Conditions

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation or obstruction in the trachea (windpipe) and the large bronchi (air passages) of the respiratory tract. Bronchitis can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, or it can be triggered by an allergic reaction to molds, pollens, dander or dust. Bronchitis is divided into acute and chronic, with chronic bronchitis being a permanent condition that's usually caused by smoking.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Runny nose
• Fever
• Dry cough
• Wheezing
• Pain in chest and/or back
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Sudden chills
• Shaking
• Occasionally bronchospasm (a contraction of the walls of the bronchi) may occur
• Later stages ­ coughing brings up clear sputum at first and later thick, yellow sputum.
• Allergic bronchitis is often worse at night
• Chronic bronchitis is characterized by a persistent dry cough without other symptoms.

Diagnosis:

Your doctor will listen to your chest for wheezing sounds. He or she may also order several different lab tests to rule out other potentially serious respiratory conditions. These tests might include:

• Sputum culture (to look for pneumonia and/or tuberculosis)
• White blood cell count
• Gamma M immunoglobulin-specific conjugate (which detects current infection)
• Chest X ray to rule out pneumonia, heart failure, or pneumothorax complications
• Chest X ray for bronchovascular markings with chronic bronchitis
• Pulmonary function test
• Electrocardiogram for differential diagnosis of chest pain
• Pulmonary function tests

Treatment Options:

Acute bronchitis is usually treated effectively with traditional therapies. However, chronic bronchitis is still incurable and often responds better to alternative treatments.

Traditional Treatments:

• When in the dry cough stage, a cough suppressant may be all that's needed. Dextromethoraphan is common in many over-the-counter cough preparations. The initials "DM" on the label can identify Dextromethoraphn-containing cough suppressants.
• An expectorant is needed for a wet cough. Guaifenesin is one of the most common and can be found in Donatussin, Meditussin, and Robitussin, among others. Expectorants help thin secretions so that they are easier to cough out.
• A bronchodilator, such as metaproterenol (Alupent) or albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) may be prescribed to relax the airways, stop wheezing and ease breathing. This is generally the only treatment that is effective for chronic bronchitis.
• In cases where your doctor believes that the bronchitis might be caused by a bacterial infection, he or she will most likely prescribe an antibiotic.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies:

Although traditional treatments work extremely effectively in cases of acute bronchitis, some people still prefer to follow alternative therapies. There are also some alternative therapies that will help speed the effectiveness of traditional treatments and help lessen side effects.

In cases of chronic bronchitis, alternative therapies may be the only viable option.

Nutritional Supplementation:

• If you must take antibiotics, be sure to take supplemental acidophilus and/or bifidobacteria to restore healthy intestinal flora. Follow the directions on the label. Be sure to select a dairy-free product if you are allergic to milk.
• Beta-carotene helps to heal mucus membranes. Take 5,000 IU three times daily until you recover.
• Vitamin C and bioflavonoids have anti-inflammatory properties. Take 500 mg of each three times a day until symptoms subside.
• Zinc helps to boost the immune system and speed recovery. Take 15 mg twice a day for as long as symptoms last. Take zinc with food to prevent stomach upset. You can also try zinc lozenges which help to stimulate immunity and fight viral infections that cause bronchitis, colds, and flu.
  Warning: Do not take more than 100 mg of zinc per a day from all supplemental sources.
• Quercetin is capable of antioxidant activity and has the ability to fight against respiratory viruses. Follow label directions.
• Garlic fights against both viral and bacterial infection. Take two capsules with meals, three times daily.
• Goldenseal has natural antiviral and antibiotic properties. Take as directed on label.
• Echinacea has the ability to help fight viral infections. Take as directed but do not use for longer than two weeks at a time.
• Lobelia is a very effective and natural expectorant. It also contains certain hormones that can cause the bronchiole tubes to relax. Take as directed with meals.
  Warning: Do not give lobelia to children unless approved by your doctor.
• Colloidal silver is a natural antibiotic. Follow label directions.

Alternative Therapies:

• American and Siberian ginseng are especially good for the lungs. They clear bronchial passages and reduce inflammation.
  Warning: Do not use American ginseng if you have high blood pressure. Do not use Siberian ginseng if you have hypoglycemia, high blood pressure, or a heart disorder.
• Astragalus, myrrh, olive oil extract, and pau d'arco are all natural antibiotics.
  Warning: Do not use astragalus in the presence of a fever.
• Black radish, chickweed, elderberry, ginkgo biloba, and mullein improve lung and bronchial congestion and circulation.
• Boswellia, bromelain, cayenne, ginger and peppermint can aid in reducing inflammation.
• Expectorant herbs such as cayenne, elecampane, horehound, hyssop, and mullein have been effective in clearing congestion.
• Coltsfood, slippery elm bark, and wild cherry bark soothe the throat and are good for a cough.
• Cordyceps may slow down the degeneration of the lungs that is associated with chronic bronchitis.
• Bai qian (a Chinese herb) is a natural expectorant.
• Ephedra* (ma huang) is good for relieving nasal and chest congestion, as well as bronchial spasms. The FDA banned the sale of products containing ephedrine on April 12, 2004. The whole herb is still available for purchase, however, no products containing ephedra, nor ephedra extract (ephedrine) are available.
• A steam preparation of eucalyptus leaves can help relieve respiratory problems.
• Fenugreek is good for reducing the flow of mucus.
• Gumplant is an expectorant and antispasmodic.
• Lobelia may be rubbed directly on the chest to aid in breathing.
• Lomatium was used by Native Americans to treat bronchitis.
• Lungwort makes an effective treatment for coughs and mucus.
• Thyme strengthens the lung tissue. It can be used for children with lung ailments.
• Hsiao Keh Chuan is a Chinese herbal cough medicine that is very effective in relieving coughs.
• Osha root is a Native American remedy for colds, flu and other upper respiratory infections.
• There are many homeopathic remedies including Antimonium tartaricum, bryonia, drosera, eucalyptus, kali bichromicum, phosphorus, pulstilla, rumex crispus, and spongia tosta. Contact a homeopathic specialist to determine what specific treatment matches your needs.
• Try an aromatherapy bath of thyme, rosemary, or chamomile.

General Recommendations:

• Rest, mixed with moderate activity, is important in treating bronchitis. The moderate activity keeps the secretions from settling into the lungs and leading to the development of pneumonia.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Use a humidifier.
• A salt-water gargle may help with sore throat.
• Place a hot-water bottle on your chest or back for twenty minutes every day. This helps to ease breathing.
• Do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke.
• Do not use a cough suppressant once the cough changes from a dry cough to a wet cough (one where you are coughing up mucus).
• Do not swallow mucus. Dispose of it in a tissue.
• Blow up a balloon a few times daily to increase lung capacity.
• Include garlic and onions in your diet.

Warnings:

Chronic bronchitis is a serious condition that could signify other, more serious conditions. Contact your doctor about smoking cessation programs and continue to have your health monitored for more serious conditions such as emphysema.

• Do not take more than 100 mg of zinc per a day from all supplemental sources.
• Do not give lobelia to children unless approved by your doctor
• Do not use American ginseng if you have high blood pressure.
• Do not use Siberian ginseng if you have hypoglycemia, high blood pressure, or a heart disorder.
• Do not use astragalus in the presence of a fever.
• Do not use ephedra if you suffer from anxiety, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, or insomnia.
• Do not use ephedra if you are taking a MAO inhibitor or drug for depression.
• If persistent and/or severe coughing, difficulty breathing, high fever, lethargy, weakness, wheezing sounds, and/or chest pains develop, consult your health care provider. These may be signs of pneumonia.