Bronchitis is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes which carry air to the lungs. This disease is endemic to cold damp climates but may strike anywhere. It refers to the inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the bronchial tubes within the lungs. Bronchitis may be acute or chronic. In chronic cases, the disease is of long duration and more serious.

Causes and symptoms

Even though it is carried by certain germs, the susceptibility of certain constitutions cannot be denied. Ayurveda ascribes it to impairment of the digestive processes, and the remedies selected for its cure are those which help restore the digestive balance too.

There is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchi to which phlegm adheres, and there is difficulty in expelling it. The phlegm when expelled is found to be sticky, viscid and may be purulent. Due to the tendency of the viscid phlegm to stick to the bronchi, there is difficulty in breathing and the lungs are starved of air.

A fit of coughing may turn the face of the patient blue. Bronchitis patients are thin and emaciated. In its acute form, bronchitis may result in a rise of temperature, breathlessness and loss of appetite. Other symptoms are hoarseness of voice and pain in the chest. If proper care is not taken and the disease becomes chronic, it may deteriorate into continuous breathlessness.

An important cause of bronchitis is smoking. Excessive smoking irritates the bronchial tubes and lowers their resistance, so that they become vulnerable to germs breathed in from the atmosphere. Other causes are living or working in a stuffy atmosphere, use of drugs to suppress earlier diseases and hereditary factors. Changes in weather and environment hasten the onset of the disease.

Diet and other regimen

Curds and sour substances should be avoided. Banana and guava fruits are contraindicated in this malady. One should follow a well balanced diet comprising of seeds, nuts, grains, raw vegetables and fresh fruits.

Smoking is contraindicated and consumption of liquor is reduced to the minimum. Excessive exposure to cold and damp should be avoided.

Fresh air and outdoor exercise are also essential for the treatment of bronchitis. The patient can have a morning walk every day. Practicing Pranayama are highly beneficial in this disease.

Treatment

Drugs used to treat the symptoms of bronchitis include guaifenesin, and cough depressant dextromethorphan which are usually found in combination to treat the disease.

Sometimes antibiotics are prescribed in case of a bacterial infection which is known when the sputum appears green or yellow. Commonly used antibiotics are amoxicillin, azithromycin and sulfamethoxazole.

Some of the Ayurvedic Medicines that are useful in treating Bronchitis are Vasavaleha, Vasarishta, haridra, Sitopaladi Churna and Khadiradi Vati.

Herbal Pack for Bronchitis

• Praan Rakshak Churna – 1 to 2 teaspoons twice daily after meals

• Brahmi Chyawanprash – 2 teaspoons twice daily with milk

• Curcumin – 2 capsules twice daily