Natural Ways of Treating Bronchitis

Winter is definitely bronchitis season and many people find themselves succumbing to a bad cough all season long. However, there are ways of treating this type of chronic cough without the condition becoming so alarming that you need to huff on a Bronchodilator all day or take Corticosteroids.  

Studies have also shown that antibiotics are not an effective treatment for chronic bronchitis which is the kind of ailment that seems to stick around all winter and spring for some people.

What is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is the inflammation or obstruction of the bronchi, the medium sized breathing tubes that lead to the lungs. 

Bronchitis can either be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by an infection, which can be bacterial, viral Chlamydia, mycoplasmal or caused by a combination of agents.  It typically follows an upper respiratory infection.

Chronic bronchitis is not necessarily caused by infection and is generally part of a syndrome called COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Chronic bronchitis is defined clinically as a persistent cough that produces sputum (phlegm), for at least three months in two consecutive years.

In both acute and chronic bronchitis there can be a build up of mucus plus coughing, fever, pain in the chest or back, fatigue, sore throat and a case of the chills. 

The cough may be expectorating, in other words – mucus is coughed up. The cough can be wet or dry and wheezing may be present.

Causes of Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by an infection, which can be bacterial, viral Chlamydia, mycoplasmal or caused by a combination of agents.  It typically follows upper respiratory infections.

Chronic bronchitis results from chronic irritation of the lungs such as exposure to cigarette smoke or other noxious fumes. Allergies may also cause chronic bronchitis.

Environmental factors may also play a role. People who live or work in unhealthy environments or who are exposed to too much dampness, cold or dust are more vulnerable to bronchitis than most.

Self Care is Crucial

If it has a viral cause then treating it with antibiotics may make it worse.

Resting in bed during the early stages when fever is present is highly recommended. You should also drink plenty of fluids including water, herbal teas and soups.

Adding moisture to the air by using a humidifier, vaporizer or a pan of water may help. Applying a hot water bottle on the chest and back may also help aid in sleeping and reduce inflammation.

A common treatment for chronic bronchitis is a bronchodilator, which helps to temporarily open constricted bronchii (bronchial tubes.) Short-term acting bronchodialator medications relieve acute attacks of coughing and wheezing. Long-term acting bronchodialotor medications contain steroidal compounds that help relieve chronic conditions.

Above all stay away from smoke and second hand smok!

Taking Care of Your Lungs 

Most cases of acute bronchitis are self-limiting with full recovery in a matter of weeks. Most cases are resolved in twenty to thirty days.  In some cases however the condition can lead to pneumonia. This is more likely to occur in people who also have a chronic respiratory disease.

Over time chronic bronchitis causes the heart and lungs to work harder which can lead to conditions such as pulmonary hypertension, enlargement of the heart and ultimately heart failure. Chronic bronchitis might also cause chronic asthma to develop as well.

Our naturopaths at the Pinewood Natural Health Centre can recommend herbs, natural expectorants, homeopathy, massage, nutritional support and acupuncture that can help  a great deal with this often hard-to-beat condition.

Naturopathic Care of Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis develops from a condition called diverticulosis and is common after age 40. They are small, bulging pouches in your digestive tract about the size of a marble.  The can occur in the oesophagus but are most common in the intestines.

If waste matter becomes trapped in these pouches they can become infected or inflamed.  This is a very painful condition that often gets worse because it becomes far too difficult for the person to eat anything.  The result is a vicious circle with the condition getting worse because the sufferer of diverticulitis is not able to eat without distress.

When digestive distress at this level, there are many ways that a naturopathic doctor can help including acupuncture for pain management and IV therapy to help supply the ailing individual with nourishment that bypasses the digestive system.

Symptoms and Causes of Diverticulitis

A pain in the lower left side of your abdomen usually characterizes diverticulitis. The pain can either come on suddenly or be mild and ache over a period of several days.  This is often accompanied by abdominal tenderness, fever, nausea, and constipation or diarrheal

Less common symptoms are vomiting, bloating, bleeding from the rectum and pain while urinating. Some people also feel pain while wearing a belt or bending over.

Diverticula usually develop when naturally weak places in your colon give way under pressure. What causes this is not exactly known but it is believed to be the result of a decrease of strength and elasticity in the bowel wall that comes with aging.  This comes from not eating enough fibre in the first place.   A lack of exercise can also contribute to this condition that can becomes chronic.

Care and Treatment

Treatment and recovery time depends on the severity of your signs and symptoms.

You may also be advised to temporarily avoid all whole grains, fruits and vegetables so that your colon can rest and heal. Symptoms usually improve in two to four days.

In addition, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to help kill the bacteria causing your infection, however you should know that a naturopathic doctor could suggest alternative remedies that may not kill off all of the friendly bacteria in your gut like antibiotics do.

Hospitalization may be required if you have a severe attack that puts you at risk of bowel obstruction or peritonitis. Food matter can get caught in the pouches of the intestine and cause infection.

If you have a fistula or recurring diverticulitis, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the diseased part of your colon employing a technique called primary bowel resection.

To prevent attacks eating more fibre, drinking large amount of fluids, responding immediately to bowel urges and exercising more often is advisable.

Mild cases of diverticulitis can be treated with rest, changes in your diet, herbal remedies, acupuncture and IV vitamin drips.

For more information or to book a consultation about digestive issues or any health issue you may be experiencing, visit the Pinewood Natural Health Centre website that has a list of full services and products at www.pinewood.ca or call our Toronto Office at  (416)-656- 8100.  We also have an office in Pickering, Ontario at (905)-427-0057. You can also email us at info@pinewoodhealth.ca and we would be happy to answer any question that you have about our holistic health services.