Obstructive bronchitis involves an inflammatory process in the bronchi, accompanied by spasm and stagnation of sputum. The basis of therapy is to dilute the exudate and normalize its elimination naturally (when coughing). In addition to drug therapy, obstructive bronchitis can be treated with folk remedies. But traditional medicine recipes are unable to cure the disease on their own, so herbal medicine and other methods must be carried out in a comprehensive manner.
Main causes
Bronchial disease of this form has no age restrictions. The inflammatory process can begin in both adults and children. Normally, pathogenic microorganisms are present in the lower respiratory tract and in the body as a whole. When certain factors occur, the infection begins to actively multiply and progress. This may be affected by:
- decrease in the body's defenses;
- chronic form of bronchitis or other lower respiratory tract disease;
- vitamin deficiency;
- frequent colds and infectious diseases;
- hypothermia of the body.
The risk of developing obstructive bronchitis increases significantly if a person is prone to allergies.
Obstructive bronchitis
Obstructive bronchitis is an inflammatory disease in which the normal patency of the bronchi is disrupted.
This disease occurs at any age, since the reasons are quite commonplace:
- infection;
- other inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract (tonsillitis, acute respiratory infections, influenza, ARVI);
- weakened immunity (especially important in winter);
- pathology of the bronchi (when their paths are long and the lumen is narrow);
- severe previous pulmonary diseases;
- unfavorable environmental conditions;
- smoking;
- working in hazardous working conditions;
- hereditary pathology, when the patient has a deficiency of α1-antitrypsin;
- a history of allergic diseases (diathesis, atopic dermatitis, food allergy).
The above reasons develop into weakness, chills, fever, cough and purulent sputum.
In advanced or severe cases, shortness of breath or suffocation is observed.
Signs and symptoms
The pathological process in the bronchi can occur in a latent form. For this reason, the disease is often confused with the common cold. Broncho-obstructive syndrome has the following symptoms:
- Dry paroxysmal cough.
- Increased body temperature.
- Shortness of breath at the slightest physical exertion.
- Obvious wheezing, audible even in a calm state.
To determine specifically which disease caused the above symptoms, the patient needs to undergo general blood and urine tests, undergo a chest x-ray, spirometry, and, as prescribed by the doctor, bronchoscopy.
The earlier treatment is started, the higher the chances of completely eliminating the disease without subsequent relapses.
Infusions and decoctions
Liquids based on medicinal herbs and other useful components are taken to thin the mucus in the bronchi, as well as to calm an attack of dry cough. Let's look at some of the most effective means.
Spring primrose root decoction
The roots of the medicinal plant in dry form can be purchased at the pharmacy. Primrose is an excellent remedy with expectorant properties. It is worth noting that even medicinal herbs have side effects. Therefore, the first dose of the product should be limited to one sip. If no side effects occur, you can drink the decoction according to the instructions. It is important to observe the proportions and dosage of the drug, otherwise nausea and vomiting may occur.
To prepare the decoction, pour two tablespoons of dry primrose into an enamel pan and pour 0.5 liters. cold water. Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Before use, strain and cool to room temperature. Drink 2 tablespoons three times a day, regardless of meals.
Black radish with honey
Based on the reviews, we can conclude that this ancient recipe is able to cope with the liquefaction and removal of sputum no worse than expensive medications.
To prepare the medicine you need to take fresh black radish. Without peeling, make a hole in the center of the vegetable using a knife and remove the core. Put a tablespoon of honey and close the hole with that same core. Leave it for a day. The result is a copious amount of radish juice. Take a tablespoon 3 times a day.
Ginger infusion
In addition to its expectorant properties, ginger can increase the body's defenses and reduce body temperature. For this reason, even doctors recommend taking a drink with ginger, which, when warm, perfectly relieves an attack of dry cough.
Take fresh ginger root. Without peeling, grind the ingredient using a grater. Place the resulting slurry in a liter jar and pour boiling water over it. Leave the medicinal infusion for three hours. Drink 1/3 cup twice a day directly during a coughing attack.
Infusion of tangerine peel
Citrus fruits are the strongest allergen. Be sure to check if you have such a reaction. Tangerine skins must first be dried in a warm, dry place.
Grind the dry peel to a powder. Place two tablespoons of dry raw materials in a liter container and fill with boiling water. We insist for about 6 hours. Drink 1/4 glass on an empty stomach, then at night. The infusion can be used as a preventative measure for a week, then a month off.
Liquorice root
The raw materials for preparing this recipe can be purchased from an online store of medicinal herbs or searched in pharmacy chains. The root should be in dry crushed form.
Pour 2 tablespoons of licorice root into a glass. Add a few drops of olive oil and fill with hot water (90°C). Cover with a lid and wait 3 hours. Take two tablespoons three times a day with meals.
Sage with milk
A tandem based on two components can reduce the manifestation of obstructive bronchitis during the day. Take a liter of cow's milk and pour it into a saucepan. Place on the fire and bring to a boil. Add dry sage to the milk immediately when it boils (3 tablespoons). Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Next, cool the broth and strain. Drink several sips 4 times a day.
In addition to bronchial obstruction, this method copes well with the signs of COPD and pneumonia.
Cranberries with honey
Berries can be used either dry or frozen. Place a handful of fruits in an enamel container and pour boiling water over them. As soon as the liquid reaches room temperature, add two tablespoons of liquid flower honey. Cover with a lid and let it brew for 2 hours. After the time has passed, take the infusion 1/4 cup three times a day.
Prepare decoctions and infusions correctly, carefully observe the proportions and dosage.
