| Bronchitis | |||||
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- What is bronchitis?
- Symptoms of bronchitis
- Causes of bronchitis
- Treatment of bronchitis
- Important bronchitis facts
Bronchitis is a condition which is characterised by inflammation and swelling of the trachea and the large and smaller bronchial tubes that are in the lungs.
The inflamed bronchi produce a lot of thick mucous, which makes the airways more narrow and make it hard to breath properly and also causes the coughing.
Bronchitis usually does not cause serious or long-term damage in most people, but it can cause complications in the elderly, young children, people who smoke, or those who have serious illnessess.
There are two types of bronchitis:
- Acute bronchitis - normally caused by a bacteria or a virus and may last a few weeks, after which it clears up
- Chronic bronchitis - is generally considered to be one of a chronic pulmonary disorders, as it is not normally caused by a virus or bacteria but which is a chronic disorder of the lungs; this is where there is thickening and inflammation of the lungs with a mucuous build-up
Bronchitis causes the following symptoms:
- Cough (dry at first, but then often produces green/yellow phlegm, which is usually an indication of an infection)
- Difficulty in breathing deeply (can't seem to take a deep breath in properly)
- Fever
- Lethargy and tiredness
- Muscle aches (uncommon)
- Sinus congestion
- Sore throat
- Tightness in the chest
- Wheezing
Causes of acute bronchitis
- Bacteria and viruses that cause the common cold can also cause acute bronchitis (infectious bronchitis)
- Most commonly occurs in winter when there are more viruses in circulation
- Can sometimes be caused by inhalation of irritant chemicals, such as cleaning products, paints, solvents and other chemicals
Causes of chronic bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is usually caused by non-infectious irritants to the lungs, which have been inhaled. Smoking is the main cause of this condition, but there are other irritants which can cause it. Any of the irritants below can cause bronchitis which normally occurs with longer term exposure, but some people with more sensitive lungs and bronchi may experience the condition after only a shorter term:
- Air pollution
- Chemicals
- Dust
- Smoking - most common cause of the disease
- Toxic gases
Diagnosis and testing
Bronchitis is normally diagnosed through a variety of methods:
- Chest x-ray - to rule out pneumonia, which is a serious complication of bronchitis
- Oxygen saturation levels - this is a test to measure the amount of oxygen in the lungs to determine how much oxygen is getting to the blood cells
- Phlegm sample - this test is sometimes (but not often) performed, to test the bacteria or virus in the sputum
- Spirometer test - this is a test to measure the volume of the lungs which is used in people who may have chronic bronchitis, to rule out or confirm asthma or even emphysema as an underlying factor causing the chronic bronchitis
Conventional treatment
Treatment of bronchitis depends on symptoms:
- Antibiotics - to prevent further (bacterial) infection
- Bronchodilators - a spray or pump which helps to open up the airways (bronchi) and reduce inflammation; these are usually only obtain by prescription from the doctor
- Corticosteroids - these may be prescribed for chronic bronchitis to help clear the lungs
- Cough suppressant - these medications help to reduce coughing and so reduce the irritation and inflammation of the lungs; these are usually recommended by most doctors and can be purchased without a prescription
- Fluids - ensuring the body is well hydrated helps the lungs clear more quickly and helps with fever
- Humidifier - this is recommended to help moisten the dry and inflammed air passages and decrease lung irritation thereby assisting breathing; either plain steam or with eucalyptus or tea tree oil
- Painkillers - drugs such as paracetamol or other analgesics are recommended to relieve fever and any muscle aches and pains that may be present
- Rest - this allows the body to heal itself
- Smokers - are advised to stop smoking while bronchitis is present (and to quit permanently)
Alternative / complementary treatment
Always ensure that you notify your medical practitioner of any supplements that you want to take - it may interfere with other medication or conditions you have. Confirm with your doctor it is safe to take BEFORE you try it.
