Bronchitis

Types of Bronchitis

Respiratory disorders can be caused by various factors:

• Acute bronchitis :This is more common. Symptoms last a few weeks, but it doesn’t usually cause problems past that time.
• Chronic bronchitisThis one is more serious. It keeps coming back or doesn’t go away.

Causes of Bronchitis

Most often, the same viruses that give a cold or the flu cause acute bronchitis. But sometimes, bacteria bring it on. In both cases, as body fights the germs, bronchial tubes swell and make more mucus. That means have smaller openings for air to flow through, which can make it harder to breathe.

Chronic bronchitis causes include

• Breathing in air pollution and other things that bother lungs, like chemical fumes or dust, over time
• Smoking or breathing in secondhand smoke for a long time

Symptoms of Bronchitis

Symptoms of both acute and chronic bronchitis include breathing problems, such as

• Chest congestion, when your chest feels full or clogged
• A cough that may bring up mucus that’s clear, white, yellow, or green
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing or a whistling sound when you breathe

Symptoms of acute bronchitis may also include:

• Body aches and chills
• Feeling “wiped out”
• Low fever
• Runny, stuffy nose
• Sore throat

Even after the other symptoms of acute bronchitis are gone, the cough can last a few weeks while bronchial tubes heal and the swelling goes down. If it goes on much longer than that, the problem might be something else.

Risk Factors

They have a higher chance of getting either kind of bronchitis if

• They smoke.
• They have asthma and allergies.
• They have a weaker immune system.

This is sometimes the case for older adults and people with ongoing diseases, as well as for babies and young children. Even a cold can make it more likely, since your body’s already busy fighting those germs.

The risk of getting chronic bronchitis is higher if:

• They’re a female smoker. You may be more at risk than a male smoker.
• They have a family history of lung disease.

Factors that increase your risk of bronchitis include:

• Cigarette smoke : People who smoke or who live with a smoker are at higher risk of both acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis.
• Low resistance : This may result from another acute illness, such as a cold, or from a chronic condition that compromises your immune system. Older adults, infants, and young children have greater vulnerability to infection.
• Exposure to irritants on the job : The risk of developing bronchitis is greater if you work around certain lung irritants, such as grains or textiles, or are exposed to chemical fumes.
• Gastric reflux : Repeated bouts of severe heartburn can irritate the throat and make you more prone to developing bronchitis.

Complication

Although a single episode of bronchitis usually isn't cause for concern, it can lead to pneumonia in some people. Repeated bouts of bronchitis, however, may mean that have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Prevention

To reduce risk of bronchitis, follow these tips:

• Avoid cigarette smoke :Cigarette smoke increases the risk of chronic bronchitis.
• Get vaccinated : Many cases of acute bronchitis result from influenza, a virus. Getting a yearly flu vaccine can help protect against the flu. You may also want to consider vaccination that protects against some types of pneumonia.
• Wash hands :To reduce the risk of catching a viral infection, wash hands frequently and get in the habit of using alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Wear a surgical mask :If you have COPD, consider wearing a face mask at work if you're exposed to dust or fumes, and when you're going to be among crowds, such as while traveling.

Diagnosis

During the first few days of illness, it can be difficult to distinguish the signs and symptoms of bronchitis from those of a common cold. During the physical exam, doctor will use a stethoscope to listen closely to lungs as breathe.

In some cases, doctor may suggest the following tests:

• Chest X-ray. A chest X-ray can help determine if you have pneumonia or another condition that may explain your cough. This is especially important if you have ever been or currently are a smoker.
• Sputum tests. Sputum is the mucus that you cough up from your lungs. It can be tested to see if you have illnesses that could be helped by antibiotics. Sputum can also be tested for signs of allergies.
• Pulmonary function test. During a pulmonary function test, you blow into a device called a spirometer, which measures how much air your lungs can hold and how quickly you can get air out of your lungs. This test checks for signs of asthma or emphysema.

Homeopathic Medicine for Bronchitis

During the first few days of illness, it can be difficult to distinguish the signs and symptoms of bronchitis from those of a common cold. During the physical exam, doctor will use a stethoscope to listen closely to lungs as breathe.

In some cases, doctor may suggest the following tests:

1. Bryonia

   This remedy is often indicated when a cough is dry and very painful. The person feels worse from any movement, and may even need to hold his or her sides or press against the chest to keep it still. The cough can make the stomach hurt, and digestion may be upset. A very dry mouth is common, and the person may be thirsty. A person who wants to be left alone when ill, and not talked to or disturbed, is likely to need Bryonia.

