Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is the deep, wet, or dry cough that comes on and lingers after an infection, such as a cold, sinusitis, or the flu. The cough, which may start out dry and then turn productive, is the body’s way of expelling infected mucus (phlegm) from the lungs. An episode of bronchitis may last for one to two weeks, and because a virus usually causes it, antibiotics may not be helpful. The best treatment is usually rest, combined with immune-enhancing natural therapies, as well as symptomatic therapy to calm the cough and promote removal of the mucus.

Chronic bronchitis develops in the continual presence of irritants, usually tobacco smoke, but also environmental allergies and damp, foggy weather; it sometimes results from food allergies. It often begins as a protracted case of acute bronchitis that returns every few months and, if the irritants are not removed, will develop into a constant cough, often accompanied by breathlessness and sometimes wheezing. The weakened condition of the lungs leaves the body vulnerable to infections like acute bronchitis, pneumonia, and emphysema. In its advanced stage, even minor colds can grow into deadly diseases. The best treatment is to eliminate the irritants that caused the condition. This is accomplished by identifying the offending allergens and removing them or reducing your body’s sensitivity to them.

** All of these prescriptions below have been proven effective; level of effectiveness depends on the individual. Please consult your doctor when taking any and all supplements.

Symptoms

Acute bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis

Acute bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis

TREATMENT

Diet

Recommended Food

To thin mucus secretions, drink a glass of clean water every two waking hours.

Homemade chicken soup also thins mucus. Add garlic or ginger for flavor and immune support.

To reduce phlegm, have some hot barley soup.

Onions are an old folk remedy and have anti-inflammatory properties, so eat them often.

If you have bacterial bronchitis and are taking antibiotics, consume nondairy sour products, such as kefir or sauerkraut, daily to replenish disease-fighting bacteria.

Foods to Avoid

Eliminate foods that encourage mucus production: dairy products, chocolate, and bananas, as well as processed, refined, fried, and junk foods. Avoid simple sugars, as they suppress immune function.

Detoxification

Fast on water, soup, juice, and herbal tea for a few days to let your body turn its full attention to fighting the infection. Fasting will also speed the elimination of mucus, especially when expectorant herbal teas are part of the regimen.

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