Vegetable juices to cure severe wheezing
The woman had chronic bronchitis. She was advised to treat it at home and prepare this folk remedy: mix 200 g of carrot, beet, black radish juice, 200 g of honey and 200 g of alcohol, leave for 24 hours. Take 1 tbsp for any diseases of the lungs and bronchi. l. three times a day before meals. With the help of this remedy, the woman managed to cure chronic bronchitis. At the beginning of treatment, white, hard (like cartilage) sputum came out of the lungs. (2002, no. 14, p. 18,)
This folk recipe helped another woman cure several relatives: her daughter-in-law was cured of chronic bronchitis, and her son was cured of tuberculosis. She infused the mixture for 10 days in a dark, cool place. Dose for adults – 1 tbsp. l. three times a day 20-30 minutes before meals. Should be enough for three weeks. Then take a three week break. 10 days before the end of the break, make a new portion and drink it to the end, although there will be no symptoms of the disease. (2009, no. 13, p. 29)
Rubbing
Another effective folk method for treating obstructive bronchitis is rubbing. In order not to harm the body or aggravate the course of the disease, it is recommended that therapy be carried out at normal body temperature in an adult, preferably at home, since after the manipulation you cannot go outside. Another contraindication is the violation of the integrity of the skin in the area of application of the composition. Let's consider several time-tested recipes for treating pathology.
Butter
Heat a piece of butter in any convenient way until it becomes liquid. The temperature of the melted raw material is 40-42°C. Rub thoroughly into the skin of the chest and back. Cover with a plastic bag, exposure time is 20 minutes. We take a shower to wash off the oil from our skin and lie down under the blanket. In case of chronic pathology, rubbing is carried out in courses.
Lard
It is not very convenient to carry out the procedure yourself, for this reason it is recommended to involve family members. Using a water bath, melt a piece of lard. Bring to room temperature. We carefully rub the skin of the chest and back with our hands. Cover with plastic wrap and leave for 15 minutes. Next, wash off with warm water and soap. We dress warmly and go to bed.
Camphor oil
This component warms up perfectly and stimulates the liquefaction of sputum. The procedure is performed in the same way as those listed above.
The composition should be applied exclusively to the chest, without touching the heart area.
Treatment of obstructive bronchitis with drugs
If you notice symptoms of the disease, do not hesitate. You need to see a therapist or pediatrician as soon as possible.
The course of obstructive bronchitis may be complicated by other symptoms.
Therefore, standard methods are used to eliminate the cause and traditional medicine to reduce the severity of symptoms.
Conservative therapy
After making a diagnosis, the doctor prescribes bronchodilator and antispasmodic therapy.
Bronchodilators are necessary to relieve spasms of the small bronchi.
Most often, Atropine, Berodual, Salbutomol or Berotec are prescribed in the form of aerosols.
Antispasmodics are intended to prevent muscle spasms of the larger bronchi.
The drugs used here are Drotaverine, No-Shpa, Papaverine, etc.
When sputum is produced, expectorants are prescribed (for example, Acetylcysteine or Lazolvan).
In addition, daily inhalation procedures and a hypoallergenic diet are prescribed.
To prevent bronchitis from developing into pneumonia, the patient is prescribed antibiotics.
In advanced or severe cases, the patient is admitted to a hospital under special supervision.
It must be said that you should absolutely not purchase medications on your own to get rid of obstructive bronchitis.
The disease is quite serious, so you can make your situation even worse.
Medicines should be prescribed by a doctor and only after an examination.
Inhalations
If your body temperature is normal, you can do steam inhalations based on traditional medicine recipes. It is recommended to carry out the procedure at night, no more than once a day. You need to inhale the vapors for no more than 10-15 minutes. It is worth noting that after such manipulations the cough intensifies. Don't be alarmed, this is the norm. In the bronchi, the cough reflex normalizes, sputum becomes more liquid and comes out naturally.
Essential oils
You will need peach, almond, cedar or pine oil. Pour 2 liters of ordinary water into a container and put it on fire. The water should boil for about 5 minutes. Then close the pan with a lid and place it on a chair. We bend our heads over the pan and cover ourselves with the blanket along with our heads. After opening the lid, add 10 drops of oil and begin to breathe intensively.
Medicinal herbs
Dry St. John's wort, licorice root, juniper and marshmallow are used. The herbs are mixed in equal proportions. Place the raw materials in boiling water and close the container with a lid. The procedure is identical to that described above.
Potato
Boil the potatoes in their jackets as usual. The vegetable must be completely cooked. Breathing over potatoes is allowed for no more than 10 minutes. At the end of steam inhalation, you need to dress warmly and go to bed.
Characteristic symptoms
Doctors say that obstructive bronchitis in adults can be suspected even at the initial stage. It is best to discuss the symptoms and treatment of the pathology with your doctor. After all, making a diagnosis on your own, let alone selecting therapy, can be very dangerous.
The manifestation of signs of the disease depends on the cause of the disease.
If an acute form of the disease develops as a result of a viral infection, the patient most often experiences the following clinical picture:
- Cough. Dry at first, sputum begins to be produced over time. In acute bronchitis, the cough lasts from one to two weeks. If it does not disappear for a long time, then, most likely, bronchitis has become chronic.
- Very high temperature (reaches 39 degrees).
When acute bronchitis occurs as a result of a bacterial infection, it can be mistaken for a common cold. After all, the symptoms are very reminiscent of such ailments: low fever, wet cough, general state of weakness.
Acute obstructive bronchitis can be cured within a week. Of course, if it is diagnosed in time and the correct therapy is carried out.
If chronic obstructive bronchitis is observed in adults, the symptoms of the pathology are as follows:
- constant cough, worse in the morning;
- body temperature is mostly normal;
- developing shortness of breath, which can only be treated at an early stage.
