Bronchitis

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes may be acute or chronic. A sudden onset of cough is frequently due to bronchitis. This is usually of viral or chemical origin. It affects the upper airways from the larynx down to the secondary divisions of the major bronchi. The cough is termed “brassy” and is usually not productive of mucus.

Prolonged coughing can irritate the bronchial tubes enough to cause bleeding. If hemoptysis occurs, further investigations should urgently be performed. With persistence of a bronchial cough, the upper chest may become sore, with pain on inspiration. There is seldom any fever or general symptoms. However, fatigue and sleeplessness may develop if the illness is prolonged. Hot, moist compresses ordiathermy treatments over the upperchest are helpful. They work best when combined with expectorant cough syrups such as honey— eucalyptus  and the use of steam inhalations. The earlier these treatments are started, the less severe the illness will be.

Chronic bronchitis is common in smokers. It results from the accumulation of tar and numerous respiratory irritants over a prolonged period. The typical “smoker’s cough” is an example of chronic bronchitis,which is typically productive of mucus. The sputum is usually white or gray,but at times may become infected. Then it would be thick, tenacious, and greenish or yellow in color. As in acute bronchitis, fever is seldom present.Many people “learn” to live with a cough when they could be healed, and live enjoyably without it. Strictly avoid all tobacco. Then combine deep breathing exercises in combination with other pulmonary hygiene measures.The treatments mentioned under the treatment for pneumonia will bring considerable relief to bronchitis sufferers. The coexistence of emphysema naturally complicates the situation. However, with appropriate steam inhalation, postural drainage, and other hydrotherapeutic measures the bronchitis can usually be cleared without residual damage.


Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus (also known as blue gum) leaves have many beneficial effects. Distilled as oil, eucalyptus may be inhaled freely for sore throats and infections of the bronchial tubes or lungs. It helps to reduce swelling of the mucous membranes in asthma and can be used with most vaporizers. A cough syrup may be prepared from the eucalyptus oil with three to ten dropsstirred into a cup of honey. A small amount of lemon juice may be added for flavoring. One teaspoon of honey—eucalyptus “cough syrup” may be taken every few hours to relieve a sore throat or cough associated with many common respiratory illnesses.