Learn How To Take Extra Precaution Against Bronchitis During Winter

Bronchitis is a condition where the bronchial tubes are inflamed or swollen especially the lining of the air passages. This leads to decreased ability to breathe and increased secretion of mucus in the airways. Bronchitis can be caused by an allergy, environmental pollutants, irritants, viruses, bacteria, etc and the condition can be acute or chronic. It is common for the symptoms of chronic bronchitis to get worse two or more times every year, and they are often worse during the winter months.

Signs and symptoms

• Persistent and frequent cough
• Production of excessive mucus
• Rattling in the chest and wheezing
• Low-grade fever
• Oppression and tightness of the chest
• Sore throat and congestion
• Body pains
• Difficulty in breathing
• Sneezing
• Blockage of nose
• Cough that lasts for several weeks

Types

Acute bronchitis: it usually lasts for a few days or weeks with symptoms of cough with mucus, heaviness of chest, fever, and, shortness of breath.

Chronic bronchitis: it is a long-lasting condition with symptoms that last for more than three months. The symptoms are persistent, productive cough and breathing difficulties.

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Causes of Bronchitis

• Infections with viruses, bacteria
• Inhaling smoke and irritants
• Frequent attacks of cold and flu
• Exposure to tobacco smoke, dust, fumes, vapors, and air pollution
• Frequent episodes of acute bronchitis

Complications

The most common complication of bronchitis is pneumonia due to the spread of infection into the lungs.

Preventive measures during winter

• Wear several layers of protective warm clothing to keep the body warm.
• Wear mittens during winter to keep your hands warm.
• Wear a woollen beanie or cap or hood while going outdoors.
• Keep the ear and mouth covered with a scarf to protect from cold air
• Avoid close contact with the infected person.
• Avoid crowded areas during winter as it is easier for the infections such as cold and flu to spread in cold weather.
• Avoid too much exposure to heaters. Too much heating of the room can suck the moisture from the air and cause dryness of the mucous membrane which can aggravate the symptoms of bronchitis.
• Take herbal tea infused with herbs such as basil, Tulsi, Echinacea, chamomile, lemongrass, etc.
• Take food rich in zinc as it helps to fight colds and boosts the immune system. Some of the foods rich in zinc are meat, oysters, eggs, sea-foods, black-eyed peas, etc.
• Drink plenty of water as it flushes out the toxins which accumulate in the body. It also helps to keep the body and mucous membranes hydrated thereby preventing the incidence of bacterial and viral infections.
• Take proper rest and have a sound sleep as it relaxes the mind and relieves stress. Winter and cold weather tend to affect the mood of the person negatively. Good sleep can help to overcome this effect.
• Regular exercise can stimulate the production of happy hormones, a well-balanced mood, etc. do not avoid regular exercise and workout schedules due to the cold weather. A good workout or a walk in the sunlight will induce the production of immune cells in the body.
• Wash the hands regularly with a cleanser to avoid the risk of indirect contact.
• A well-balanced diet with nuts, fruits and, vegetables will provide enough antioxidants and vitamins which can fight off infections.
• Avoid passive smoking and quit smoking.
• Avoid exposure to irritants such as smoke, dust, fumes, vapors, and air pollution.
• Wear a mask to protect yourself from pollution while going outdoors early in the morning or late evening.
• Always cough or sneeze using a handkerchief or tissue to prevent the spread of infection to others. If you are infected, it is better to stay indoors.
• Avoid strong smells such as paint, fragrances, etc.
• Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with dirty hands.
• Disinfect the floors, surfaces and, objects which might be touched frequently when there is an infected person at home.
• Avoid cold food and drinks, alcohol instead take warm food, herbal tea, and hot water to warm yourself.

Homeopathic remedies for Bronchitis

Bryonia

It is indicated for bronchitis with intense dryness of mucous membranes of the mouth, throat and, airways. Dry cough with stitching pain in the chest and head. The cough is aggravated when going into a warm room. Dryness of mucous membranes with difficulty to expectorate.

Pulsatilla

It is indicated for bronchitis with expectoration of large quantities of greenish or yellowish mucus discharge. Cough worse while lying down and having to sit upright. A dry cough in the evening and lose cough in the morning feeling better in the open air.

Antimonium Tartaricum

It is indicated for bronchitis with the rattling of mucus in the chest. Much rattling of mucus but little is expectorated. Cough and difficulty in breathing aggravated by eating and better by lying on the right side.

Hepar Sulphur

It is indicated for bronchitis with increased sensitivity to cold air or cold temperature. Cold in any form cannot be tolerated as it excites the cough. There is much rattling and wheezing and the cough is worse in the morning.

Phosphorus

It is indicated for bronchitis with pain and excessive heat in the chest. Dry cough with oppression and heaviness of the chest. The sensation of tightness and constriction in the chest. Cough with the craving for cold drinks. Cough excited by laughing, talking and cold air. The mucus when expectorated sometimes might be blood-stained.

Spongia

It is indicated for dry cough and dryness of air passages. Dry cough as if breathing through a sponge. The cough is suffocative and occurs frequently in paroxysmal episodes. The cough is relieved by warm drinks and warm food. There is oppression of the chest, weakness and, difficulty in breathing.

Ipecac

Indicated for bronchitis with constant cough and rattling of mucus in the chest. Difficult to expectorate the mucus from bronchi. Cough and difficulty in breathing are relieved by vomiting.

Rumex crispus

It is indicated for dry cough with tickling in the throat. The sensation of itching in the throat and chest. The cough is worse from exposure to cold air and is better by covering the body and covering the mouth with the hand.

Squilla maritima

It is a very good remedy for acute bronchitis, and chronic bronchitis. The symptoms are mucous rales, shortness of breath, runny nose, and sneezing with irritation of the throat. The cough is short and dry. The cough is associated with shortness of breath, stitches in the chest and painful contraction of abdominal muscles. The cough aggravated while taking a deep breath or by cold drinks, and is worse from 11 p.m. until 3 am, from exertion, and while going from a warm room to a cold place.

Sulphur

It is a very good remedy for chronic stubborn coughs which do not go away easily. Difficulty in breathing is worse in a warm room and better in the fresh open air. Wakes up at night from cough with pain in the chest. Loose rattling cough with greenish discharge worse in the morning.

Some of the best homeopathic medicine for bronchitis are Schwabe India’s, Alpha-Coff, Breathing Problems, Senega Pentarkan, Tussistin, Cough Relief for Adults, Cough relief for Children, Grindelia Pentarkan*, Glycyrrhiza glabra 1X, Cold in Children, Protection from winters, Tussistin Plus, etc.