Viral Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a respiratory disease. Both viral and bacterial bronchitis are considered as serious health disorders as they are respiratory diseases caused by particular virus or bacteria. Viral bronchitis is more prevalent than bacterial bronchitis. In case of viral bronchitis, infection in lungs leads to the inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes which are actually the airways in the lungs. Acute viral bronchitis can last for a few days and can go away on its own. If it persists beyond a week, then you should consult your doctor and opt for proper medications. Chronic bronchitis can last for a few months.

Viral Bronchitis Symptoms

• Common Cold
• Excessive secretion of mucus
• Fatigue and malaise
• Soreness in your chest that can feel like constriction or a burning sensation.
• Headache and body ache, with slight fever
• Sore throat
• Cough that brings up sputum, which may be green or yellowish-gray in color.
• Chest congestion and tightness, Wheezing
• Shortness of breath or dyspnea

Smoking, smoke and fumes, inhalation of irritating dust can aggravate this condition. If left untreated, bronchitis can lead to pneumonia.

Viral Bronchitis Treatment

• Antibiotics do not work for bronchitis caused by a virus. Instead, supportive measures to relieve symptoms should be opted for. Drinking warm liquids or lots of fluids can relieve the throat and chest pain. Tea, coffee, warm water, hot soups work great for bronchitis. They help flush out the mucus fast.
• Children have a habit of swallowing sputum. To cure viral bronchitis in children fast, it is necessary that children spit out any mucus they bring up. Mixed mustard in warm water, rubbed on the child's chest is equally beneficial.
• If you want to know how to treat bronchitis naturally, here is a traditional remedy. Heat the mixture of ground ginger (1 teaspoon), cloves (2-3), pepper (2) and then add 1 teaspoon of honey. This mixture can be consumed 3-4 times daily.
• The other traditional remedy is as follows. Soak some fenugreek seeds in water for an hour, boil the water with some ginger and then strain it. You can consume this water after adding a little bit of honey, 4-5 times daily.
• As weakness or fatigue can be noticed, you should opt for healthy food or snacks. For example, almonds can provide more strength. Ground almonds mixed in orange juice can offer long term benefits.
• Herbal tea, with ginger, clove, cinnamon, lemon grass or bay leaves can be very effective in treating bronchitis. It can help you regain your energy.
• If you take a teaspoon of raw onion juice, early in the morning, it will help relieve the morning cough and congestion.
• You can make use of some of the herbs for bronchitis like yarrow and marshmallow. These herbs help get rid of the symptoms and provide relief.
• You can rub garlic oil to the throat which can offer you relief from the itchy sensation and pain.
• Adding a pinch of turmeric in warm milk, before drinking, can prevent the condition from worsening.
• You should avoid smoking as it can worsen the situation.
• Clear chicken soup with ginger and garlic in it or fresh chicken stock with a lot of pepper and ginger in it can help fight viral bronchitis.
• Frequent gargling with warm and salty water is one of the easiest natural remedies for bronchitis.
• Consumption of honey can soothe the irritated throat.

These tips are helpful to treat viral bronchitis at home but if the symptoms do not subside, then you should consult your physician. Taking into consideration the overall health of the patient and the other prevailing health problems, if any, a physician can always guide well and suggest proper medication.