CAUSE:

May be due to bacterial infection or viral infection. Some times it can be triggered by an allergic reaction to molds, pollens, dander or dust.

SYMPTOMS:

Bronchitis begins with a running nose, fever, and dry cough and possibly wheezing. The cough eventually becomes productive, with clear sputum at first and tatter thick yellow sputum. Symptoms of allergic bronchitis include a cough that if often worse at night, malaise, and loss of appetite and wheezing. Chronic bronchitis is characterized by a persistent dry cough without other symptoms. An immuring or chronic cough can be debilitating.

DIETARY GUIDELINES:

Eliminate any potentially mucus-forming foods (such as fried foods, sweets, and dairy products) from your diet until the bronchitis is resolved.

Take plenty of fluid, hydration helps to thin secretions so that they are easier to cough out. Chicken or vegetable soup made with lots of vegetables is very helpful.

GENERAL TIPS:

> Rest interspersed with periods of moderate activity is important in treating bronchitis. The moderate activity is helpful in keeping secretions from setting and causing pneumonia.
> Place a hot water bottle on your chest or back for 20 minutes every day. This helps to ease breathing.

PREVENTION:

Prevent exposure to those things that provoke a reaction and try to keep any allergic reactions that escalate into bronchitis.

> When you catch a cold, begin appropriate treatment promptly. This may help decrease of developing bronchitis.
> As far as possible try to keep your self away from an infected or sick person.

HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT:

> Bryonia Alba is recommended for them whose cough is worse at night and those who complain of pain in the chest or throat.
> Arsenic Album is useful for bronchitis when there is extreme restlessness with prostration, thirst for small quantities of water at short internals and dry cough that worsens after midnight and after drinking.
> Dresseris used with whopping type of dry cough and accompanied by wheezing.
> Phosphorous should be considered for the patient with a cough that is lingering. Patients are usually sensitive.
> Bacillinum is recommended for those who are constantly catching cold with chronic suffocative cough.