Home Remedies as a First Aid for Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a respiratory illness where there is an inflammation in the bronchial tubes leading to the lungs. There are two types of bronchitis which are acute and chronic, in which acute is commonly caused by virus and a short term illness. While chronic bronchitis on the other hand is usually caused by smoking and other infectious agents and can last for several months to years.
There are some home remedies that can be helpful in the treatment of bronchitis which sometimes serves as first aid for this condition. These remedies are proven to help heal bronchitis infection and ease the symptoms like congestion and coughing, which causes patient irritability, uneasiness and to some extent pain.
Environment humidification
By using humidifiers it can moisten the air within the house and can help in bringing up the sputum and loosening the phlegm through coughing. These may include a hot bath with closed doors, slow boiling of water with added eucalyptus oil if available.
Taking plenty of liquids
Drinking of plenty of fluids is helpful in thinning out sputum and makes it easier to expel. Most common drinks are water, fresh fruit juices, soup and sometimes tea. It is more helpful as long it is warm because it can soothe the throat from too much coughing.
Gargle with warm water with salt
Gargling with warm water with enough salt can relieve an inflamed throat and can loosen up mucus that is attached to the throat. Gargle as often as possible and remember to spit out after gargling.
Getting enough rest
Taking time to rest is the one of the most important remedies. Having bronchitis can cause you with discomforts and you may not be able to sit still or lie comfortably. All you have to do is take it easy until your body can fight the infections.
Your kitchen may also contain natural remedies that can help in the treatment of bronchitis. While you are following your doctor's prescription, these natural remedies can also help soothe some of your symptoms. Ginger is a common ingredient in your kitchen, with a mixture of ginger on your tea or honey it can alleviate fever associated in bronchitis and soothe your throat. Onion juice when taken first thing in the morning can thin out phlegm and avoid further formation, because onion is said to be a natural expectorant. Almond is another remedy effective when you have bronchitis or other respiratory illness. It can be taken in any form. Spinach mix and asparagus drinks are also good expectorants. Your diet should also be limited to an all fruit diet and a well balanced diet, including orange juice and water.
If the bronchitis became worse in spite of the home remedies available, you can take aspirin or ibuprofen for aches and pains. It is best to consult your doctor, before taking any medications or trying to treat yourself. Your doctor is the best source of treatment for bronchitis.
