Chronic bronchitis: This is not necessarily caused by infection and is most often part of more serious lung conditions. The most common chronic bronchitis symptoms are characterized by a persistent cough that produces phlegm for at least three months a year for two consecutive years.

Acute bronchitis is recognized as a cough and the production of phlegm which may be accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing, as well as a mild fever in some cases. Acute bronchitis commonly occurs after an upper respiratory infection such as a cold, influenza, or a sinus infection. For this reason, you may also experience other symptoms such as muscle aches, nasal congestion, and a sore throat in addition to bronchitis symptoms.

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• A severe cough that persistently disrupts sleep
• Severe wheezing that makes it difficult to breathe
• Worsening cough symptoms after a week
• Blood-tinged phlegm
• A mild fever that lasts longer than three days, or a fever over 101°F
• Repeated bouts of bronchitis
• You have a chronic lung or heart condition, as this increases your chance of developing complications

Your doctor will be able to diagnose bronchitis by listening to your chest with a stethoscope. You may also be asked to have a chest X-ray, and in some cases a sputum culture (laboratory test to determine the presence of bacteria in the phlegm) may be done, especially if a more serious condition such as pneumonia or tuberculosis is suspected.

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Self-Care Treatment
Natural cures for bronchitis include focusing some attention to maintaining personal health. What your body needs most when trying to fight off any infection is plenty of rest and water. You can also try an over-the-counter cough medicine that helps to loosen the cough. While this may make you cough more, it will help to clear the infection sooner. It is important not to suppress the cough, as this can cause further infection by drying out the mucous membranes. Thus, cough suppressants are generally only recommended at night to help to you get some rest if the cough is interfering with sleep. In addition, you can try using a humidifier to soothe the cough, and avoid lung irritants (such as cigarette smoke). If you are a smoker – it is essential that you stop smoking naturally.

Medical Treatment
Antibiotics are not usually prescribed for bronchitis as the most common causes are viral infections. However, if your doctor suspects a bacterial infection, or if you are at high risk for developing complications (such as those people with a lung disease or asthma) antibiotics may be recommended as a precautionary measure. Remember, that as antibiotics rob your system of ‘good’ bacteria – it is important to take probiotics, such as live culture yogurt, after a course of antibiotics.

Natural Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies
Herbal and homeopathic remedies have been used for centuries to treat a number of conditions, and so it is not surprising to find that natural cures or supplements to alleviate bronchitis symptoms have been supplied by nature. Herbs such as Althea Officinalis (Marshmallow), Hyssopus Officinalis (Hyssop), and Sambucus Nigra (Elder) have long been used for their soothing effect on inflamed and irritated mucous membranes, while promoting respiratory health and vitality.

There are also a few tissue salts known for their tonic effect on the overall respiratory system such as Bryonia (30C) and Kali. Mur. (6C.) While these ingredients help relieve troubling bronchitis symptoms, other remedies are especially helpful in assisting with speedy recovery and boosting the immune system to help your body fight off infection.

Herbs such as Echinacea purpurea, Astragalus membranaceous, Inula helenium and Withania somnifera are commonly used for their antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, as well as their ability to support the immune system. These herbs work as a tonic for the immune system and are often recommended to prevent and assist recovery from illness or infection.

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