Overview 

Bronchitis is a condition in which the lining of the bronchi in the lungs become infected and inflamed, resulting in increased mucous, dry cough, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. Most cases of bronchitis clear up without medical intervention within a few days, although a cough may continue to linger for weeks. However, there are two forms of bronchitis that are associated with different causes and risk—acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. 

In acute bronchitis, the culprit is usually viral and often caused by the same type of infection that brings on influenza or the common cold. Typically, symptoms first appear as a sore throat or a sinus infection, and the infection later spreads to the airways of the lungs. 

Chronic bronchitis is a form of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) where the inflammation of the bronchial lining has become permanent. This form of bronchitis is generally caused by chronic exposure to environmental or occupational pollutants, as well as a history of smoking. 

Risk Factors 

Smoking  Those who smoke or who are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke are at increased risk of developing bronchitis. 

Lowered immunity  Diminished immune functioning can lower resistance to viral infections. 

Environmental irritants  Chronic exposure to pollutants or occupational materials, such as grains, chemicals, or certain textiles. 

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also be a cause of chronic cough brought on my constant irritation to the throat and esophagus due to the regurgitation of stomach acids. 

Symptoms and Diagnosis 

Recognizing the symptoms and diagnosing bronchitis isn’t always an easy task. For one thing, other conditions, such as recurring sinus infections or asthma, can produce the same symptoms as bronchitis. Furthermore, while the average person produces up to several tablespoons of sputum (mucous) each day, these secretions are not always coughed up when bronchitis is present. 

However, a cough that produces a mucous discharge is a primary symptom of bronchitis. If this condition lasts for more than three months, it is usually attributed to chronic bronchitis. In addition, if the mucous discharge is colored instead of being clear, it’s an indication of a secondary infection. The presence of blood in the phlegm always warrants immediate medical attention. 

Typical Signs of Bronchitis

Soreness or heavy feeling in the chest

Congestion of the lungs or sinus cavities

Shortness of breath

Wheezing

Sore throat

Mild fever accompanied by chills

Fatigue 

Diagnosis 

In addition to listening to the lungs with a stethoscope, the physician may use one or more of the following diagnostic tools to determine the incidence of bronchitis: 

X-rays of the chest and lungs

Sputum culture to check for the presence of bacteria

Pulmonary function test (PFT) to measure the intake capacity of your lungs and the volume of air expelled when exhaling. 

Natural Prevention and Management of Bronchitis 

Once bronchitis has taken hold, there is little that can be done to stop its occurrence. In fact, antibiotics have little effect in countering most viral-based bronchitis. Still, bronchitis is a condition for which many physicians have needlessly prescribed antibiotics. In response, the US Center for Disease Control and American College of Physicians have both produced literature that offers guidance toward appropriate distribution of antibiotics to help avoid the creation and spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. 

This does not mean that antibiotic therapy has no place in treating bronchial infections at all. According to the above-named organizations, the only viral form of bronchitis that should be treated with antibiotics is pertussis, the virus that causes whopping cough. However, there is also some evidence that bronchitis triggered by the influenza virus may positively respond to antibiotics engineered to attack this specific virus. In addition, if you are at risk for developing a serious secondary infection, your physician may prescribe an antibiotic. 

Prevention and early intervention are essential to avert a full-blown infection and its progression to acute bronchitis. The following are some simple guidelines to reduce this risk: 

Prevention 

Minimize exposure to viruses by avoiding contact with infected people.

Wash hands frequently.

Avoid touching the eyes and nose throughout the day.

Reduce oxidative stress and boost immunity by adhering to a healthy diet.

Consider getting the flu vaccine if you are a health care worker, are over the age of 65, or if you have another chronic medical condition. 

Intervention 

Get adequate rest and sleep.

Drink lots of liquids to stay hydrated and to help thin out mucous.

Use a humidifier in the bedroom to help loosen congestion.

Increase your intake of antioxidants from natural food sources and supplements. 

Recommended Supplements in the Treatment of Bronchitis 

Vitamin C 

A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C helps to reduce the production of cytokines, which promote free radicals and inflammation. Several studies indicate that vitamin C supplementation can significantly assist white blood cells in combating viral infections, thereby helping to deter the development of full-blown bronchitis. In these studies, subjects given vitamin C reported experiencing improvement and faster recovery over decongestants and pain relievers, even when respiratory infections existed.

Vitamin E 

Researchers believe that this vitamin plays a role in supporting immune function by inhibiting protein kinase C and regulating monocyte production. Vitamin E is also a potent antioxidant that protects cells from damage by neutralizing free radicals. 

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 

NAC is a precursor of glutathione, which is essential for ridding the body of toxins. NAC has long been valued for its mucolytic properties and is often recommended for patients with respiratory infections or COPD. In fact, studies have shown that long-term NAC supplementation is beneficial to patients prone to chronic bronchitis. 

Zinc 

Zinc is necessary for a strong immune system. In fact, zinc has a direct effect on more than 100 enzymes in the body. Researchers also believe that zinc provides a strong defense against viral invasions, including inhibiting the virus that causes the common cold, or rhinovirus.  

Omega-3 

Omega-3 fatty acids inhibit arachidonic acid, in turn reducing the production of leukotrienes that cause inflammation.

Herbs Used in the Treatment of Bronchitis 

Green Tea 

Tea leaves contain catechins and phenols, which are potent antioxidants that deter free radical damage. Green tea is far less processed than regular black tea, preserving the catechin content and, more specifically, the substance epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). These agents have been shown to inhibit virtually all forms of the influenza virus. 

Elderberry 

The extract of elderberries has been found to inhibit viral hemagglutinin, or the process by which invading viruses attack and penetrate healthy cells. In fact, the extract neutralizes the viral enzyme responsible for this action. Studies have found that elderberry extract combats at least 10 varieties of the influenza virus. 

Turmeric 

Curcumin, the active component of this herb, inhibits nuclear factor kappa beta, which is responsible for a variety of inflammatory responses. Aside from this benefit, curcumin also possesses potent antioxidant properties. 

Pineapple 

The medicinal constituent of the pineapple is the substance bromelain, an enzyme with demonstrated mucolytic properties. 

Safety Precautions 

Vitamin C 

Vitamin C increases the absorption and storage of iron, so supplementation should be monitored if you have kidney disease or hemochromatosis. 

Vitamin C supplementation may increase the occurrence of kidney stones. 

High doses may increase or decrease blood glucose levels. 

Vitamin E 

Supplementation should be monitored by a physician if you are also taking warfarin or other blood thinners. 

Zinc 

Zinc interferes with the absorption of many substances, including fluoroquinolones (e.g. ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, gatifloxacin), tetracycline antibiotics, and calcium and phosphorus. Therefore, zinc should be taken at least 2 hours before or after eating or taking medication. 

Large doses (more than 300mg per day) can depress the immune system, in addition to depleting copper. 

Green Tea 

Supplementation should be monitored by a physician if you are also taking warfarin due to an increased risk of bleeding. 

Green tea decreases platelet aggregation and supplementation should be discontinued two weeks before and after any surgical procedure. 

Turmeric 

Consult your physician before taking curcumin if you are also taking warfarin, or other blood thinning or antiplatelet drugs. 

Avoid curcumin if you have history of gallstones since this substance can increase bile production. 

Pineapple 

Check with your doctor before taking bromelain if you are also taking warfarin or other blood thinners. 

References