In order to treat bronchitis successfully, the mucus that has accumulated in the bronchial tubes must be loosened so that it can be coughed up.

 

Inhalation

 

Breathing in vapours clears the airways. Hot vapours are naturally inhaled during a hot shower or bath. You can also hold your head over a bowl of steaming water and place a towel over your head so that the vapour is inhaled directly and loosens the secretions in your lungs and bronchial tubes. The vapour treatment is more effective if you add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the water. Eucalyptus softens the mucus and has antibacterial properties.

A humidifier should be installed in the bedroom so that the air you breathe is moist enough to dilute the mucus.

 

Drink water

 

To make it easier to cough up mucus, you should drink plenty of water and herbal tea, at least 250ml of liquid eight times a day. Alcohol and caffeine should be avoided.

Hot spices thin the mucus in the lungs and make coughing more effective.

Woolwort tea, also known as mullein tea, is a traditional remedy for respiratory diseases. The herb contains saponin and a gelatinous mucilage that soothes inflamed mucous membranes. Add 2 teaspoons of herb per cup, pour boiling water over it and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Then strain. Woolwort tea can be drunk up to three times a day until the bronchial symptoms subside.

Avoid dairy products, milk stimulates mucus production and can worsen the symptoms.

 

Medication supplement

 

Amoniacetylcysteine (AAC) or N-acetylcysteine (NAC) dilute and loosen the mucus. Take three times a day in the form of effervescent tablets between meals until the bronchial tubes are clear.

Echinacea strengthens the immune system and helps fight viruses and bacteria. For acute bronchitis take 500mg of echinacea four times a day, for chronic bronchitis twice a day.

R-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that helps heal inflamed airways. Lipoic acid attacks cell-damaging free radicals and thus supports health. In a healthy body, sufficient lipoic acid is produced, but when inflammation occurs, the cells are stressed and the body is weakened. Take 100mg R-lipoic acid three times a day with meals.

 

Prevention of bronchitis

 

The most important prevention of chronic bronchitis is not to smoke and to avoid smoky environments.

 

Wear an appropriate protective mask against dust, vapours, exhaust fumes and other pollutants.

 

To avoid catching viral bronchitis, wash your hands frequently and keep them away from your face, especially when in contact with other people who have a cold. Keep your nose and sinuses clear with saline solutions.

Vitamin C helps to fight viral diseases. Vitamin C is particularly effective in combination with bioflavonoids.