Do home remedies really help against bronchitis?

Do home remedies really help against bronchitis?

Do you have bad bronchitis and your cough could wake the dead? Your family members and work colleagues lose patience. Even your pets are annoyed by your constant coughing.

Is there anything you can do to calm your agitated airways? Family physician Donald Ford, MD, shares his advice for treating bronchitis at home.

Proven remedies for the treatment of bronchitis

Bronchitis is particularly annoying because the cough can last for weeks even after the infection has cleared. So what can you do?

First, make sure you actually have bronchitis. If you are unsure or have a high fever, you should see your doctor to rule out more serious problems such as pneumonia, advises Dr. Ford.

If you're struggling with bronchitis, expect your cough to last for several frustrating weeks. Bronchitis is almost always caused by a virus. This means that antibiotics won't help and there's not much you can do to speed up the healing process.

However, you must exercise patience while you recover. These tricks can help you feel at least a little better while you wait.

Over-the-counter medications

Although there is no cure for bronchitis, medications can ease symptoms, says Dr. Ford. Antitussive or other over-the-counter cough medicine can suppress the irritation - particularly useful if your cough keeps you awake at night. For really persistent coughs, doctors may prescribe prescription cough medicines.

Water

Drink plenty of fluids to loosen the mucus and allow you to cough it up. Unfortunately, wine and coffee do not have the same hydrating effect, so drink water, herbal teas and broths.

steam

When you have a bad cough, you feel like you can't clear mucus from your lungs. Steam helps loosen the mucus so you can get rid of it. If you are a member of a gym, this is the opportunity to go to the sauna. Or simply turn on the shower in your own bathroom and let the room steam.

You can also fill a pan or pot with boiling water and lean over it to inhale the steam. “But be careful,” warns Dr. Ford. “Don’t cover your head with a towel to catch the steam because it can get too hot and burn your airways.”

Saline sprays and salt water gargles

Use a saline nasal spray or irrigator to rinse your sinuses. "Even if symptoms occur in the chest area, most people also have congestion. Saline nasal spray helps clear mucus and moisturizes the tissues," says Dr. Ford. Gargling with salt water can also soothe and moisten a sore throat.

Honey

Tea with honey is an old classic for treating colds. Mother Nature's Favorite Sweetener Probably Won't Do Much to Solve Your Cough, Says Dr. Ford, but it can relieve the sore throat that often accompanies a cold.

Cough drops

Despite their name, they don't do much to eliminate mucus. But like honey, they can soothe a sore throat, suppress a cough, and help you feel better.

Essential oils

While there's no evidence that essential oils can help bronchitis symptoms, some people find inhaling steam infused with menthol oil particularly soothing, says Dr. Ford. "It doesn't necessarily work better than regular vapor, but it can feel good."

What to avoid if you have bronchitis

One of the most important things to do if you have bronchitis is to avoid anything that can irritate your lungs.

Smoke

You shouldn't smoke (or vape) anyway, but especially not if you have bronchitis or other illnesses that affect your lungs.

Fire

Whether it's a cozy fire in the fireplace, a campfire, or being in an area where there are controlled burns or wildfires, smoke will definitely make your condition worse.

Dust

Breathing in dust and other allergens in your home can cause problems. Therefore, keep the windows closed and your house clean, dust-free and vacuumed. Wear a mask while cleaning and consider an air filter for your home.

The local air quality index, which indicates the level of air pollution in your community, is often reported on local news and other media outlets such as the National Weather Service. The higher the index, the worse the air quality, i.e. i.e. you should stay indoors and use an air filter and close the windows.

When to see a doctor

Because there is no real cure for bronchitis, the illness can sometimes persist. If so, look out for these signs so you know when to see your doctor.

• Wenn Ihr Husten über mehrere Wochen anhält
• Wenn Sie eine Erkältung bekommen, die länger als zwei Wochen anhält
• Wenn Sie Fieber bekommen, das länger als fünf Tage anhält oder über 39 Grad Celsius ansteigt
• Wenn der Husten schmerzhaft wird oder Blut produziert
• Wenn Sie Kurzatmigkeit oder Keuchen entwickeln

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