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(also referred to as...) Acute Infectious Bronchitis, Acute Irritative Bronchitis, Chronic Bronchitis
Description Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi (singular, bronchus) which are the tubes that attach the trachea (windpipe) to the lungs. Acute infectious bronchitis is the most well known form of bronchitis. Other types include acute irritative bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, and more. The acute forms are generally self-limiting, with complete healing and return to function. More and more people are suffering from chronic lung disease, caused especially by smoking, which has lead to an increase in the number of people suffering from chronic bronchitis.
Symptoms and Signs: A diagnosis of acute infectious bronchitis is made with the onset of a productive cough with no evidence of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or pneumonia. Other symptoms include shaking, chills, chest pain, mild fever, runny nose, fatigue, malaise, back and muscle aches, and sore throat. If severe, you may have a high fever (38.3°C to 38.8°C or 101°F to 102°F) for three to five days, after which you will begin to feel better. The cough may persist for several weeks after other symptoms have abated. Some may also experience wheezing or shortness of breath. Chronic bronchitis is diagnosed by a chronic productive cough for at least three months in two successive years for which other causes, i.e., infection, cancer, chronic heart failure, have been excluded.
Causes: Acute infectious bronchitis is caused by an infection from a virus (most common), bacteria, or bacteria-like organism. This form of bronchitis occurs most often during the winter months and often follows an upper respiratory tract (URT) infection, such as the common cold or throat infection. Smokers and people with chronic lung or airway diseases are more susceptible to this form of bronchitis due to an impairment of the mechanisms that clear inhaled particles from the lungs. If recurrent, this type of bronchitis may be due to chronic sinusitis, bronchitectasis, allergies, and in children, enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Acute irritative bronchitis is caused by dust, fumes from strong acids, some organic solvents, ammonia, chlorine, bromine, hydrogen sulfide, sulphur dioxide, tobacco smoke or other types of smoke, and air pollutants such as ozone and nitrogen dioxide. Chronic bronchitis is usually caused by smoking. Allergies may also cause chronic bronchitis.
What to Expect: Acute bronchitis is generally self-limiting, with no complications for otherwise healthy individuals. It can become serious in people with chronic lung or heart disease and pneumonia is a possible sequela for this group. A persistent cough may be serious. See your naturopath or other health practitioner if your cough lasts more than one week, if it recurs, or if it is accompanied by a high fever, rash, or persistent headaches. Acute respiratory failure may follow acute bronchitis in people with chronic respiratory disorders. Bronchitis can be recurrent in people with bronchopulmonary diseases, chronic sinusitis, bronchitectasis, bronchopulmonary allergies, COPD, or in children with enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Chronic bronchitis compromises the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. The heart then attempts to compensate by exerting more effort to pump blood through the system. This can eventually lead to pulmonary hypertension, enlargement of the heart, and heart failure. Chronic bronchitis has an increased mortality rate.
Remedies The goal of treatment is to promote drainage and enhance the immune system. Coughing promotes the elimination of bronchial secretions and suppression should thus be avoided unless you are very weak due to lack of sleep. Most cases of acute infectious bronchitis are viral, and thus, antibiotics are ineffective. They are often prescribed in an attempt to relieve symptoms and reduce the chance of a secondary bacterial infection. This approach is typically in vain.
Amino Acids N-acetylcysteine (NAC) helps decrease mucous viscosity, making it less thick. It also helps protect lung tissue. Take 500mg twice daily on an empty stomach with water or juice. NOTE: Do not take NAC with milk.
Aromatherapy Add 2 to 3 drops eucalyptus oil and an equal amount of frankincense to a bowl of hot water and inhale the vapour. This combination makes a good expectorant, helping to clear congestion.
