That deep, dry or wet cough associated with inflammation of the bronchial airways might be bronchitis. Even minimal symptoms of bronchitis can lead to chronic bronchitis, and if left untreated, could develop into pneumonia. Acute bronchitis usually results from a cold, flu, sinusitis, or viral infection. Chronic bronchitis (long lasting and severe) can develop after a case of acute bronchitis (severe), and can include wheezing or breathlessness. Other symptoms include chills, fever, and excessive production of mucus and phlegm.

What Causes Bronchitis?

Both acute and chronic bronchitis can develop from bacteria, viral infections, food allergies, and environmental toxins. Smoking and regular exposure to secondhand smoke can also contribute to the development of bronchitis. Short and relatively mild bouts of bronchitis can lead to large scale infections and pneumonia, if not well treated.

Treatments for Bronchitis

Bronchitis may be prevented with a change in diet, aromatherapy techniques, herbs, improved air quality, and juice therapy. People with recurring bronchitis should be screened for food allergies. Diet improvements and changes before and during a bronchitis episode should include:

• Avoiding sugar, starch, soy, corn, wheat, and soft drinks
• Limiting eggs, dairy, and caffeine
• Eliminating some fruits such as bananas, as they encourage mucus production
• Opening up the air passages with intake of chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and onions; also helpful with the elimination of mucus
• Eating a diet filled with organic, whole foods
• Plenty of pure, fresh water
• Adopting a vegan diet that eliminates meat and dairy completely

Herbs can successfully reduce or treat bronchitis. These are best consumed as a tea or tincture form (tincture works more quickly and with fewer barriers to entering the system):

• Propolis (drop directly into the throat area and breathe in the vapors)
• St. John’s wort
• Echinacea tincture
• Grapefruit seed extract (diluted)
• Anise
• Astragalus
• Coltsfoot
• Garlic
• Ginseng
• Goldenseal
• Peppermint

Other Considerations

Nutritional supplementation is recommended for reversing or preventing recurring bronchitis. Recommended nutrients include vitamin A, vitamin C, beta carotene, zinc, and selenium. Other suggestions include colloidal silver, N acetylcysteine (NAC), thymus gland extract, and bromelain. Alternative therapies may include detoxification therapy, oxygen therapy, and acupuncture.