The term bronchitis means an inflammatory process that occurs in the mucous membrane of the bronchi. Specialists distinguish between acute and chronic bronchitis - the first arises due to a variety of reasons, starting with viruses and infectious pathogens and ending with exposure to certain allergic factors. The second type of bronchitis - chronic - occurs as a result of progressive inflammation of the bronchi, being one of the most common lung diseases.
Is it possible to treat bronchitis at home, or if specialist help is needed - this is the question many people ask. Experts answer this: an integrated approach works best. The fight against the acute form of the disease begins with the suppression of its pathogens, for which the doctor prescribes a course of antibiotics, sulfonamides, as well as their combinations with vitamins. In the future, you can continue the treatment of bronchitis at home - with mandatory bed rest, patients giving up bad habits (especially smoking), as well as massages and physiotherapy exercises. This period of the fight against the disease is very important, since in the absence or insufficiency of treatment it can turn into a chronic form, which will be much more difficult to cope with.
Chronic bronchitis is treated long and thoroughly, regardless of what stage it is at - exacerbations or relief. In case of exacerbation, it is recommended to take antibiotics, expectorant and thinning sputum, as well as constant heavy drinking, special gymnastics for the respiratory tract and physiotherapeutic methods, including electrical procedures, mustard plasters, wraps (mustard), warming compresses and inhalations.
The latter method is very convenient for those who want to treat bronchitis at home. They can carry out inhalations on their own, not only to combat the disease, but also to prevent it. However, it should be remembered that this procedure can be dangerous for some diseases, therefore, experts recommend that people with cardiovascular insufficiency, hypertension and pneumonia treat it with caution. In addition, it should be remembered that it is possible to cure bronchitis at home, subject to certain rules: inhalation should be done after meals, not earlier than one and a half to two hours; at the same time, one cannot be distracted by conversation or, especially, reading. The patient's clothing should not impede breathing or squeeze the neck - it is necessary to inhale without tension. In addition, for an hour after inhalation it is forbidden to smoke and eat food, it is worth limiting the conversation.
The easiest way is steam inhalation over a container of boiling water, in which, on the recommendation of a doctor, certain medicinal substances are added (chamomile, juniper, sage and many other medicinal herbs are excellent). When the water begins to boil, it is necessary to make a funnel of thick paper, the dense part of which will close the container, and begin to inhale the vapor through the narrow part. In order for the treatment of bronchitis at home to be effective, as the water cools down, boiling water can be added to the container, not forgetting to replenish the appropriate amount of medication. It is also useful to breathe over the steam from the pan, covering your head with a towel. You can continue inhalation for up to three minutes, once or twice a day.
As already mentioned, breathing exercises are also useful for combating diseases of the upper respiratory tract . For example, the “whistling” exercise is important for training and strengthening the diaphragm and respiratory muscles, as well as for cleaning the bronchi. To complete the exercise, you need to sit evenly, take a deep breath, widely spread your arms apart. Then slowly exhale with a whistling sound. Such treatment of bronchitis at home - not more than twice a day for 10 minutes - will help get rid of many problems and improve the respiratory system.