Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Symptoms of Bronchitis
• Part 2 of 3: Know the Risk Factors for Bronchitis
• Part 3 of 3: Treating Bronchitis Naturally
• Tips
• Warnings

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi that carry air to and from the lungs; because of this, coughing and shortness of breath appear. This usually occurs as a complication of a milder illness, such as a cold. If you have bronchitis, you should see your doctor. However, there are also natural treatments for this condition.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Symptoms of Bronchitis

1. 1 Watch out for breathing problems. When the bronchi are inflamed, breathing difficulties or a feeling of suffocation may occur; this is because edema can block the airway. You may notice wheezing when you breathe, and you may also start breathing more slowly than usual. To check your breathing rhythm, count the number of full breaths (chest and abdomen will rise) per minute. Compare the amount with the norm:
   • Babies under six weeks old - about 30-60 breaths per minute.
   • Children from six months - about 25-40 breaths per minute.
   • Children from three years old - about 20-30 breaths per minute.
   • Children from six years old - about 18-25 breaths per minute.
   • Children from ten years old - about 15-20 breaths per minute.
   • Adults - about 12-20 breaths per minute.
2. 2 Pay attention to severe coughing. If your cough lasts more than five days and interferes with your sleep or daily activities, then you may have bronchitis. People with bronchitis tend to produce mucus when they cough; if the phlegm is green or yellow, then you may have a bacterial infection.
   • See your doctor right away if your cough is accompanied by a fever (over 38 degrees Celsius) and green or yellow sputum.
3. 3 Take chest pain seriously. If your airway is blocked and pressure builds up, you may experience chest pain or discomfort while breathing. You may notice dizziness, weakness, and tiredness if these symptoms worsen.
   • Chest pain can be a sign of a variety of serious problems, so be sure to see your doctor.
4. 4 Look for nasal symptoms. As the cough becomes productive, the phlegm expands and travels to the nose. You may notice a stuffy nose or a runny nose.

Part 2 of 3: Know the Risk Factors for Bronchitis

1. 1 Remember, smoking is especially dangerous. Some people are at risk for bronchitis and should pay particular attention to the symptoms listed above. First of all, smokers fall into this group. If you smoke, you are likely producing a lot of mucus - this can cause bronchitis.
   • Living with a smoker also puts you in danger. In fact, secondhand smoke can be even more dangerous since you inhale what the smoker exhaled.
2. 2 Be aware that a weak immune system increases the risk of bronchitis. People with weakened immune systems tend to catch viruses and bacterial infections easily, resulting in coughs, colds, and fevers that can lead to bronchitis. Young children, the elderly, and people with certain medical conditions tend to have weak immune systems.
3. 3 Be aware of lung exposure to irritants. If your job involves regularly exposing your lungs to irritants, including ammonia, acids, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, or bromine, then you are at risk of developing bronchitis. These irritants make their way freely to the lungs, can irritate the bronchi, cause inflammation and block the airways.
4. 4 Watch out for your exposure to polluted air. People who are exposed to polluted air also have an increased risk of developing bronchitis. People who work outside the city and in contaminated areas are in particular danger: traffic cops, street vendors and others.
   • Sources of pollution can include car exhaust fumes, wood stoves, tobacco smoke, burning coal and frying food.

