According to the European Lung Foundation, Acute bronchitis is a short-term infection of the airways affecting between 30-50 people in every 1,000 per year. Most cases will clear without treatment within three weeks.

Chronic bronchitis is when symptoms persist for more than 3 months and for at least two years running. This is one of a number of lung conditions that are collectively known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Symptoms of bronchitis

Bronchitis causes the main airways of the lungs (bronchi) to become inflamed and irritated. The main symptom of acute bronchitis is a hacking, painful cough, which may produce mucus / phlegm. Other cold-like symptoms may include:

• Headache
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Fatigue
• Aches and pains
• Shortness of breath / wheezing (more common with chronic bronchitis)

Symptoms of chronic bronchitis are a long-term, permanent cough and excess phlegm, but no fever.

Causes of bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is most common in Winter and is usually caused when a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, such as a cold, sore throat or flu, spreads to the lungs. It can also occur after breathing in irritants such as air pollution, chemicals, or smoke. The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is smoking with smokers more likely to die from this condition than lung cancer.

Treating bronchitis

Most cases of acute bronchitis can be treated at home and will clear within a few weeks. You should ensure that you get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluid, which not only keeps you hydrated but also helps thin the mucus, making it easier to ‘expel’. You can take ibuprofen or paracetamol to help with aches, pains, headaches, and fever. There is no evidence to suggest that cough medicines help. It is important to avoid anything that aggravates the cough, such as smoke or smoking, or very dry air. Central heating in winter dries the air, so try using a humidifier to increase air humidity.

NHS advice is to only see your doctor if your cough is severe or lasts longer than three weeks, if you have a constant fever for more than 3 days, if you’re becoming more breathless, if there is any blood in the mucus you cough up, or if you have an existing heart or lung condition.

Medications such bronchodilators and steroids to ‘open’ the airways and/or mucolytics to dispel mucus from the lungs may be prescribed. Antibiotics aren’t typically given as they’re not effective against viruses.

Essential oils and bronchitis

Essential oils can be a useful addition to treatment – although a completely holistic approach will generate the best results. Follow our action plan below:

• Avoiding dairy produce, refined starches, chocolate and orange juice is important – as all these will encourage excess mucus production which could exacerbate the condition (See “anti-mucus diet” in The Kitchen Pharmacy by Rose Elliot & Carlo De Paoli)

• Boost immunity and soothe the airways with hot fresh lemon, ginger, and honey drinks.

• Vaporise 1 drop of Eucalyptus essential oil, 3 Thyme, 3 Tea Tree and 4 drops of Sandalwood essential oil. If you use them in a diffuser/humidifier this will also help to increase moisture in the air.

• Take regular inhalations with 3 drops of Lemon essential oil, 1 drop of Melissa, 3 Frankincense and 3 Myrrh. The oils will help fight the infection and reduce phlegm and the steam will soothe irritation and make breathing easier.

• When the temperature is high, try a cool compress on the forehead with 1 drop Eucalyptus essential oil and 1 drop Peppermint.

• When the fever has broken, try a regular foot massage, paying special attention to the balls of the feet where the lung reflex is located. Try 30ml Sweet Almond Oil with 5 drops Cedarwood essential oil, 4 Frankincense, 4 Myrrh and 2 Plai.

• Supplements can also be helpful. Try regular garlic capsules to help boost immune response, take Vitamin C powder every 3 hours in drinks (500mg Magnesium Ascorbate Powder from Biocare is very good), and find a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement with strong Vitamin B complex. Colloidal silver may also be useful if symptoms persist.

Joannah Metcalfe
Consultant Aromatherapist

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