bronchitis

Strawberry, you didn’t give us much to work with here. I wonder do you have bronchitis or does your child have it? My response is different for each one. This leaves me to give a general response and I much prefer to really offer you some help.

Here is what we’ll do; I’ll explain bronchitis, some helpful solutions or ways to make it a bit more bearable and maybe a reference or two for help. I hope this is what you are looking for.

Bronchitis is caused by the inflammation of your mucus membrane within the bronchial tubes that are located in your lungs. It is painful and can make you very, very sick. In the climate of the flu nowadays I believe my first call would be to my Healthcare Provider; especially if accompanied by a fever over 99 degrees.

There are different types of bronchitis. Both types will have phlegm. Viral bronchitis will have thinner lighter colored phlegm and is one that an antibiotic would be ineffective for and ultimately could cause more harm than good. However, if after attempting treatment at home and the condition worsens, please contact your physician.

Bacterial Bronchitis is a different story altogether and will need to be treated by your physician. It is characterized by a dark, thick, funny tasting mucous or phlegm.

If you wish to treat your viral bronchitis at home or aid in the healing of your bacterial bronchitis; you should first off get plenty of rest and fluids (the fluids will help thin the mucus so it is easier to expel from the body). Fluids need to be sugar and corn syrup free. Drink enough to have clear urine.

Over the counter pain medication can be taken for any pain or discomfort and expectorant cough medicines containing guaifenesin can be taken to help treat the cough and loosen the mucus (if you are on a prescription medication be sure to check with your physician before taking an over the counter medication).

Taking a hot shower and letting the room steam up is another good option and my personal favorite because this will help loosen the mucus allowing a more productive cough. An Epsom salt ht water bath is great to soak in also.

The important thing here is expelling and getting rid of the mucous. Please do not swallow it. The mucous contains the virus or infection; coughing is the body’s way and defense mechanism to get rid of it and protect us. The same hold true for our noses, always blow instead of sniff.

I do hope this has been of some assistance to you. Please have a look around the site for more information on this and other conditions.

Good Luck to you, hope you are feeling better soon.