Bronchitis Alleviating the symptoms of Bronchitis with Salt therapy

What are the causes of Bronchitis?

There are two types of Bronchitis – Acute and Chronic. In both there is an inflammation of the airways, but their causes and traditional treatments are different. Chronic bronchitis is usually defined by an inflammation of the airway lining and the subsequent production of mucous (sputum) which leads to a narrowing and ultimately an obstruction in the airways. This in turn can make bacterial lung infections more likely and can be a sign of serious lung disease.

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection or bacterial infection and will usually heal without complications. As acute Bronchitis is triggered by infections it follows that it is most virulent in the winter and the colder months. Acute bronchitis usually resolves within two weeks, although the cough may persist longer. Acute bronchitis, like any upper airway inflammatory process, can increase a person’s likelihood of developing pneumonia.

What are the treatments for Bronchitis?

The aim of any treatment for Bronchitis is to reduce the inflammation in the Bronchi. Short-term steroid therapy will help minimize inflammation within the bronchial tubes and is useful for acute bronchitis but use of steroids must always be closely monitored due to long term side effects. Topical inhaled steroids may also be of benefit with fewer potential side effects. Because of the abrasive symptoms associated with Bronchitis it is necessary to keep the patient as comfortable as possible. This can be done by treating the fever, pain killers for pain relief, and cough medicine for a violent cough. It is also important the patient does not become dehydrated and so needs to take in a lot of fluids. Encouraging the patient to refrain from such habits as smoking will be useful as nicotine will only irritate the inflammation further.

How can salt therapy help with treatment of Bronchitis?

Salt therapy acts as a powerful complimentary treatment for sufferers with Bronchitis. It can provide relief to the sufferer by expelling the mucus which is clogging the bronchi. Once the mucous becomes looser, the patient is able to release the sputum (or mucous) by coughing it out of their system. Due to the fact that salt therapy humidifies and fluidizes the bronchial secretions in the bronchial tree, children suffering from asthmatic bronchitis often find they can breathe more easily. Salt therapy also attacks bacteria and kills virus which will ultimately reduce the infection which may have triggered the bronchial problems. The therapy is also effective when treating colds by opening nasal airways.