- Aromatherapy - several herbs / plants have a beneficial effect on the lungs and assist with breathing
and relieve lung and nasal congestion
(these oils should not be ingested); add a few drops of oil either to do some steam inhalation or in a vaporiser
- Eucayptus oil
- Hyssop oil
- Lavendar oil
- Pine oil
- Rosemary oil
- Herbs - there are various herbs which help to clear up the lungs and reduce the symptoms of bronchitis; there are some herbal products on the market in Australia which combine some of the herbs here eith in tablet form or in liquid form, plus a qualified herbalist (or naturopath) can make up a liquid formula for each individual's case
- Astragalus - this herb has anti-bacterial and anti-vital properties and stimulates the immune system into action to reduce severity and length of symptoms
- Echinacea - this herb has both anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and studies show it prevents the onset of bronchitis in the first place, but also reduces symptoms in people with existing bronchitis; it assists the immune system
- Elderflower - studies show that elderflower has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, lowers fever, breaks up mucous and allowing it to be expelled, is useful in alleviate other symptoms and reduces length of illness
- Ginger - either fresh or as a supplement, ginger acts to loosen and break up thick mucous, assisting with breathing
- Goldenseal - this herb clears up congestion and alleviates inflammation and it also decreases over-production of mucous
- Mullein - this herb acts to break up mucous and soothes the lining of the bronchi, alleviation inflammation
- Olive leaf - studies (and clinical evidence) show this potent antioxidant herb reduces inflammation and severity of symptoms
- Pelargonium sidoides - this is a herb which has been shown in clinical trials to be an effective treatment for the symptoms acute bronchitis
- Thyme - this herb has beneficial effects on the respiratory tract, loosening thick mucous to allow it to be expelled, decreasing congestion and allowing normal breathing
- Minerals - studies have shown that certain minerals may help reduce symptoms once bronchitis starts, prevent it from worsening or prevent this condition altogether
- Zinc - many studies show this mineral is a potent antioxidant which helps to relieve many of the symptoms assocaited with bronchitis
- Nutrients - certain nutrients have a positive effect on bronchitis and reduce symptoms
- Omega 3 fatty acids - studies show these reduce inflammation associated with this condition
- Nutrition - certain foods should be limited (or eliminated) for the duration of the illness, while others should be increased
- Artificial colours - should be eliminated
- Artificial flavours - should be eliminated
- Artificial preservatives - should be eliminated
- Dairy - might produce more mucous and exacerbate some symptoms
- Eggs - might produce more mucous and exacerbate some symptoms
- Nuts - these may be hard to eat (and swallow) with a sore throat
- Processed foods - white flour, white bread etc may exacerbate symptoms
- Soup - vegetable or chicken soup with plenty of vegetables is a great way to help the body heal
- Vegetables - eat plenty of raw or steamed vegetables, which have a lot of essential vitamins, minerals and are packed full of potent antioxidants
- Water - keeping the body well hydrated is essential to help heal the inflammed bronchi and break up and expel thick mucous, plus keeping the mucous membranes well hydrated ensures they are healthy and are able to expel bacteria and viruses before they can cause infection - drink at least 8 glasses of water each day
- Omega 3 fatty acids - studies show that newborns who get adequate amounts of the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA have a lowered risk of getting bronchitis in their first 12 months of life; other studies show that the anti-inflammatory properties of omega 3 fatty acids help with reducing symptoms associated with bronchitis, both acute and chronic
- Supplements - there are specific supplements available which are not essential vitamins/minerals and which also are not herbs, but which help
this condition
- Cod liver oil - this potent oil contains high levels of vitamin A and vitamin D, which help to restore mucous membranes to normal, assist with immunity and has anti-inflammatory properties
- Coenzyme Q10 - studies have shown that this nutrient appears to be low in people with chronic bronchitis, improving oxygenation in the blood
- Garlic - either as a supplement or fresh, this is great for reducing symptoms and reducing length of illness; garlic has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties
- N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) - studies show that NAC loosens mucous, making breathing easier and alleviating other symptoms
- Quercetin - studies show that people who eat foods high in quercetin develop less respiratory infections such as bronchitis
- Vitamins - studies have shown that certain vitamins may help reduce symptoms once bronchitis starts, prevent it from worsening or prevent this condition altogether
- Vitamin A - this nutrient is important to ensure the membranes lining the bronchi are healthy; studies show that vitamin A is important in reducing symptoms of bronchitis by reducing inflammation of the bronchi
- Betacarotene - this is the precursor to vitamin A, so it has the same properties
- Vitamin C - studies show that vitamin C help to reduce the incidence of respiratory infections such as bronchitis and assist with healing the lining of the bronchi, by reducing inflammation and irritation
- Vitamin E - this vitamin has an important role in maintaining the immune system and helps to improve symptoms of existing bronchitis and protect against getting it in the first place
- Bronchitis can develop into pneumonia, a potentially serious complication, so some medical treatment is required when bronchitis is first diagnosed to prevent it from developing further
- Emphysema is a complication of severe chronic bronchitis
- Chronic bronchitis is one type of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- people with serious lung or heart problems should seek medical attention if they think they have any symptoms of bronchitis
Last reviewed: 14 January 2007 || Last updated: 21 August 2007
Related Articles
references
- Burley CJ, Masterton RG, Lovell DP. Indicators of bacterial infection in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis for application in clinical trials of antibacterial drugs. J Infect. 2007 Sep;55(3):226-32. Epub 2007 Jul 19
- Cals JW, Scheppers NA, Hopstaken RM, Hood K, Dinant GJ, Goettsch H, Butler CC. Evidence based management of acute bronchitis; sustained competence of enhanced communication skills acquisition in general practice. Patient Educ Couns. 2007 Aug 20
- Fujimoto S, Kurihara N, Hirata K, Takeda T. Effects of coenzyme Q10 administration on pulmonary function and exercise performance in patients with chronic lung diseases. Clin Investig 1993;71(8 Suppl):S162-6
- Gotfried M, Busman TA, Norris S, Notario GF. Role for 5-day, once-daily extended-release clarithromycin in acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis. Curr Med Res Opin. 2007 Feb;23(2):459-66
- Jackson IM, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of oral acetylcysteine (Fabrol) in chronic bronchitis: a double-blind placebo controlled study. J Int Med Res. 1984; 12(3): 198-206
- Kampa M, Castanas E. Human health effects of air pollution. Environ Pollut. 2007 Jul 21
- Matthys H, Heger M. Treatment of acute bronchitis with a liquid herbal drug preparation from Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study. Curr Med Res Opin. 2007 Feb;23(2):323-31
- Osiecki H. The Physicans Handbook of Clininical Nutrition, 6th Edition. Bioconcepts Publishing QLD, 2001
- Pastor N, Soler B, Mitmesser SH, Ferguson P, Lifschitz C. Infants fed docosahexaenoic acid- and arachidonic acid-supplemented formula have decreased incidence of bronchiolitis/bronchitis the first year of life. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2006 Nov;45(9):850-5
To learn more, go to The Lung Assocaition Canada web site
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
