There are two different types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. While some cases of acute bronchitis require medical intervention, the majority of cases resolve on their own, often without the need for antibiotics. Here, we provide 10 home remedies for bronchitis and when to call our home doctor service in Marbella for bronchitis.
Home remedies
The following are some common home remedies and changes in lifestyle that some people find helpful for bronchitis:
1. Maintaining a diet that is good for your health
Our doctors recommend a healthy diet to treat and manage bronchitis. A healthy diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. It limits saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars and includes fat-free or low-fat dairy.
2. Avoiding over-the-counter cough suppressants
When it comes to soothing a dry cough, honey and lemon tea may be just as effective as over-the-counter remedies.
There are primarily two categories of cough suppressants that can be purchased without a prescription:
- Cough suppressants, which stop the coughing reflex to relieve a dry cough.
- Cough expectorants, which thin and expel wet cough mucus.
Mucus-producing coughs should not be treated with cough suppressants. When the lining of the bronchial tubes becomes inflamed as a result of irritants, an excessive amount of mucus is produced, which results in a persistent need to cough. It is helpful to eliminate the irritants from the lungs and airways by coughing up the mucus.
3. Taking vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional and dietary supplements
It's possible that taking probiotics will repopulate the digestive system with beneficial bacteria.
There is some evidence to suggest that people who suffer from bronchitis could benefit from taking dietary supplements. When considering supplements, individuals should consult a qualified medical professional for guidance. Some supplements interact with medicines or have side effects.
4. Relieving throat discomfort
A sore throat is a typical bronchitis symptom. There are numerous methods for relieving a sore throat, including:
- gargling with saltwater
- drinking warm or cool liquids
- consuming cold, soft foods
- sucking ice cubes, ice pops, or hard candies
- utilising over-the-counter sprays and lozenges
- using nonprescription painkillers
Due to the risk of choking, carers shouldn't give young children under the age of four anything small and difficult to suck.
5. Giving up smoking
The main contributor to chronic bronchitis is smoking. Smoking weakens the body's ability to fight infection and harms the bronchial tubes. When someone has bronchitis, breathing in smoke can cause violent coughing fits.
Smoking less or giving up altogether reduces bronchial tube damage and speeds up recovery.
6. Consuming enough liquids
Since bronchitis can cause dehydration due to fever, rapid breathing, runny nose, vomiting, and diarrhoea, our doctor strongly advises to drink a much as possible.
7. Getting plenty of rest
Fatigue is a major symptom of bronchitis due to the infection and the persistent cough that comes with it.
According to some studies, getting enough sleep can help strengthen the immune system and speed recovery after an infection. The body is able to release important hormones, regenerate energy, repair damaged tissue, and generate new tissue while we sleep, all of which are benefits of sleep.
8. Using a humidifier
By releasing water vapour or steam, humidifiers raise the relative humidity of the space they are placed in.
Temperatures that are lower than normal combined with low humidity have been linked to an increase in respiratory tract infections. Additionally, low humidity can irritate nasal passages and the throat, as well as cause dry skin, itchy eyes, and itchy skin all over the body.
Warm, humid air inhalation may facilitate mucus drainage by increasing mucus liquefaction.
9. Providing pain relief for the body
Fever, headache, and other bronchitis-related symptoms can be treated with specific over-the-counter drugs.
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) should not be used by asthmatics because they can be dangerous.
10. Using pursed-lip breathing
Breathing quickly is common in those with chronic bronchitis. Pursed-lip breathing, also known as pursed-lip breathing, can help slow down breathing and manage shortness of breath.
Pursed-lip breathing is a technique where a person first takes a breath in through their nostrils for two counts, and then breathes out gently and slowly for four counts through slightly pursed lips, as if going to kiss someone.
When to call our Home Doctor Service in Marbella for bronchitis
Acute bronchitis can typically be treated at home with bed rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), and adequate fluid intake. In some cases, the condition will clear up on its own while in most cases, acute bronchitis can last for as long as three weeks.
But if you have any of the following symptoms, call our home doctor service in Marbella for bronchitis:
- A cough that is severe and has lasted for more than three weeks
- Blood is found in mucus.
- You have chest pains or rapid breathing
- You feel drowsy and confuse
A more serious condition, like pneumonia, could be present if you have a fever for more than three days in a row.
Bronchodilators and steroids may be necessary for someone who has both chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in order to widen their airways and aid in mucus clearance. Breathing may also be made easier by oxygen therapy.
Bronchitis, whether acute or chronic, cannot always be avoided. The likelihood of developing either condition, though, may be decreased by not smoking, avoiding lung irritants, and frequently washing your hands.