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Symptoms and Treatments of Bronchitis

Posted by sanjay on Wednesday 22 Apr 2009

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Bronchitis refers to an infection in the mucous membranes on the bronchial tubes of the lungs. Infections of the tubes causes swelling and mucous, making respiration difficult. Bronchitis may be acute or chronic, with chronic being the more serious of the two.

Causes
‘Viruses (germs), using tobacco products (irritates and lowers resistance of bronchial tubes), medication side effects, heredity, extreme changes in temperature (hot, cold) and muggy humid climate

Symptoms
• Presence of phlegm in bronchial tubes
• Wheezing
• Fever and chills
• Respiratory difficulties
• Cough
• Chest pain
• Poor appetite
• Sore throat
• Body aches and pains

Medical treatments for Bronchitis
Inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Prednisone), pain relievers (Tylenol, Aspirin), cough syrup or cough drops and inhalers

Useful Tips
• Take the time to get plenty of rest and relaxation
• Drink plenty of liquids (especially water)
• Stop using tobacco products
• Get lots of fresh air and sunshine
• Develop moderate exercise plan and stick to it
• Use hot compresses on the chest
• Take Epsom salt baths
• Practice yoga

Healthy diets
Orange Juice and water diet – drink strictly orange juice and water until the symptoms vanish. Follow this with 2 to 3 days of eating strictly fresh fruits

All fruit diet – Eat strictly fresh fruits for 5 to 7 days. Follow this with a well-balanced diet (fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds)

Home remedies for Bronchitis
• Onion juice – 1 tsp in the morning – this juice dissolves phlegm and acts as an expectorant
• Sesame seeds – 1 tsp of seeds mixed with 1 tsp of honey
• Endive powder – ½ tsp powder mixed with honey – acts as an expectorant
• Tumeric powder – ½ tsp with milk
• Spinach leaves- 50 grams with 250 ml of water

Prevention
The best prevention advice may be to keep your hands clean and germ-free. Wash them often and get into the habit of using anti-bacterial hand cleaner several times per day. Stop using tobacco products (smoking or chewing). Develop a diet and exercise plan you can stick to and be consistent.