Bronchitis is the inflammation of the mucus membrane of the bronchial tube that carries air from the lungs. As the membrane thickens and swells, the narrow airways of the lungs shut down resulting in coughing and breathlessness. People who have bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus that can be colored or colorless. Bronchitis is usually of two forms: acute and chronic.

Acute bronchitis is the inflammation of the trachea or the windpipe and the airways that branch off the trachea. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viral infections. Acute bronchitis usually begins with symptoms of common cold like runny nose, fatigue and sore throat. Dry cough is usually the first sign of acute bronchitis. Acute bronchitis usually lasts a few days and can be treated with medicines that are used to treat cough and fever and in most cases antibiotics may not be needed.

Chronic bronchitis on the other hand, lasts for a longer time period. It is characterized by cough with sputum or mucus production that lasts for at least 3 months in a row for two years. In chronic bronchitis, the lining of the bronchi from which air is inhaled and exhaled becomes inflamed and thickens. Long lasting bronchitis can cause serious breathing impairments.

Acute bronchitis is easy to treat and cure and there are drugs available to overcome this condition. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, cannot be cured and treated. A few natural remedies can be used to reduce the symptoms of chronic bronchitis and prevent it.

Why should bronchitis be cured or prevented?

Bronchitis if not treated can lead to several health complications that affect the immune system of the body. Bronchitis in the worse conditions can even lead to complete body collapse and death of a person.

Acute bronchitis if not treated can lead to the following complications:

• Chronic bronchitis
• Pneumonia
• Asthma
• Sinusitis
• Whooping cough
• Tuberculosis

Complications associated with chronic bronchitis

• Dyspnea or shortness of breath
• Pneumonia
• Respiratory failure
• Lung collapse due to collection of air in the lungs
• Enlargement and weakness of right ventricle
• Emphysema or lung disease
• Abnormally high concentration of red blood cells needed to carry oxygen
• Death

With such severe health complications of bronchitis, it needs to be prevented and treated for a healthy immune system.

Prevention of bronchitis

Acute bronchitis can be treated with the following medications:

• Cough suppressants
• Mucolytics
• Inhalers
• Antibiotics
• Acetaminophen

The medications can be used to keep away symptoms of bronchitis like cold and cough. However, medications cannot help to treat chronic bronchitis which can only be prevented and not cured. Several home remedies can be used for preventing bronchitis both acute and chronic. A few of these are:

1. Ginger has anti- inflammatory and immune boosting properties and helps to prevent cough as well as symptoms of bronchitis. Ginger also helps to relieve inflamed and irritated bronchial tubes.
2. Garlic is antibiotic in nature. Its anti- viral properties make it apt for curing the several symptoms of bronchitis.
3. Turmeric has anti- inflammatory properties that can treat cough associated with bronchitis.
4. Steam therapy is very effective in treating and preventing bronchitis. Adding eucalyptus oil can further help relieve bronchitis as it has anti- bacterial properties that help to clear the mucus from the membrane thus enabling easy breathing.
5. Gargling with salt water also helps to treat symptoms of bronchitis. It helps to clear the mucus and soothes the inflammation of the throat.
6. Honey has anti- bacterial and anti- viral properties and soothes the throat. It helps to fight against cough that leads to the development of bronchitis. In addition, honey boosts the immune system and protects the body against flu and cold.
7. Onions have expectorant effects and help to clear the mucus that relieves bronchitis. It also helps to keep the symptoms of bronchitis at bay.
8. Epsom salt is a great natural product that can help to treat acute bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis can also be prevented with Epsom salt.
9. Sesame seeds have medicinal properties that can help to treat bronchitis and also the chest pain that is associated with bronchitis.
10. Water and clear liquids are also a remedy for bronchitis. Water helps to keep the body and the throat well hydrated and help to relieve cough that is the first sign of bronchitis.