Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are those parts in the respiratory system connecting the windpipe to the lungs. Bronchitis can be chronic, caused by smoking or lung disease, but it is most commonly caused by a cold, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Colds are the most contagious infection in the United States and the primary reason a child stays home from school, according to KidsHealth.org. Sometimes called a chest cold, bronchitis describes a condition where the bronchial tubes swell and produce excess mucus, which causes a person to cough. Many of the remedies used in relieving cold symptoms can be used if bronchitis develops.
Throat Irritation Remedies
Cigarette smoke, campfires and other irritants should be avoided. These cause the lining in the bronchial tubes to become inflamed. Use cough drops or hard candy to soothe an irritated throat.
Increase in Fluid Intake
Fluids thin the mucus, making it easier to clear the lungs by coughing. Fluids can also help restore electrolyte balance caused by dehydration. Increasing fluid intake will reduce muscle aches related to low potassium, an electrolyte lost during high fever.
Cough Syrups
There are two types of cough syrups: expectorants and suppressants. Expectorants help thin mucus secreted by the bronchial tubes so this mucus can be easily coughed up. Cough suppressants should only be used if the cough is "dry," or does not produce mucus, to enable the patient to sleep. Cough suppressants stifle the urge to cough, which can cause mucus to build up inside the lungs of the bronchitis patient.
Rest
People with bronchitis should get plenty of rest, just like patients with a cold. Sleep can help fight infection by boosting the body's immune system. Soaking in a warm bath also relaxes muscles, leading to a restful state.
Head Elevation
Raise the head of the bed to make breathing easier, or sleep in a reclining chair. Use pillows to elevate the patient's head if an electric bed is not available. Change position every few hours to avoid pneumonia. Pneumonia is a state of excess fluid in the lungs when the body cannot expel it through coughing due to the thickness of the secretions or because the patient is too ill. Lying in one position allows fluids to build up in the lungs, leading to pneumonia. Changing positions shakes this fluid loose from where it has settled and the body responds by coughing.
Pain Relief
Reduce fever and headache with an over-the-counter medicine such as aspirin or acetaminophen. Aspirin can be taken by adults to reduce fever and body aches. Aspirin should never be given to children or teenagers due to the risk of developing the life-threatening Reye's Syndrome.
Humidity
A humidifier works well to break up mucus associated with bronchitis. If a room humidifier is not available, sitting in a small bathroom while hot water runs in the shower offers the benefits of humidity. Do not get in the hot shower, though, as this may result in burns.
