Ways To Treat Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a type of respiratory issue often caused by infections, illnesses, or exposure to pollutants. When the bronchial tubes are repeatedly irritated, their lining can get inflamed, causing a thick, hacking cough to develop. Individuals with bronchitis may cough up mucus, feel fatigued, have chest pain, or develop a fever. It may take up to a few weeks for the symptoms to improve with acute bronchitis, and bronchitis may develop into a chronic condition if the lungs are severely damaged from smoking. If you or a loved one has bronchitis, there are a few things you can do to reduce the severity of symptoms and boost comfort.

Drink Plenty Of Fluids

A lot of treatment for bronchitis is similar to the treatment for the common cold or flu that may have caused bronchitis to develop in the first place. Patients must drink lots of fluid to keep their body as hydrated as possible. Proper hydration will reduce blood pressure and make the blood thinner, so it cuts down on inflammation in the tiny capillaries surrounding the bronchial tubes. Hydration is also helpful because it thins the mucus the body is producing, which may make it easier to cough out the mucus clogging airways and making it hard to breathe. Even if you are not a fan of water, it is important to drink plenty of clear fluids. You may find it easier to keep down herbal teas, clear broths, electrolyte beverages, or fresh fruit juices. However, avoid anything with excessive sugar or caffeine. High sugar levels make inflammation worse, and caffeine is a diuretic that can make the body lose water.

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Increase Rest Levels

When the body is fighting off an infection or illness, it needs all the rest it can get. If you try to deal with bronchitis while still working all day and barely getting enough sleep, recovery may take a lot more time. It is important to take it very easy when recovering from bronchitis. If possible, skip work and school and relax at home for several days. At the very least, make sure you are getting over eight hours of sleep each night. Being properly rested will help to strengthen the immune system and reduce chronic inflammation throughout the body. It might seem boring to spend all day lying around, but you will find it is actually fairly easy to increase rest when you are sick with bronchitis. The illness tends to cause fatigue, so patients will most likely end up napping more than usual anyway.

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