Bronchitis is a common respiratory disease caused by inflammation of the bronchial tubes. These are tubes that carry air from the nose and mouth to the lungs. When the bronchial tubes become inflamed or infected, they produce mucus, which is a thick, sticky substance that can cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and fever. The causes of bronchitis can include colds, flu, allergies, asthma, smoking and other irritants that aggravate the bronchial tubes. The treatment of bronchitis depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, medication or antibiotics may be required. However, in many cases, you can treat bronchitis at home using natural remedies. These can help relieve the symptoms and speed up the recovery.
In this article, you can find out how to get rid of bronchitis naturally with tips, remedies and prevention methods. You can also learn when to see a doctor if your bronchitis persists or worsens.
How to Get Rid of Bronchitis Naturally: Tips
The following tips can help you get rid of bronchitis naturally:
- Inhale steam: Steam can help loosen up the mucus and clear the airways. You can inhale steam in several ways:
- Breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus or lavender oil for extra benefits.
- Take a hot shower or bath.
- Use Vicks VapoRub on your chest or under your nose.
- Drink plenty of fluids: Drinking enough fluids can help thin the mucus and make it easier to cough up. Try sipping liquids like water, juice, broth or tea. You can also add honey or lemon to your drinks for extra soothing effects.
- Use a warm compress on your chest: A warm compress can help relieve chest pain and pressure caused by bronchitis. You can use a towel soaked in warm water or a heating pad on your chest for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day.
- Keep your head elevated: When you have too much mucus in your throat or chest, it may help to sleep propped up on a few pillows or in a reclining chair. Lying flat can make you feel more congested because it may feel like mucus is collecting at the back of your throat.
- Do not suppress a cough: Coughing is your body’s way of clearing mucus from your lungs and throat. It may be tempting to use suppressants when you have a nagging, phlegm-filled cough, but they can make it harder for you to get rid of bronchitis. Use cough syrups sparingly or not at all.
- Get rid of phlegm discreetly: When phlegm rises from your lungs into your throat, your body is likely trying to get rid of it. Spitting it out is healthier than swallowing it. You can use a tissue or a cup to spit out your phlegm discreetly.
How to Get Rid of Bronchitis Naturally: Remedies
The following remedies can help you get rid of bronchitis naturally with natural ingredients:
- Use a saline nasal spray or rinse: A saline spray or irrigator can clear mucus and allergens from your nose and sinuses. Look for sterile sprays that contain only sodium chloride (salt) and use sterile or distilled water when rinsing. You can also make your own saline solution by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water. You can use a bulb syringe or a neti pot to rinse your nasal passages with the saline solution.
- Gargle with salt water: Gargling with salt water can help clear phlegm from the back of your throat and soothe a sore throat. Salt water can help reduce swelling and irritation in your throat². To gargle with salt water, follow these easy steps:
- Mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water.
- Take a sip of the salt water and tilt your head back.
- Gargle the salt water for a few seconds and then spit it out.
- Repeat until you finish the salt water.
- Use honey: Honey is one of the most natural remedies for phlegm and sore throat. Honey soothes the throat, reduces inflammation and kills germs. It also strengthens the immune system. You can consume honey alone or mix it with warm water or herbal teas.
- Consume ginger: Ginger is a widely used herb in the treatment of phlegm. Ginger regulates mucosal health and fights infections in the upper respiratory tract effectively. You can consume ginger, which is an effective antibacterial, in meals and salads as well as tea. To make ginger tea, follow these steps²:
- Peel and chop a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger.
- Boil 4 cups of water in a pot and add the ginger.
- Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes on low heat.
- Strain the tea and add honey or lemon if desired.
- Consume garlic: Garlic is known as a natural antibiotic and is good for phlegm. Garlic kills germs in the throat, reduces inflammation and relaxes the vocal cords. You can eat 1-2 cloves of garlic a day to get rid of your phlegm. You can also make garlic tea by following these steps:
- Peel and chop 3-4 cloves of garlic.
- Boil 2 cups of water in a pot and add the garlic.
- Simmer for 10 minutes on low heat.
- Strain the tea and add honey or lemon if desired.
How to Prevent Bronchitis
Some precautions you can take to prevent bronchitis are as follows:
- Do not smoke: Smoking irritates the throat, damages the vocal cords and causes more mucus to form. Quitting smoking will reduce both your phlegm and other health problems.
- Stay away from allergens: If you have an allergic constitution, try to avoid exposure to allergens. Pollen, dust, animal hair and other allergens can trigger mucus production. To protect yourself from allergens, clean your home frequently, change your bed sheets, ventilate and use an air filter if necessary.
- Strengthen your immune system: To strengthen your immune system, eat healthy, exercise regularly, get enough sleep and avoid stress. Also consume immune-friendly foods such as vitamin C, probiotics, ginger, garlic and so on.
- Stay in humid environments: Humid environments help to loosen mucus and make it easier to expel. You can inhale steam or use humidifiers to keep your airways moist.
Conclusion
Bronchitis is a common respiratory disease caused by inflammation of the bronchial tubes. These are tubes that carry air from the nose and mouth to the lungs. When the bronchial tubes become inflamed or infected, they produce mucus, which is a thick, sticky substance that can cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and fever.
The causes of bronchitis can include colds, flu, allergies, asthma, smoking and other irritants that aggravate the bronchial tubes. The treatment of bronchitis depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, medication or antibiotics may be required. However, in many cases, you can treat bronchitis at home using natural remedies. These can help relieve the symptoms and speed up the recovery. In this article, you found out how to get rid of bronchitis naturally with tips, remedies and prevention methods. You also learned when to see a doctor if your bronchitis persists or worsens. If your bronchitis lasts long or is severe, consult your doctor. We wish you healthy days!