| Natural Help For Acute Bronchitis |  |
By Dr. Rita Louise
Acute bronchitis is one of the most common diagnoses made by primary
care physicians. It is a condition of the upper respiratory tract
where the mucus lining of the bronchial tubes, the large delicate
tubes in the lungs, become inflamed.
Bronchitis usually develops rapidly and lasts fewer than 2 to 3 weeks
and is characterized by a painful and persistent cough. At first, a
dry hacking cough is present. After a few hours or days, the cough
turns into a loose cough that produces thick mucous. Sufferers may
find that they begin to cough up small amounts of thick green or
yellow-green mucus or phlegm.
In most cases, acute bronchitis stems from a cold, the flu or a sore
throat, where the infection spreads into the lungs. Thus, bronchitis
is seen more often in the winter months than at other times of the
year. Symptoms usually begin 3 to 4 days after an upper respiratory
tract infection and can include a sore throat, runny nose, chills,
fever and back or muscle pain. Breathing through congested airways
can also produce a wheezing sound. Pain below the sternum or
breastbone may be experienced as well.
Bronchitis, however, can also result from inhaling the fumes from
acids, solvents, cigarettes or other environmental toxins. These too
can irritate the mucus membranes of the bronchial tubes and cause
inflammation. It can also be brought on by food allergies as well as
environmental allergies to substances such as mold, pollen or
dust.
Bronchitis can be particularly dangerous for elderly and those with
compromised immune systems. If left unchecked, acute bronchitis can
get worse or turn into pneumonia.
Recommendations For Wellness
Eating a diet high in fatty acids such as those found in fish, or
supplementing with Omega 3 oil has been shown to reduce both the
number and duration of reoccurrences of bronchitis.
Eliminate dairy products. Dairy products are believed to increase
mucus production in the body.
If you are exposed to environmental toxins, supplementation with
Antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E and selenium) may protect you against
free radical damage and reduce the risk of developing chronic
bronchitis.
Reduce your exposure to environmental toxins including second hand
smoke whenever possible.
Incorporate herbal supplements such as fenugreek and thyme.
Fenugreek contains mucilagins which are known for soothing and
relaxing inflamed tissues, while thyme has antiseptic qualities which
are ideal for treating infections of the respiratory system. Thyme
is also great for relieving chronic coughing and muscle spasms.
Lobelia has a long history for relaxing respiratory muscles and
reducing spasmodic coughing. It can also be used as an expectorant,
where it helps to expel phlegm from the lungs, thus relieving
congestion that is typically related to bronchitis. Lobelia should
be used cautiously, because it may cause nausea and vomiting.
Red clover is known to calm bronchitis related coughs and relieve
sore throats as well. Its antispasmodic properties are a good
sedative to relax the muscle cramping and nervous exhaustion that can
be associated with bronchitis.
If you have a dry cough, herbs such as mullein, marshmallow root or
slippery elm can be taken to sooth irritated tissues.
Vitamin C has been shown to decrease the duration and severity of a
cold, thus helping reduce your risk of contracting bronchitis.
Echinacea can be taken to help boost the body's immune system and
help fight off infection.
Eucalyptus oil can be applied externally to the chest to help to
expel mucus and fortify the respiratory system.
(c) Copyright 2004 Body, Mind & SoulHealer, All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. is a Naturopathic Physician and a 20-year
veteran in the Human Potential Field, but it is her unique gift as a
medical intuitive that illuminates and enlivens her work. A graduate
of the Berkeley Psychic Institute and author of the book "The
Power Within: A Psychic Healing Primer, Dr. Louise is a naturopathic
physician, medical intuitive, mind/body healer, herbalist and
spiritual counselor. To schedule a session with Dr. Louise, contact
her at (972) 475-3393 or visit her web page at
http://www.soulhealer.com.
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