Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis can be caused by bacterial or viral infection and is usually self limiting in otherwise healthy people, with complete recovery within three weeks.

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Acute bronchitis can be caused by bacterial or viral infection and is often a complication of upper respiratory infections such as the common cold or generalised viral illness such as influenza or measles.

Symptoms of bronchitis are fever, noisy or wheezy breathing, shortness of breath, cough, phlegm production (often purulent). Acute bronchitis is usually self limiting in otherwise healthy people, with complete recovery within three weeks. In babies, the elderly and those debilitated by other illness, acute bronchitis should be treated by using antibiotics or herbs such as Mullein, Olive leaf, Echinacea and herbal combinations such as Breathe, Air Power, Bio Attack and Allergeze.

In chronic bronchitis there is irreversible inflammatory damage to the bronchial walls, usually as a result of repeated attacks of acute bronchitis or caused by inhaling irritants such as cigarette smoke and other air pollutants. Symptoms are shortness of breath and the production of large amounts of purulent sputum. Chronic bronchitis can eventually lead to emphysema.

Treatment includes rest and adequate fluid intake. A well balanced diet high in vitamins A & C is recommended. Vitamin A is essential to the health of the lung tissues. Vitamin C, an antioxidant, helps fight infection, enhances immune function, protects the lungs from damage and promotes healing. There is a 70% less chance of developing both asthma and bronchitis if vitamin C is taken. Smokers need 3 times as much vitamin C per day as others, even without this health condition.

Air Power is completely safe and natural, and is very effective in relieving wheezing and difficult breathing. It is a natural herbal expectorant that helps rid the airways of clogged mucous and phlegm. Air power contains a natural compound called Glycerol Gualacolate, with other specific herbs which help the body thin the mucous, loosen phlegm and excrete other bronchial secretions. They also help to calm spasms in the lungs, while relaxing the nervous system.

Buteyko is promoted as the answer for drug free Asthma Control. Buteyko tutors will not tell you to throw away your asthma medication. They will help you with your breathing problems and reduce your use of drugs in three ways: they teach you to monitor your condition accurately, ie whether to increase your medication, call an ambulance or simply do some breathing exercises; provide you with a natural and effective method of overcoming attacks; and teach you special exercises which will reduce the frequency of attacks. During a Buteyko course, 7 one hour sessions, you will be taught: to develop and practice the Buteyko breathing exercises, sound understanding about the mechanics of asthma, how your medication really works, to adapt the various techniques in order to enhance daily activities and/or sporting performance, how stressors such as environment, allergies and other triggers cause or aggravate asthma and what you can do about them. The contact phone number for Buteyko is 0800 802230, or Hastings (06) 878 0101, P O Box 1458 Hastings, New Zealand.

Nutritional and Herbal support for Bronchitis includes:

Beta carotene - Needed for the protection and repair of lung tissue.

Quercetin/Bromelain - A good anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine.

Breathe-Free - Lung specific formula designed to help clear bronchial passages, expel mucous and phlegm and strengthen and nourish the respiratory system.

CoQ10 - Improves circulation, enhances immunity and increases oxygenation.

Lung Elixir and Emphysemol - Lung specific formulas, helps relieve shortness of breath, helps with phlegm, relaxes the chest.

HAS, Allergy Check, Mullein, Garlic, and a multi-nutrient complex such as Multipower.

Some interesting points on Bronchitis:

Include garlic and onions in diet for anti-bacterial and antioxidant protection.

Drink plenty of fluids for hydration.

Avoid dairy products, sugar and refined foods which are very mucous forming. This can slow oxygen uptake and weaken the immune system.

Do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke, smoke is an irritant to the respiratory system.

Do not use a cough suppressant if you have bronchitis. Coughing is essential for eliminating mucous secretions.

If bronchitis does not clear up in a reasonable amount of time, a chest x-ray may be recommended to rule out lung cancer, tuberculosis, or other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

It is not unusual for persons with chronic respiratory disorders to be taking a variety of medications such as inhalers, anti-anxiety medications, even diuretics to help them breathe. Exercise is important - it helps one to breathe more efficiently and to tolerate daily activities.