Recent surveys has pegged the figure of people suffering from chronic bronchitis greater than seven million in United States alone.
Presented below are few natural treatments to alleviate chronic bronchitis and help prevent attacks. Just a word of caution prior to beginning any of the natural treatments consult with your health care provider.
Increase the Intake of Vitamins and Minerals
One way to effectively combat the dangerous effects of long term inflammatory response is to promote healing of the bronchi by increasing intake of vitamins A and vitamin C. research has shown doses of 5000IU vitamin A and 1000 mgs of Vitamin C as producing salubrious effects during severe episodes in patients afflicted with chronic bronchitis. Another group of researchers have discovered a positive effect between cayenne pepper and bronchitis.
Aromatherapy
Use of various aromatic oils containing eucalyptus extracts and oils as a base, is also said to give desired effects in patients afflicted with chronic bronchitis, the basis of this therapy is the beneficial effect of steam and fragrant oils which cause opening of the bronchi as a result of moisture which also affects the viscosity of mucus and after such a session it can be effectively cleared out.
Foods
Like many other lung diseases there has been found a correlation between bronchitis and diet and there are some dietary items that are a strict no no, at the very top of the list are milk products. dietary items labeled good for eating comprise of cayenne pepper and its supplements, Vitamins specifically Vitamin A, C, E for their antioxidant and antibacterial actions.
Herbs
One of thetechniques to achieverelief from chronic troubles is to use herbs, naturally occurring herbs and plants form the basis of ancient Indian and Chinese medicinal therapies. Herbs that can be used are easy to get and include thyme, eucalyptus, ginko, echinacea tincture to name a few. boil each herb with hot water drain it and consume the water for beneficial effects, steam inhalations with these herbs can also helpdislodge sticky mucus plugs.
Exercises and breathing
Increasing numbers of patients afflicted with chronic bronchitis are finding respite by following some or different form of exercise protocols. This method helps by improving ventilation perfusion ratio by expanding the chest wall as a result of improved physical activity levels even the Pa 02 indicators show a marked improvement. Those suffering can choose from a variety of respiratory exercises ranging from techniques as simple as running and correct stretching to complex methods like yogic asnas and tai chi. A recent study determined decreased use of steroids in those undergoing regular exercise technique.