Bronchitis is a painful and uncomfortable infection of the lungs caused by a virus similar to the one that causes the flu or the common cold. Often acute Bronchitis follows a cold especially when the symptoms have not been effectively treated. This generally happens when the body resistance is at an all time low.
It can also get flared up with cigarette smoke or pollutants in the atmosphere. The common symptoms of acute bronchitis are painful irritation in the throat, pain just below the breastbone, feeling of tightness in the chest, low-grade fever, coughing of sputum and achiness.
Best Home Remedies For Bronchitis
Stay In A Humid Environment
The bronchitis can really flare up if you are in a constantly warm and dry environment. In order to prevent this, make sure that the environment is not excessively dry. You can keep a pan of hot water in your room to ensure that some moisture is retained in the room.
This will keep your nasal and lung passages warm and moist. You can also do this by standing in a steamy shower. The steam from the shower will not only make you feel fresher but will also open up your nasal passages.
Drink Plenty Of Fluids
Make sure you take in enough of warm fluids. You can sip on warm water throughout the day. Have hot soups especially chicken soup, which is very good for flu related infections.
You can also feast on hot milk and broths. They contain essential vitamins and minerals that help to boost your immunity. Fluids will lessen the irritation that you feel in your throat and make you feel infinitely better.
Steam Inhalation
It is also very important to take in steam. Steam inhalation is one of the best available home remedies for bronchitis. It helps to loosen the phlegm that may have accumulated in your lungs and helps it to come out. Boil some water on the stove and put it in a large container.
Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to this water. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam from the vessel. The steam will help to unblock clogged nasal passages and open up the sinuses. You will feel instantly better after doing steam inhalation. Try to do the inhalation at least 5-6 times a day for instant relief.
Hot Water Saline Gargles
Saline gargles are another effective way of getting rid of bronchitis infection. Take some moderately hot water and add a pinch of salt to this solution.Now gargle with this water at least 5-6 times a day. These gargles will help to reduce throat pain, irritation and is an excellent remedy for a cough.
Take Some Rest
It is very important to take as much rest as possible. Rest will help you to recover fast from your illness. Get enough sleep and take an off from work if you are suffering from a severe bout of bronchitis. Rest is needed for acute bronchitis to heal itself.
Take Brufen
You can take an OTC painkiller that one normally keeps at home. Painkillers like brufen are very effective in treating an acute episode of chest pain. If you are having severe throat pain, then you will have to take some painkillers after speaking to a doctor.
Oregano Oil
Place a few drops of oregano oil just beneath your tongue.This is an amazing natural cure that is effective for curing coughs that are related to severe bronchitis. It helps to soothe and subside a cough and also keeps the throat moist.
Herbal Tea
Sip on a cup of soothing herbal tea. You can make this tea by boiling some water. To the water, add some cinnamon, peppercorns, basil leaves, honey and ginger. Boil the tea with these spices and herbs and allow it to cool. Sip on this tea throughout the day. It is a very effective home remedy against coughs, colds and bronchitis.
Orange Juice
Try to take in as much orange juice as you can. Alternately, sip on some warm lime juice.The two are very high on vitamin C, which helps to boost your immunity and protects you from coughs and colds especially during flu season.
Garlic
Garlic has potent anti-microbial properties that can help to ward off many infections and diseases in the body. Take garlic in flavoursome soups, curries and broths. You can also have it raw by eating a few pods of garlic immersed in honey. This will help to get rid of the infection and boost your immunity from within.
Also Read
5 Effective Natural Treatments For Bronchitis
Acute Bronchitis
Natural Remedies For Bronchitis
Home Remedies For Bronchitis
Cayenne Extract
Cayenne pepper has an extract, which you can use to alleviate a very severe cough.Just rub the cayenne extract on the chest as this helps to soothe the symptoms and signs of a cough. Do this at least twice a day for maximum relief.
Eat Peppery Foods
You can also add a lot of chillies and pepper to your foods. Dishes prepared with cayenne pepper not only help to open the airways but also make your nose run which is good for all the phlegm that has been lodged in your throat.
Avoid Milk Products
Milk products like curd and milk will irritate your throat. The lactalbumin found in milk is said to stimulate the production of phlegm in the body and this can enhance mucous production. You should avoid having milk products completely.
Turmeric Gargles
Try doing gargles with turmeric powder. Heat some water and add a pinch of turmeric to this water.Gargle your throat with this water. This is an effective remedy for symptoms of bronchitis.
Epsom Salts Bath For Bronchitis
Another way of getting rid of the cough and mucous is to take a hot Epsom salts bath. Dissolve the Epsom salts in about 60 litres of water and take a bath with this water at night just before you sleep. You will get a lot of relief especially when you sleep at night. You will not wake up with a hacking cough.With the above tips and home remedies, bronchitis can be easily alleviated. Of course, you may have to use these remedies in conjunction with allopathic medication.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.