How to get rid of acute bronchitis? 11 natural tips

What to do if you have bronchitis?

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Do you have shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, persistent cough, greenish discharge, fatigue, body aches, and a little fever?

Of course, you’re not the only one in this case.

Respiratory infections like bronchitis are common and often develop with or after a cold or the flu.

Symptoms can be severe, but most of the time bronchitis goes away on its own.

So let’s see what are the symptoms of bronchitis, what are its causes, and how to get rid of it both medically and naturally

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What is bronchitis?

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Bronchitis is the most common bacterial or viral respiratory infection.

It can be an infection of the trachea in the form of tracheitis or an infection of the bronchi in the form of bronchitis or bronchiolitis.

It results in inflammation of the bronchi which generates an intense cough and an overproduction of mucus.

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The consequences of bronchitis

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Bronchitis results in a cough that is initially dry and then greasy, clear discharge containing no bacteria, or greenish discharge containing bacteria. 

In addition, the infection triggers a generalized inflammatory reaction which results in a deterioration of the general condition.

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What causes bronchitis?

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Bronchitis can be caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses.

Regarding viruses:

• rhinovirus (common cold)
• adenovirus (airway – intestinal tract)
• influenza (flu)
• parainfluenza (nasopharyngitis, laryngitis, bronchopneumonia)
• metapneumovirus (acute respiratory infection)
• respiratory syncytial virus – RSV

Regarding bacteria:

• Bordetella pertussis
  
• Mycoplasma pneumoniæ
• Chlamydia pneumoniæ
• Streptococcus pneumoniæ
• Hæmophilus influenzæ
• Moraxella catarrhalis
• Staphylococcus aureus

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What are the symptoms of bronchitis?

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If you have bronchitis, you have the following clinical signs:

• a deep cough
  
• increased secretion production
• moderate fever
• shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
• muscle stiffness
• anorexia (loss of appetite)
• a feeling of unease
• fatigue

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What to take for bronchitis?

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Most of the time, bronchitis is mild and does not require treatment.

However, if you have infected mucus secretions or if the patient is elderly, an antibiotic prescription is given as a precaution.

The doctor then dispenses amoxicillin, doxycycline, or clarithromycin.

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Complications of bronchitis

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By itself, bronchitis is not that dangerous.

However, it can get worse and turn into pneumonia or complicate pre-existing pathologies such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.

The patient then experiences airway obstruction and risks hospitalization in intensive care.

Emergency management can both treat the infection with antibiotics while treating the underlying respiratory fragility through corticosteroids and bronchodilators.

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What is the difference between bronchitis and pneumonia?

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While bronchitis is usually caused by a virus and inflames the bronchi which fill with mucus, pneumonia does not affect the upper airways but directly to the alveoli of the lungs.

Pneumonia can be caused by more than 30 viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

Oxygen and CO2 no longer circulate so easily through the bloodstream.

The alveoli swell and fill with fluid.

Symptoms of pneumonia translate into:

• cough
• high fever
• chills
• accelerated breathing
• an increased heart rate

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What is the difference between acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis?

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Most of the time, acute bronchitis is caused by the same viruses that are involved in colds or the flu.

They are spread over the air, especially when people with the disease cough or by casual contact.

Exposure to tobacco smoke, pollution, dust, fumes, or smoke can also trigger acute bronchitis.

Chronic bronchitis also known as a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease resulting in constant inflammation of the airways.

The patient perceives a permanent and progressive obstruction of the bronchi.

Symptoms are increasingly frequent cough, profuse bronchial secretions, and constant difficulty in breathing.

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Bronchitis home remedies

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There are natural remedies that can be used in times of bronchitis to thin mucus, cleanse the lungs, and improve breathing.

 

• Lemon and Honey

Sipping a mixture of lemon juice and honey in a glass of warm water is a simple and classic remedy.

This solution makes it possible to soften the throat, to stop its irritation which generates cough.

Honey has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that moderate persistent coughs.

Lemon is a source of vitamin C which supports the immune system.

Recipe:

– 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– a glass of lukewarm water

 

• Hydration

70% of the human body is made up of water, hence the reason to always be well hydrated and especially in the event of illness.

Dehydration thickens bronchial secretions and prevents their expectoration.

Additionally, most respiratory infections occur in winter which is a dry season.

Your body must therefore work harder to maintain optimal hydration levels.

Try to drink at least 2 liters of water each day through herbal teas, teas, juice, or simple glasses of water.

