How to Relieve Bronchitis Symptoms

By Traci Vandermark

Overview

Bronchitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the passages to the lungs. There are two types: acute, which is usually caused by a virus or bacterial infections, and chronic, a sometimes permanent form of bronchitis that afflicts smokers and those with emphysema. No matter what type of bronchitis, it brings with it a host of unpleasant symptoms such as a wet and wheezing cough, sore throat, fever, headache and inflammation. You can, however, relieve bronchitis symptoms.

How to Relieve Bronchitis Symptoms

Step 1

Avoid cigarette smoke. Smoke contains numerous substances that irritate the lining of the lungs and bronchial passageways. Bronchitis sufferers also need extra oxygen at this time and smoke hampers oxygen absorption.

Avoid smoke
Step 2

Use a humidifier. Humidifiers keep the air moist, and that moisture makes it easier for your lungs to take it in. They also help your mucous membranes retain moisture, which allows your body to function properly and keep bacteria at bay.

Use a humidifier

Step 3

Drink extra water and fluids. In addition to using a humidifier to moisten the air outside of your body, increasing your fluid intake increases beneficial moisture within your body. Tissues and cells need moisture to perform optimally and help rid your body of unwanted bacteria and infection.

Drink more fluids
Step 4

Take a zinc supplement and up your vitamin C intake. Both of these supplements enhance your immune system, which is responsible for resisting and fighting off infections.

Get extra Vitamin C
Step 5

Take a cough medicine that includes "expectorant" on the label. Expectorants help keep your cough loose, relieving the tight, painful chest feeling, and also help you bring up fluid that is sitting in the lungs or bronchial passages, which is necessary for your symptoms to be relieved.

Take an expectorant
Step 6

Reduce your intake of certain foods that can cause inflammation and worsen symptoms. Avoid dairy products, as they produce more mucous in the body. Eggs, nuts, wheat and highly processed foods are highly allergenic and can cause inflammation, even when they are not suspected.
Step 7

Rest. When your body needs extra energy to perform the healing process on the inside, you need to give it some extra time to do that. Don't use up your energy doing unnecessary things. If you can't find the time for a full nap, take 10 minutes and kick your feet up.

Get some extra rest

Skill: Moderate
Ingredients:
Humidifier
Expectorant cough medicine
Vitamin C
Zinc
Tip: When adding extra vitamin C supplements, take half of your dose in the morning and half at night, as too much at once can upset sensitive stomachs. You can also get vitamin C cough drops.
Warning:
If your bronchitis symptoms do not subside or ease up, and your cough remains persistent, make an appointment to see your doctor. You may be in need of an antibiotic, or your symptoms could be the result of another condition.

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