Bronchitis

Bronchitis generally refers to an acute inflammation of the air passages within your lungs. It occurs when your trachea (windpipe) and the large and small bronchi (airways) in your lungs become inflamed because of infection or other causes.

The thin mucous lining of these airways can become irritated and swollen. The cells that make up this lining may leak fluids in response to the inflammation. Coughing is a reflex that works to clear secretions from your lungs. Often the discomfort of a severe cough leads you to seek medical treatment.

Both adults and children can get bronchitis. Symptoms are similar for both. Infants usually get bronchiolitis, which involves the smaller airways and causes symptoms similar to asthma.

Causes of Bronchitis:
Bronchitis occurs most often during the cold and flu season, usually coupled with an upper respiratory infection. Several viruses cause bronchitis , including influenza A and B, which we commonly call "the flu". A number of bacteria are known to cause bronchitis, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which causes so—called walking pneumonia. Bronchitis also can occur when you inhale irritating fumes or dusts. Chemical solvents and smoke, including tobacco smoke, have been linked to acute bronchitis. People at increased risk both of getting bronchitis  and of having more severe symptoms include the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, smokers, and anyone with repeated exposure to lung irritants.

Symptoms of Bronchitis:
Acute bronchitis  most commonly occurs after an upper respiratory infection such as the common cold or a sinus infection. Therefore, you may see symptoms such as fever with chills, muscle aches, nasal congestion, and sore throat. cough is a common symptom of bronchitis. The cough may be dry or may produce phlegm. Significant phlegm production suggests that your lower respiratory tract and the lung itself may be infected and you may have pneumonia. The cough may last for more than two weeks. Continued forceful coughing may make your chest and abdominal muscles sore. Cough can be severe enough at times to injure the chest wall or even cause you to pass out. Wheezing may occur because of the inflammation of your airways. This may leave you short of breath.

Treatments for Bronchitis:
When to call the doctor - Although most cases of bronchitis clear up on their own, some people may have complications that their doctor can ease. Severe coughing that interferes with rest can be reduced with prescription cough  medications. Wheezing may respond to an inhaler with albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), which dilates your airways. If fever continues beyond four to five days, see your doctor for a physical examination to rule out pneumonia. See a doctor if you have coughing up blood, rust—colored sputum, or an increased amount of green phlegm.

Self Care at Home:
By far the majority of bronchitis cases stem from viral infections. This means that most cases of bronchitis are short—term and require nothing more than treatment of symptoms to relieve discomfort.

Antibiotics will not cure a viral illness. Experts in infectious diseases have been warning for years that overuse of antibiotics is allowing many bacteria to become resistant to the antibiotics available. Doctors sometimes prescribe antibiotics because they feel pressured by people's expectations to receive them. This expectation has been fuelled by both misinformation in the media and marketing by drug companies. Don't expect to receive a prescription for an antibiotic if your infection is caused by a virus.

Drinking fluids is very important because fever causes the body to lose fluid faster. Lung secretions will be thinner and thus easier to clear when you are well hydrated. A cool mist vaporizer or humidifier can help decrease bronchial irritation.

An over—the—counter cough suppressant may be helpful. Preparations with guaifenesin (Robitussin, Breonesin, Siltussin) will loosen secretions; dextromethorphan (Benylin, Pertussin, Trocal, Vicks 44) suppresses cough.

Aromatherapy treatment - aims at combating the infection, reducing the fever, easing the cough  and expelling mucus and there are a lot of different essential oils which can be of value to the sufferer. These essential oils have been split into groups to make it easier to identify the correct ones.

Oils can be used in inhalations, massage to the chest and back or a bath. They can also be used in an oil burner.

Essential Oils for a Cough which is dry and painful:
Benzoin, Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Sandalwood.

Essential Oils for Lowering fever:
Bergamot, Eucalyptus. Essential Oils which have expectorant qualities: Basil, Benzoin, Bergamot, Marjoram, Myrrh, Sandalwood, Thyme.

For more detailed information about each oil please see each product.

Sandalwood Essential Oil- Amyris Balsamifera (10ml)

Sandalwood is one of the best essential oils to use in the treatment of chronic bronchitis. It is a good oil to use for oily skins and acne and is often liked by teenage boys as it has a masculine scent as well as helping to sooth itches and rashes.

£5.60

Basil Essential Oil - Ocimum Basillicum (10ml)

An uplifting oil which is good for muscular aches and pains, respiratory infections and for insect bites.

£4.50

Bergamot Essential Oil - Citrus Bergamia (10ml)

Bergamot is a valuable oil for tension and anxiety. It can help with conditions such as cystitis and urethritis as well as being great for skin conditions such as acne.

£6.80

Eucalyptus Essential Oil - Eucalyptus Globulus (10ml)

Eucalyptus is best loved for its ability to help with chest infections and blocked up noses. However it is also great for muscular aches, colds sores, herpes or burns and makes a useful and natural painkiller.

£4.50

Lavender Essential Oil - Lavandula Abrialis (10ml)

Lavender has been used continuously for thousands of years and its popularity has only ever increased. If you could have no other essential oil in your house, then Lavender would be the prime choice: It has a wide range of uses and is a natural antibiotic, anti-depressant, sedative and de-toxifier.

£3.30

Marjoram Essential Oil - Origanum Marjorana (10ml)

Marjoram as we might expect can help with the digestion. It is useful for bruises and chilblains. Marjoram can also have a warming effect on the mental and emotional level and can help people suffereing from grief.

£7.50

Myrrh Essential Oil - Commiphora Myrrha (10ml)

Myrrh is good for many skin conditions including woulds, weeping sores, athletes foot and cracked skin. Useful for chest infections and can help with diarhhoea and stomach pains.

£13.00