Part 3 of 3: Treating Bronchitis Naturally

1. 1 Get plenty of rest. Trying to go about your daily activities will only make you feel worse and slow down your body's ability to fight bronchitis; you also run the risk of infecting others. Try to stay in bed and sleep as much as possible: while you sleep, your cells will renew and your immune system will repair itself.
   • Most people with bronchitis adhere to complete bed rest - this means that you need to lie in bed all the time and only get up to use the toilet. Try to sleep 12-16 hours a day, it is especially important to sleep from 11:00 pm to 1:00 am - research shows that it is at this time that cells are most actively renewed and repair damaged tissues.
   • If you find it difficult to fall asleep, try to eliminate any irritants. Your room should be quiet. Electronic devices and devices must be turned off. Limit visits - you already have a weak immune system, and visitors may bring additional bacteria or viruses.
2. 2 Humidify the air. Warm, humid air can help relieve bronchitis symptoms by relieving airway blockages. In fact, it may stimulate your cough in the beginning, but it's good - you must have a productive cough to rid your body of bronchitis. You can add moisture in several ways. Buy a humidifier or try one of the following:
   • Place a dryer in your room and hang wet clothes on it. Wet clothing will add moisture to the room.
   • Spray water on your curtains. As they dry, moisture will evaporate into the air.
   • Boil water. Close the lid and while boiling, inhale the steam. You can also add eucalyptus, tea tree or peppermint oil to the water for additional therapeutic benefits (and a pleasant scent).
   • Place indoor plants in your room. Houseplants add moisture, look good, and help purify the air.
   • Turn on a hot shower and breathe in the steam.
3. 3 Drink plenty of fluids. When you drink, you calm your irritated airways and help eliminate mucus, and fluid is important to keep you hydrated. Any type of liquid can help, but water is best: try to drink at least eight glasses a day.
   • You can drink warm liquids for a soothing effect. Try soups and teas to help calm your throat after a long coughing fit.
   • If you don't feel like drinking plain water, try adding lemon or lime juice to make it tastier. It is important to get enough fluid by any means.
4. 4 Gargle with warm salt water. If your throat is irritated, gargling with warm salt water can help soothe the inflammation. It will also help eliminate phlegm.
   • For best results, place one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Too much salt can burn the throat; too little will not be effective. When gargling, it is better to spit out the water rather than swallow it - you will also be spitting out excess phlegm.
5. 5 Drink ginger extract. Ginger has sedative properties that promote sleep, as well as antioxidant and antiviral properties.
   • Dilute half a teaspoon of ground ginger (available at most grocery stores) in a cup of hot water. Stir well and drink two or three times a day, for two weeks or until you recover. You can also add cinnamon and cloves if desired.
   • You can also make herbal tea with one teaspoon of ground ginger and one teaspoon of black pepper. Pour the mixture into a cup of hot water and then add honey to taste. Drink at least two or three times a day.
   • Alternatively, you can take 4-6 slices of whole raw ginger and simmer it in water for at least ten minutes (longer if you want a stronger tea, like in Tangier). Then add honey, agave nectar, lemon juice, and / or lime juice to taste.
6. 6 Make a savory and thyme tea. They help with the secretion of mucus, they can also relieve sore throat and strengthen the lungs.
   • Add half a teaspoon of savory to a cup of boiling water, and drink once a day.
   • Add a quarter teaspoon to half a teaspoon of thyme per cup of boiling water. Let it brew for five minutes, sweeten with honey and drink.
7. 7 Eat lemons. Lemons can help you get rid of bacteria and mucus; they also have a lot of vitamin C.
   • Rub a teaspoon of lemon peel and add boiling water to a glass. Let sit for five minutes and then drink like tea.
   • You can also boil lemon wedges, then strain into a cup and drink.
   • You can also gargle by adding a teaspoon of lemon juice to a cup of warm water.
8. 8 Try garlic extract. Garlic has many health benefits, including antiviral and antibacterial properties, and may help relieve bronchitis. This will help relieve congestion and reduce mucus production; it will also stimulate immune cells by strengthening the immune system.
   • Peel 3-5 cloves of garlic and chop. Add chopped garlic to a glass of milk and simmer for five minutes. Drink before bed for two weeks or until you recover.
9. 9 Substitute honey for sugar. Honey is an effective antiviral and antibacterial agent. This will soothe your throat and strengthen your immune system.
   • Try adding one teaspoon of honey to a cup of hot tea. You can also add honey to any snacks or hot drinks you consume.
10. 10 Eat raw onions. Studies show that onions help the body to cough productively and dissolve sticky mucus and phlegm. For best results, eat raw onions in the morning when you wake up.
    • Try adding raw onions to salads.
    • You can also chop up some onion and cover it with honey (although not too much honey, as this can lead to tonsillitis).Let it sit overnight and then remove the onion. You can consume a teaspoon of honey infused with onions four times a day to relieve symptoms.
11. 11 Add sesame seeds to your drinks. Sesame seeds are rich in protein and amino acids, which are important compounds for natural healing. Sesame contains pinoresinol and lariciresinol, which help fight viruses and bacteria.
    • Mix a teaspoon of sesame seeds with a teaspoon of flaxseed or flaxseed, a pinch of table salt, and a teaspoon of honey. Take this mixture every hour.
12. 12 Eat almonds. Almonds can help cure respiratory problems. It is rich in vitamins and nutrients, including potassium, magnesium and calcium. Eat it often - just not covered in chocolate or candied - but add it to salads and other dishes.

Tips

• There are two types of bronchitis: acute, which lasts one to three weeks, and chronic, which can last up to two years.
• A cough can be annoying and uncomfortable, but remember that this is the natural way your body gets rid of viruses and bacteria. Avoid taking cough medicine as it can prolong your symptoms.
• It will be easier for you to breathe if you raise the head of the bed 45 to 90 degrees. This position will allow your lungs to expand as much as possible.

Warnings

• If your condition does not improve or begins to deteriorate, seek medical attention. See your doctor if you develop a fever, ear pain, extreme fatigue, significant difficulty breathing, or blood in your sputum.