Bronchitis is inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchi, the airways that carry airflow from the trachea into the lungs. Bronchitis is generally divided into two categories, acute and chronic.

Acute bronchitis is characterized by the development of a cough, with or without the production of mucus that is expectorated (coughed up) from the respiratory tract. About 90% of cases of acute bronchitis are caused by viruses, particularly rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, and influenza while bacteria account for fewer than 10%. Bacterias that are responsible tend to be Mycoplasma, Chlamydophila, Bordetella, Streptococcus, and Haemophilus. Acute bronchitis can be annoying but even with no treatment, most cases of acute bronchitis resolve without treatment. Even though the symptoms clear up though, lack of natural treatment of the germs often allows them to hibernate and allow for symptoms to re-occur down the road.

Because most cases of bronchitis are viral in origin, the use of antibiotics is rare (because it is not effective). Any fever can be addressed with The Artificial Fever you can do at home. Read the page on Coughing to see what "at home" treatments you might use to refrain from using NSAIDs.

Chronic bronchitis, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is characterized by the presence of a productive cough that lasts for three months or more per year for at least two years. Chronic bronchitis most commonly develops due to recurrent injury to the airways, often caused by inhaled irritants. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause (Detox for Cigarettes here), followed by air pollution and occupational exposure to irritants.

Tips for helping Bronchitis:

1. When the bronchials are inflamed, avoid areas with dry air. Moist air is much less irritating. A steamy shower, or a pot of slow boiling water to release steam into the air, etc.
2. Drink plenty of fluids! The bronchial tubes need plenty of fluid to heal and repair. Get lots of rest and keep your heart rate low.
3. Onions are expectorants and help the flow of mucus. You can also eat onions raw, cooked, baked, in soups and stews or as seasoning. Honey is very soothing to the throat and bronchials, soak some raw onion in honey over night, remove onion and eat a tablespoon 4 times a day if you are not diabetic.
4. Lemons help rid the respiratory system of bacteria and mucus. Make a cup of lemon tea by grating 1 teaspoon lemon rind and adding it to 1 cup boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes. Or, you can boil a lemon wedge. Strain into a cup and drink.
5. If the chest is very sore, soak bay leaves (dried or fresh) in hot water for 10 minutes. Apply the leaves to chest and cover with a warm, moist towel.
6. If you have a history of bronchial problems, look at the Large Intestine and its healthy functions. You may need to start IC-1 because health of the lung/bronchial is contingent of good intestinal function.