 

• Inhalations

Often the reason symptoms get worse is that the nasal passages are drying out.

Wet and steam inhalations are a very effective way to open the airways.

Air humidifier (#ad) produces a vapor that disperses throughout the room and is constantly inhaled.

So you find real relief while thinning the bronchial secretions.

If you can’t invest in a humidifier, the other easy way to inhale steam is to take a very hot shower.

• Ginger

Ginger is exceptional for respiratory infections.

Its strong scent helps clear the nasal passages.

Most importantly, ginger root has antioxidant properties (reducing oxidative damage).

It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help relax the airways while fighting a fever.

Add ginger to your diet, make yourself some herbal teas, or even have a ginger supplement (#ad).

 

• Essential oils for bronchitis

You can use essential oils like eucalyptus, lemongrass, rosemary, and sandalwood to effectively treat bronchitis.

You can either stream them using an essential oil diffuser (#ad) or topically.

Some studies have shown that inhalation aromatherapy decreases nasal congestion and reduces bronchial spasms that cause persistent coughs. 

If you don’t have a diffuser, you can create an ointment by mixing 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and 6 to 8 drops of essential oil of your choice.

Then you just need to apply it to the chest and back to calm the cough.

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How to treat bronchitis naturally

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Certain dietary supplements can be of great help in relieving the symptoms of bronchitis.

 

• Acetyl cysteine ​​

Acetylcysteine ​​is an antioxidant mucomodifier.

Its action is mucolytic, it thins the mucus lodged in the bronchi to facilitate their expectoration and improve breathing.

This synthetic derivative of cysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid that the body can synthesize from methionine, is also an excellent antioxidant in stimulating glutathione.

It thus supports the immune system and reduces the symptoms of bronchitis.

The recommended dosage of acetyl cysteine ​​(#ad) is 500 to 1500mg per day divided into three doses.

 

• Astragalus

Astragalus root from the Chinese pharmacopeia is ideal for combating respiratory diseases.

Indeed, it contains many nutrients – trace elements, vitamins A, C, E, minerals, and is very rich in flavonoids which give it its antioxidant properties.

It is therefore a powerful immunostimulating plant that helps treat respiratory infections while providing a tonic effect.

The recommended dosage of astragalus (#ad) is 500 to 1000mg 2-3 times a day.

• Vitamin C

We no longer present vitamin C because we all know its virtues on the immune system.

But, when you suffer from bronchitis, the inflammatory reaction of the respiratory sphere burns this vitamin in quantity.

It is therefore very advisable to consume it every day during the illness to reconstitute it very quickly.

The recommended dosage is 1000mg 3 times a day.

Go for a Liposomal vitamin C (#ad) for better absorption.

 

• Echinacea

Echinacea is the immune plant that supports the body’s natural defenses and thus helps fight bronchitis.

It also has beneficial antiviral properties for treating respiratory infections.

The recommended dosage in Echinacea (#ad) is 500mg 2 times a day.

 

• Oregano Oil

Oregano essential oil is well known for its broad spectrum immunostimulatory and anti-infective properties.

It is THE natural remedy very indicated to treat a respiratory tract infection.

But beware, this is also a very aggressive oil when used improperly.

Ingested in too large quantities or poorly diluted, it can cause intense burns in the mouth and digestive tract.

Be sure to use Oregano oil in capsule (#ad) or ask your pharmacist to prepare capsules containing 4 drops of oregano essential oil and one drop of lemon essence (zest) diluted in vegetable oil.

The recommended dosage is one capsule 4 times a day for a week (and no more).

 

• Breathe essential oils

Breathe essential oil blend (#ad) is a blend of tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, cardamom, lemon, and bay oils

This synergy offers very beneficial antiseptic properties for the respiratory sphere.

• Peppermint relieves pain
• Eucalyptus has antiseptic, decongestant, and expectorant properties
• Tea tree has anti-infectious, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties
• Lavender has antalgic and anti-inflammatory properties
• Lemon has purifying and cleansing properties

The recommended dosage is 6-8 drops in your diffuser or by inhalation, compresses, or massage.

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How to cure bronchitis fast?

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Bronchitis can be very exhausting.

Of course, it generates fatigue linked to the infectious state, but its cough is painful.

If we know it’s not that bad most of the time, it’s still a good idea to try to relieve it by reducing its symptoms.

Certain natural remedies can give you real support while reducing the duration of the infection.

A load of vitamins leads to a more efficient immune system at killing bacteria and viruses as well.

Related: How to treat flu symptoms naturally?

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