If you have a cold or another respiratory infection, it’s essential to strengthen your immune system so that it can fight off the illness. Avoid foods that suppress immunity such as white flour products, sugar, dairy and alcohol by cutting back on these consumptions.
Garlic is an effective remedy for combatting viral replication and possessing anti-inflammatory properties that help heal bronchitis.
Warm Broth
Warm broth (rather than hot water) can help soothe sore throats and suppress coughing. Plus, its gelatin content keeps your lungs nourished and functioning optimally, which could prevent germs from spreading.
Bronchitis is an acute respiratory illness caused by viruses that causes inflammation of the airways. If left untreated, this respiratory disorder can have serious repercussions.
Chronic bronchitis is a more serious form of the condition, often caused by smoking. Other conditions that may contribute include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the digestive system and infections such as pneumonia.
Bronchitis is usually caused by a virus, so most cases resolve on their own within a few weeks. However, if your symptoms don’t improve after that time has passed, it could be time to see a doctor.
Humidifier
Mucilage in the air can help alleviate symptoms of bronchitis and make breathing easier, especially during winter when air is typically drier than summertime.
Furthermore, a humidifier can improve sleep quality. Dry air makes it difficult for the nasal cilia to filter bacteria and other particles out of the air, leading to breathing difficulties.
Hummingbird humidifiers can provide some much-needed relief to people with asthma or allergies. However, if the mist from a dirty humidifier, or an increase in allergens due to high humidity levels, worsens your symptoms, consult your doctor before using one.
A humidifier can also help lower your risk of getting the flu during wintertime. Studies have demonstrated that influenza viruses do better under dry conditions than they do when exposed to humidity.
Get Plenty of Rest
Sleep is one of the best natural treatments for bronchitis. Not only will it aid in recovery, but it gives your immune system a much-needed break to fight off infection.
Take a moment to assess your schedule and try to eliminate anything that will prevent you from sleeping well. Additionally, running a humidifier before bed can make breathing a bit more comfortable.
Additionally, you should strive to drink as much water as possible – this will help hydrate your body and flush out any mucus that could be blocking your airways.
Sleep is essential for overall good health, but especially so for those suffering from bronchitis. According to Dr. Barr, getting seven hours of quality sleep each night is ideal; if you find it difficult to fall asleep, try using a pillow as an aid to elevate your head.
Thin Mucus
Thick, sticky mucus from your nose or throat could be indicative of a respiratory infection or even be indicative of a more serious lung condition like cystic fibrosis – in which fluid accumulates abnormally thick in the airways.
Doctors use a variety of clues to make a diagnosis, such as your snot color and how long the illness lasts. A brief period of discolored snot and feeling rundown usually indicates a virus is to blame; longer illnesses that last more than a week tend to be bacterial in origin, according to Dr. Turner.
Bronchitis can be treated at home with some home remedies, like using a humidifier and taking a steaming shower. But if these aren’t effective, consult your doctor.