Bronchitis

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What Is Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a respiratory condition that is the result of inflamed or swollen bronchial tubes, which are in the air passages between the nose and lungs. Bronchitis can be both acute or chronic. The former lasts for one to two weeks, while the latter can last for three months to two years. People with Bronchitis can have trouble breathing because of constricted airways, which have a mucus or phlegm build-up.

Signs Of Bronchitis

Signs of Bronchitis will vary if the condition is acute or chronic. Bronchitis might be overlooked as just a regular cough, but if symptoms like the following persist, then they may indicate Bronchitis.

Wheezing
Low Fever & Chills
Body Aches
Sore Throat
Blocked Nose and Sinuses
Chest Tightening
Persistent Cough that Produces Mucus/Phlegm
Runny Nose

What Causes Bronchitis

Bronchitis is categorized into acute or chronic forms. When the bronchial tubes are inflamed, either by viruses, bacteria or other irritants, then symptoms of Bronchitis usually begin. Acute Bronchitis is usually the result of regular viruses that cause colds or the flu. It can also be caused by bacterial infections or exposures to allergens or lung irritants such as tobacco smoke, vapors, dust, or air pollution. Chronic Bronchitis is commonly the result of smoking tobacco because the smoke continually irritates the lung and airway tissues. Continued exposure to air pollution, dust or fumes, or repeated episodes of Acute Bronchitis can also be causes.

Smoking Tobacco
Exposure to Vapors, Dust, or Fumes
Air Pollution
Mucus/Phlegm in Bronchial Tubes
Allergic Reactions that Continue
Lung Irritants
Asthma

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Natural Remedies

Breathing in steam can help reduce congestion or open up the airways. You can do this by taking a hot shower or boiling water in a pot and putting your face in the steam to inhale it. If you want to make increase the effectiveness of steam treatment, pour a few drops of pine or eucalyptus oil in the boiling water. Using a humidifier in your room when you sleep moistens the air you breathe. If you have access to a steam room, that is also a great way to loosen and extract phlegm from the bronchial tubes.
Thinning mucus is a great way to decongest yourself. Drinking lots of water can help thin mucus. The recommended amount of water you should consume is eight 8oz. glasses per day. A good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water. If you weigh 150lbs then you should drink 75oz. of water per day.
Make sure that you maintain a clean environment. If your residence, living space, or place of work has a lot of dust, fumes, or pollutants, you should be sure to clean regularly or take preventative actions, such as wearing a dust mask, to help your Bronchitis. Wash your hands frequently, especially if you are around people who are sick. You can use a saline rinse or a Neti Pot to flush out your sinuses. This should help decrease the mucus build-up.
Avoid smoking altogether. Smoking is one of the primary causes of Chronic Bronchitis, so abstaining from smoking is beneficial to your health. Similarly, you can avoid groups of smokers so that you are not exposed to second-hand smoke.

Things you should eat