Herbs Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties as a result of its incredibly complex molecular structure and is useful for fighting the offending organism as well as helping to prevent the development of pneumonia. Allicin is considered the active ingredient in garlic. You can increase the content of allicin in garlic by crushing the buds and leaving them out for five minutes or more. The oxygen in the air facilitates the conversion of alliin to allicin. Take at least two cloves daily. If supplementing, take 400 to 500mg up to three times daily and look for supplements with a high alicin content. Coltsfoot, gumweed, horehound, lobelia, licorice, sundew, and wild cherry bark are all herbs that help increase the quantity, decrease the viscosity, and promote the drainage of sputum. Many of these herbs also have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Mix 6 ounces of some or all of these herbs together, boil them in 4 cups of water for 2 minutes, let stand for 10 additional minutes, strain, sweeten with a bit of honey if you like, and take 1 cup every 2 hours (1/2 cup for children). Horsetail is beneficial as an anti-inflammatory and expectorant. Use in extract form for best results. A mustard poultice is beneficial. Mix 1 part dry mustard with 3 parts flour and enough water to make a paste. Spread the paste onto a thin piece of cotton or cheesecloth. Fold and place on your chest. Check often as it may cause blistering of the skin if left too long. Reishi mushroom has been shown to have antibiotic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps to boost the immune system. The active ingredients are absorbed better when reishi is taken with vitamin C.
Lifestyle Immune system enhancement should be a goal. For more information, see Weakened Immune System. Get plenty of rest. Increase fluid intake. Drink water, diluted vegetable juices, soup, and herbal teas. Aim for 8 glasses equivalent daily. If you are not accustomed to taking in this quantity of fluid, start at 4 to 5 glasses equivalent and work your way up. Reduce your consumption of simple sugars, including fruit sugars. Also avoid dairy products. These foods increase mucous production.
Minerals Take a zinc lozenge (containing 23mg elemental zinc) every 2 hours for one week to help fight the infection. NOTE: Do not take zinc at this dose for a prolonged period of time as it may decrease immune function.
Miscellaneous Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples and has been shown to be effective in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. It is especially good for the treatment of chronic bronchitis due to its antitussive effect and because it reduces the viscosity (thickness) of your sputum. Bromelain also helps reduce inflammation. Colloidal silver acts as a natural antibiotic and is effective against viruses, bacteria, and fungi. A variety of companies suspend varying amounts of silver in solution; anywhere from 5 parts per million (ppm) to 30 ppm. Read the label before using. Colloidal silver should be taken on an empty stomach thirty minutes before a meal. A number of preparations suggest varying amounts of solution to be taken. Again, read the label for direction. Some sources maintain that it is best to place the solution under the tongue for optimal absorption if taking internally. Colloidal silver can also be found as a nasal spray to be inhaled or a salve for topical application. Postural draining can help clear excess mucous from your lungs and air passages. Place a heat pad, hot water bottle, or mustard poultice (see Herbs section, above) on your chest for up to 20 minutes. Following this, lie face down on the bed with the top half of your body off the bed and hands or forearms on the floor to support yourself. Hold this position for 5 to 15 minutes. In the meantime, try coughing up mucous and expectorate into a basin or newspaper on the floor. Quercitin acts as an antihistamine and is useful in cases of chronic bronchitis that are caused by allergies. Take 500mg 3 times daily.
Vitamins Vitamin A and beta-carotene promote healing and repair of lung tissue. Take 25,000 IU vitamin A or 200,000 IU beta-carotene daily in divided dose. Bioflavonoids have antiviral, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Take 1,000mg daily. Bioflavonoids are commonly incorporated into vitamin C preparations to facilitate absorption. High doses of vitamin C have been shown to fight infection and lessen the severity of symptoms as well. It is especially good for the elderly or severely ill. Increasing vitamin C intake will help increase the vitamin C content of white blood cells to fight off the infecting organism. Vitamin C also lowers histamine levels. Take 500 to 1,000mg every 2 hours. Start at the lower dosage and increase up to bowel toelerance. Coenzyme Q10 improves circulation and breathing. Take 60mg daily.
Actions and Remedy Listings
See also Common Cold, Cough, Pneumonia
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