2. Causticum

   Bronchitis with a deep, hard, racking cough can indicate a need for this remedy. The person feels that mucus is stuck in the throat and upper chest, and may cough continually to try to loosen it. A feeling of rawness and soreness can develop, or a sensation as if a rock is stuck inside. Chills can occur along with fever. Exposure to cool air aggravates the cough, but drinking something cold can help. The person may feel worse when days are cold and clear, and better in wet weather.

3. Pulsatilla

   Bronchitis with a feeling of weight in the chest, and a cough with choking and gagging that brings up thick yellow mucus, may respond to this remedy. The cough tends to be dry and tight at night, and loose in the morning. The fever may be worse in the evening and at night. Feeling too warm or being in a stuffy room tends to make the person worse, and open air brings improvement. Thirst is usually low. A person who needs this remedy often is moody and emotional and wants attention and sympathy. (This remedy is often helpful to children who are tearful when not feeling well and want to be held and comforted.)

4. Antimonium tartaricum

   This remedy is indicated when the person has a feeling of wet mucus in the chest, and breathing makes a bubbly, rattling sound. The cough takes effort and is often not quite strong enough to bring the mucus up, although burping and spitting may be of help. The person may feel drowsy or dizzy, and feel better when lying on the right side or sitting up.

5. Calcarea carbonica

   This remedy is often indicated for bronchitis after a cold. The cough can be troublesome and tickling, worse from lying down or stooping forward, worse from getting cold, and worse at night. Children may have fever, sweaty heads while sleeping, and be very tired. Adults may feel more chilly and have clammy hands and feet, breathing problems when walking up slopes or climbing stairs, and generally poor stamina.

6. Dulcamara

   When a person easily gets ill after being wet and chilled (or when the weather changes from warm and dry to wet and cool) this remedy may be indicated. The cough can be tickly, hoarse, and loose, and worse from physical exertion. Tendencies toward allergies (cats, pollen, etc.) may increase the person's susceptibility to bronchitis.

7. Hepar sulphuris calcareum

   The cough that fits this remedy is usually hoarse and rattling, with yellow mucus coming up. The person can be extremely sensitive to cold—even a minor draft or sticking an arm out from under the covers may set off jags of coughing. Cold food or drink can make things worse. A person who needs this remedy feels vulnerable both physically and emotionally, and may act extremely irritable and out of sorts.

8. Kali bichromicum

   A metallic, brassy, hacking cough that starts with a troublesome tickling in the upper air-tubes and brings up strings of sticky yellow mucus can indicate this remedy. A sensation of coldness may be felt inside the chest, and coughing can lead to pain behind the breastbone or extending to the shoulders. Breathing may make a rattling sound when the person sleeps. Problems are typically worse in the early morning, after eating and drinking, and from exposure to open air. The person feels best just lying in bed and keeping warm.

9. Silicea (also called Silica)

   A person who needs this remedy can have bronchitis for weeks at a stretch, or even all winter long. The cough takes effort and may bring up yellow or greenish mucus, or little granules that have an offensive smell. Stitching pains may be felt in the back when the person is coughing. Chills are felt more than heat during fever, and the person is likely to sweat at night. A person who needs this remedy is usually sensitive and nervous, with low stamina, swollen lymph nodes, and poor resistance to infection.

10. Sulphur

    This remedy can be indicated when a person has had many bouts of bronchitis (sometimes the resistance has been weakened by taking antibiotics too often for minor complaints). The cough feels irritating, burning, and painful; yellow or greenish mucus may be produced. Problems can be worse if the person gets too warm in bed, and breathing problems at night may wake the person up. Redness of the eyes and mucous membranes, and foul-smelling breath and perspiration are often seen when a person needs this remedy.

Benefits of Homeopathic Treatment

1. Individualized Care: Homeopathy recognizes that each person is unique. A homeopath will thoroughly assess the individual's symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle to prescribe a personalized treatment plan.
2. Gentle and Natural: Homeopathic remedies are derived from natural substances and are known for their minimal side effects. They work by stimulating the body's innate healing capacity.
3. Symptom Management: Homeopathy aims to alleviate symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness, providing relief and improving quality of life.
4. Addressing the Root Cause: Homeopathy focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of respiratory disorders. By strengthening the body's immune system and restoring balance, it can potentially lead to long-term improvement.

Consulting a Homeopath

If you are seeking homeopathic treatment for Bronchitis, it is essential to consult a qualified and experienced homeopath. At Sanjivani Homeopathy Clinic, our team of skilled homeopaths will conduct a thorough evaluation, considering your symptoms, medical history, and individual characteristics to develop a personalized treatment plan.