Bronchitis Home Remedies

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, or bronchi, which carry air to and from your lungs. It’s usually caused by a viral infection, producing a deep cough that, in turn, brings up yellowish gray matter from your lungs. A common condition, acute bronchitis often develops from a cold or other respiratory infection. Chronic bronchitis, a more serous condition, is a constant irritation or inflammation of the bronchi, often due to smoking.

Signs and symptoms of bronchitis may include:

• Cough
• Production of mucus, either clear or white, or yellowish gray or green in color
• Shortness of breath, made worse by mild exertion
• Wheezing
• Fatigue
• Slight fever and chills
• Chest discomfort

Besides the basic guidelines of getting plenty of rest and drinking plenty of fluids, the following suggestions can help make you more comfortable, speed recovery, prevent complications and help control symptoms:

• Avoid exposure to irritants, such as tobacco smoke. Don't smoke. Wear a mask when the air is polluted or if you're exposed to irritants, such as paint or household cleaners with strong fumes.
• Use a humidifier in your room. Warm, moist air helps relieve coughs and loosens mucus in your airways. But be sure to clean the humidifier according to the manufacturer's recommendations to avoid the growth of bacteria and fungi in the water container.
• Use over-the-counter medications. To relieve pain and lower a high fever, acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) may help.
• Consider a face mask outside. If cold air aggravates you cough and causes shortness of breath, put on a cold-air face mask before you go outside.
• Try pursed-lip breathing. If you have chronic bronchitis, you may breathe too fast. Pursed-lip breathing helps slow your breathing and may make you feel better. Take a deep breath, then slowly breathe out through your mouth while pursing your lips (hold them as if you're going to kiss someone). Repeat. This technique increases the air pressure in your airways.

Short-lived (acute) bronchitis usually disappears in a matter of days. Contact a doctor if you experience shortness of breath or a fever of 101 F or higher for more than three days. If you cough lasts for more than 10 days with no end in sight, seek medical attention.