
Yoga, one of the six orthodox systems of Indian philosophy can be of great help in achieving this aim. The continuous practices of asanas bring lightness and an exhilarating feeling in the body and mind and a feeling of oneness of body, mind and soul. A yogi must maintain discipline in diet and lifestyle thereby enhancing the effects of the asanas. There are many asanas that prevents the recurrence of bronchitis. Relaxation technique of pranayamas improves the mucociliary clearance. Asanas like supta virasana, sarvangasana, sirsasana, bhujangasana, viparita dandasana, salabhasana, ustrasana etc can be done to improve lung capacity. Pranayamas can be practiced once the severity of the infection has lessened.
Asanas increases the vasculartiry of the lungs while retaining its softness. The exchange capacity for gases increases and the excess mucus is drained off. Poses having forward bends improves blood flow and massages the posterior lobes of the lungs. Poses having backward bends help remove excess mucus from the bronchial tree. Twisting poses squeezes the lateral parts of the lungs thereby improving their function. Pranayamas on the other hand allows more oxygen to enter the lungs through the practice of kumbhaka. The retention process facilitates deeper penetration of oxygen thereby increasing its chances of being absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood. Ujjayi pranayama is practiced in the beginning as it causes less strain and then one may proceed towards nadi sodhana and surya bhedana pranayamas for more benefits.
Chinese Medicines for Bronchitis
One of the most ancient medicinal systems in the world, traditional Chinese medicine uses Chinese herbal medicines, acupuncture, Chinese massage and methodical diets to cure bronchitis. According to Chinese medicine bronchitis is an invasion of wind. Sometimes the disease is brought by cold winds and at other times by hot winds. The disease belongs to one of the three conformations: “ke sou”(cough), “tan yin”(fluid retention and phlegm), “xiao chuan”(cough and asthma). Bronchitis is also differentiated into one with whooping cough and the other with pneumonia. The disease may be caused by external pathogenic factors or internal pathogenic factors. A detailed diagnosis is carried out noting the time of the year, the type of phlegm, presence or absence of fever and any other symptom involved. Treatment method is decided only after confirming the symptoms.
For interior retention of the phlegm with exopathic cold the modified decoction of green dragon containing ephedra,cinnamon twig,schisandra berry,white peony root, asarum herb, pinella tuber, dried ginger, coltsfoot flower and licorice root is used. Stagnation of phlegm heat may be cured by resolving the phlegm and removing the internal heat. A decoction containing the following Chinese herbs is used: mulberry bark, wolfberry bark, scutellaria root, anemarrhena rhizome, Sichuan fritillary bulb, bitter apricot kernel, stemona root, trichosanthes seed, honey fried loquat leaf and platycodon root. Some herbs for chronic bronchitis include Ban Xia, Huang Qi, ,Fu Ling,Gan Cao,Bu Gu,Good – Bronchitis,Yu Xing Cao,Jie Geng,Fu Zi,Dan Shen,Bai Bu,Bai Hu, Chen Pi,Chi Shao Yao
Dang Shen,Bai Zhu,Gan Jiang,Bei Mu,Huang Jing, and Wu Wei zi. The herabl adminsitration depends on your constitution, age and disease conditions. Acupuncture may also be used to treat bronchitis.
Cure for Bronchitis with naturopathy
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.
