Natural Bronchitis Relief This Winter

Bronchitis is an ailment of the respiratory system that involves inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchial tubes. It is usually caused by an infection by a viruses or bacteria. The symptoms of bronchitis are excessive mucous production, chest pain, coughing, fever and shortness of breath. Most cases of bronchitis are caused by a viral infection and they will usually resolve on their own after a week with a dry cough that may remain for a few weeks, however if the infection is caused by bacteria or worsened due to a weakened immune system, treatment may be required to prevent permanent damage to the lungs.
There are two main types of bronchitis which include acute bronchitis or chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis (short bouts of bronchitis) is the ninth most common outpatient illness observed by physicians. Chronic bronchitis (long-term, persistent bronchitis) affects approximately 5% of the population of Western nations and is the seventh highest ranking chronic ailment in Western nations. It occurs more frequently in women than in men and occurs more frequently in people over the age of 45.

Certain lifestyle factors and other conditions have been found to increase the risk of suffering from bronchitis. The elderly, smokers and young children seem to be effected more often and if untreated can lead to a range of other complications. Unfortunately people who are exposed to second hand smoke and pollution are also at a greater risk of suffering from the disease.

There are a range of natural treatments available to help reduce the severity of the disease whilst boosting the immune system to prevent any further attacks. One of the most important factors is to concentrate on the diet to ensure that it is providing adequate amounts of nutrients which the immune system needs to fight the infection in the lungs. It is also important that adequate amounts of water are being consumed as the body will be using more water during this period. The body will be using more water in one of two ways which is through the removal of metabolic toxins from the body through the kidneys and due to the amounts being lost by the mucous membranes as it tries to clear the infection. It is also important to try and avoid foods which are high in simple sugars as excess amounts of simple sugars will lower the immune system which will make you more at risk of contracting bronchitis or by slowing down recovery if you are already suffering from it.

A range of natural supplements are available to help boost you bodies own immunity and recovery from bronchitis which can include, garlic, cysteine, Korean ginseng, olive leaf, marshmallow and horseradish. Through a healthy lifestyle and nutritional support you should be able to survive the winter season with a minimal amount of inconvenience from illnesses.