Bronchitis – What it is, Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

• Cough with the presence of mucus.
• Snoring or wheezing in the chest.
• Fatigue.
• Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath.
• Fever and chills.
• Chest discomfort.
• Even after acute bronchitis has disappeared , you may still have a dry, bothersome cough that goes on for several weeks.

Other symptoms of chronic bronchitis include:

• Swelling in the ankles, feet and legs.
• Purple lips due to low oxygen level.
• Frequent respiratory infections such as colds or flu.

Diagnosis of Bronchitis: Clinical evaluation taking into account the patient’s symptoms and history is the main way to detect the disease, but the doctor may also order tests such as chest x-ray and lung function tests. Also, see a specialist if:

• Cough almost every day or have a cough that comes and goes frequently.
• You are coughing up blood.
• You have a fever or chills.
• Have a low-grade fever for three days or more.
• Have thick, greenish mucus, especially if it smells bad.
• Feeling short of breath or chest pain.
• If you have an underlying chronic illness, such as heart or lung disease.

Treatment for Bronchitis: In acute bronchitis , the problem persists for about one to two weeks. When triggered by a virus, it disappears on its own. If it is motivated by the action of some bacteria, it may require the use of antibiotics – even so that microorganisms do not proliferate towards other points in the respiratory system. In addition to avoiding direct contact with the causative agents, measures such as hydration, adopting a vaporizer for the environment and taking painkillers and decongestants already help a lot, in addition to a lot of rest.

When the problem manifests itself for three months or more for two years in a row, bronchitis can already be classified as chronic, more dangerous because of the risk of turning into pneumonia if not properly treated. Since cigarette smoke is the main cause, not smoking is a critical step (as is avoiding places where people are smoking, so you’re not a passive smoker). It is always worth remembering that smoking is also related to other diseases, including cancer.

Prevention of Bronchitis: To prevent bronchitis attacks from occurring, it is essential to eliminate the source of the problem. In the case of acute, avoiding exposure to the smell of chemical agents, such as perfume and paint, is an excellent start. In addition, those who have a contract to work with chemical products, which cause irritation, for example, cannot give up using the proper safety equipment to prevent exposure to this agent.

At home, you need to sanitize to prevent mold, dust and the accumulation of pet hair. In the case of chronic bronchitis , the best way to avoid the problem is to stop smoking. In addition, Today there are a number of remedies and alternative therapies to try to stop smoking, is , If the crises are frequent, you need to look for the doctor, because you are probably being poorly medicated. This is a warning sign.

Foods that Help Improve Bronchitis: Adding some specific foods to the menu can help (and a lot!) in combating uncomfortable crises. That’s because they have anti-inflammatory action, taking the problem far away.

Broccoli: Present in both hot and cold dishes, the vegetable has sulforaphane, a substance that helps eliminate bacteria that affect the lungs. It is the function of these organs to repel small dust particles as well as foreign bacteria that enter through the air. People who have impaired lung capacity – in the case of asthmatic smokers – cannot perform this function very well, so consuming broccoli is a great choice to meet this need.

Citrus fruits: Orange , Lemon , Kiwi , among other fruits equally rich in Vitamin C , are recommended for those who suffer from asthma or bronchitis . Vitamin C is a nutrient that manages to more effectively regulate the release of histamine, one of the precursors of the crisis. In addition, those who have these pathologies are deficient in this vitamin.

Sources of Vitamin A: Present in foods such as Carrots , Pumpkin , Spinach , Watercress , Mango , among others, Vitamin A prevents damage caused by free radicals, as well as helping to treat asthma and bronchitis . In addition, it helps in the regeneration of respiratory tissue when it is injured. This nutrient also helps to regulate the production of mucus, a substance that, accompanied by the ciliary movement present inside the lung, promotes the cleaning of the organ, eliminating threats such as viruses and bacteria.

Sources of Vitamin D: Found in chestnuts, wheat germ and even in some fish, such as cod, Vitamin D may be, in the near future, the hope of many asthmatics. An article published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology showed that the vitamin helped to lessen the symptoms of the disease. In another study, carried out by King’s College, London, showed low levels of vitamin D in asthmatic patients. Another way to guarantee the nutrient is through sun exposure. However, this contact should take place in the morning until 10 am or in the afternoon after 4 pm for about 15 minutes.

Onion: With a strong taste and smell, onion is a food that should be included in the menu of those who have asthma or bronchitis. The spice makes it difficult for bacteria to act, as it strengthens the immune system. In addition, onion relieves inflammation of the membranes and facilitates sweating and breathing.

Rich in Omega 3:  Flaxseed , canola and fish such as Sardines , Tuna and Salmon are sources of omega 3, fat that promotes several benefits to the body. In addition, Omega 3 has an important function of reducing the production of substances called prostaglandins, which have a vasoconstrictor action, that is, they reduce the diameter of the bronchi, one of the signs of an asthmatic crisis. It is also an excellent antioxidant, which helps fight free radicals resulting from the inflammatory process.

The Foods That Are the Villains of Bronchitis:

Industrialized:  Full of dyes and preservatives, industrialized foods (soft drinks, pasta and ready-made seasonings) can cause allergies, aggravating for those who suffer from asthma or bronchitis . Another problem arising from the consumption of these foods is the excess of sodium, sugar and other components that can trigger diseases such as obesity, diabetes or even hypertension.

Saturated Fats:  Present in foods such as pizza and fried foods, this fat can facilitate obesity, inflammation that can make life even more difficult for asthma sufferers. In addition, excess adipose tissue – a characteristic of obese people, makes it difficult for the diaphragm, the main organ responsible for breathing, to function.

Excess carbohydrates: Excessive  consumption of foods rich in carbohydrates, such as cakes, breads and pasta in general, among others, can harm those who suffer from asthma or bronchitis . In addition, these foods increase the carbon dioxide output, requiring more work from the pulmonary alveoli to carry out gas exchange. In this way, it is best to moderate consumption, in addition to preferring wholegrain versions, which are rich in fiber, nutrients that are super important for the body.

Foods that can often trigger asthma attacks, such as eggs, chocolate, peanuts, milk and their derivatives, should be avoided as they are ingredients that cause food allergies.

Tips and Recommendations:

• Wash your hands often;
• Do not inhibit productive coughing;
• Wear a mask or other protective equipment if you are subject to inhalation of irritating elements;
• Gather all your strength and try to stop smoking. If you can’t, try to smoke less and avoid places where people are smoking;
• Drink plenty of water, as it helps to dilute bronchial secretions and facilitates expectoration;
• Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other respiratory communicable diseases;
• Avoid staying for a long time in air-conditioned environments or in places with excessively dry air.