Understanding Bronchitis: Types, Symptoms, Causes, and Natural Remedies

Bronchitis is when your bronchial tubes, which carry air to your lungs, get inflamed and swollen. As a result, you end up with a troublesome cough and mucus for weeks (or even more). While doctors often prescribe antibiotics for this ailment, it’s important to note that it’s caused mainly by viruses, so antibiotics are ineffective. Luckily, there are safe and natural remedies that can help alleviate symptoms. These remedies can help reduce inflammation in the bronchial tubes, relieving the painful cough that often accompanies bronchitis.

There are two types:

• • Acute or short-term bronchitis. Also called a chest cold, it usually improves within a week to 10 days without lasting effects, although the cough may linger for weeks.
  • Chronic bronchitis. This one is more serious. It keeps coming back or doesn’t go away. Chronic bronchitis is one type of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). The inflamed bronchial tubes produce a lot of mucus. This leads to coughing and difficulty breathing.

What are the Symptoms of Bronchitis? 

Symptoms of both acute and chronic bronchitis include breathing problems, such as:

• Chest congestion is when your chest feels full or clogged
• A cough that may bring up mucus that’s clear, white, yellow, or green
• Shortness of breath
• A wheezing or a whistling sound when you breathe.

• • Body aches and chills
  • Feeling “wiped out.”

• Low fever
• Runny, stuffy nose
• Sore throat

What Causes Bronchitis? 

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, typically the same viruses that cause colds and flu (influenza). Antibiotics don’t kill viruses, so this medication isn’t useful in most cases of bronchitis.

The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is cigarette smoking. Air pollution and dust or toxic gases in the environment or workplace also can contribute to the condition.

Is Bronchitis Contagious?

Acute bronchitis can be contagious because it is usually caused by infection with a virus or bacteria. Chronic bronchitis is not likely contagious because it is usually caused by long-term irritation of the airways.

How Long are you Contagious if You Have Acute Bronchitis?

If you have begun taking antibiotics for bronchitis, you usually stop being contagious 24 hours after starting the medication. If you have a viral form of bronchitis, antibiotics will not work. You will be contagious for at least a few days and possibly for as long as a week.

Natural Remedies: Bronchitis? 

It’s possible to treat acute bronchitis at home using natural remedies. Many of these methods may provide additional health benefits as well. 

1. Ginger

Some researchers have found that ginger can be anti-inflammatory against respiratory infection. You can take ginger in several ways:

• Chew dried crystallized ginger. 
• Use fresh ginger to make tea.
• Eat it raw or add it to the food.
• Take it in capsule form as directed.

It’s safest to use ginger naturally rather than in capsules or supplements. You may be sensitive to ginger, so take it in small amounts if you’re not used to it. Eating occasional ginger is safe for everyone, but do not take ginger as a supplement or medication if you:

• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have diabetes
• have heart problems
• have any blood disorder 

2. Garlic

Garlic is said to have countless healing properties. Results of the research show that garlic effectively inhibited the growth of the infectious bronchitis virus. This finding suggests garlic can be used as a natural remedy for bronchitis. 

Fresh garlic is best, but if you dislike the taste, you may take garlic in capsule form. 

Use garlic with caution if you have a bleeding disorder. Always take it in small amounts to ensure it doesn’t upset your stomach.  

3. Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice often used in East Indian foods. Turmeric provided more anti-inflammatory effects than ginger. Turmeric also increases antioxidant activity. That means it may help reduce irritation and boost your immunity. 

To take turmeric:

• Add fresh turmeric to salads or use it to make pickles.
• Mix 1/2 teaspoon of powdered turmeric with 1 teaspoon of honey to make a paste. Consume the paste 1 to 3 times per day while symptoms last. 
• Take turmeric in capsule form as directed. 
• Use powdered or fresh turmeric to make tea. 

Using turmeric as a spice in food is usually safe unless you are sensitive. Do not use turmeric as a medication if you have:

• stomach issues 
• gallbladder issues
• bleeding or blood disorders
• hormone-sensitive conditions
• iron deficiency

4. Steam 

Steam helps break up mucus so you can expel it more easily. The easiest way to use steam is in the bath or shower. Make your shower as hot as possible, step in, and breathe deeply through your mouth and nose. 

The hot water will also help relax muscles that may be tense from coughing. You can also visit a steam room at a gym or spa if one’s available and you have enough energy.

Another steam option involves putting hot water in a bowl, covering your head with a towel, and inhaling the steam.   

5. Saltwater 

Gargling salt water may help break up mucus and reduce pain in your throat. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Sip small amounts of the salt water and gargle at the back of your throat. Do not swallow the water. Instead, spit it out in the sink. Repeat as often as you like. Afterward, you may want to rinse your mouth with plain water. 

6. Sleep

Get plenty of sleep and allow your body to rest. Sleeping soundly while fighting a cough may be difficult, but avoid any unnecessary activity. During the deep stages of sleep, you repair and enhance immune function so your body can fight inflammation better. 

7. Lifestyle changes

A healthy lifestyle goes hand in hand with the prevention of illnesses. It can help you recover faster when you’re sick, too. A minor illness may even be your body telling you to slow down and take it easy. 

The following changes may help improve your recovery and reduce your risk of getting sick in the future:

• Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke environments.
• Avoid polluted environments.
• Wear a surgical mask if you’re exposed to pollution. 
• Boost your immunity with a healthy diet. 
• Exercise at least 3 times weekly for at least 20 minutes each time.
• Wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of infection.
• Use a humidifier and clean it regularly, following the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Conclusion

Incorporating lifestyle changes, practicing breathing exercises, taking supplements such as vitamin C, and using essential oils are among the natural remedies that can aid in treating bronchitis. However, if symptoms persist for more than three weeks or if coughing produces thick, dark mucus or blood, seek medical attention from a doctor.