Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial region, the part of the respiratory system that carries air in and out between your mouth and your lungs. The most common symptom of acute bronchitis is a productive cough. Coughed up sputum may be clear, white, yellow or greenish in color. The color of the sputum does not correlate to the type of infection. In fact, the Mayo Clinic states that acute bronchitis is almost always caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold. As it is rarely a bacterial infection, antibiotics are not helpful in treatment. If you have a cough, fever or other troubling symptoms, consult your doctor to determine the correct treatment for you.
Acute vs. Chronic Bronchitis
Continual bouts of acute bronchitis can lead to a persistent inflammation of the bronchial region known as chronic bronchitis. This is a more severe condition, grouped in the category of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. By far, the most common cause of chronic bronchitis is a history of smoking. Individuals with chronic bronchitis are more prone to additional lung infections and should be monitored by a physician.
Treatment
Like the common cold, acute bronchitis is most often a self-limiting condition and will usually resolve on its own. There are a number of things you can do to support your body through this process. All the basics apply, including drinking lots of water, avoiding sugar and getting adequate sleep. Cough medicines may be helpful, though it is important to remember that a productive cough that brings up mucus is helpful in clearing your airways of infection. Additionally, a number of herbal medicines may be beneficial in supporting the healing process.
Herbal Medicine Actions
Herbal medicines have a long history of use in respiratory-type infections such as acute bronchitis. They may have a varying myriad of actions, functioning as antimicrobials to combat infection, expectorants to clear mucus from the airways, demulcents to soothe the tissues or anti-inflammatories to reduce swelling. Different herbs may be indicated depending on the varying presentations of bronchitis symptoms. A naturopathic physician can help you to determine what herbal formula is right for you.
Herbs to Consider for Acute Bronchitis
There are many herbal medicines that can be considered for use during acute bronchitis. In her book, "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," Dr. Sharol Tilgner recommends multiple herbs, explaining the action of each. Usnea and osha are both herbs with strong antimicrobial activity. Their drying effect can also be helpful in wet, productive coughs. Elecampane and yerba santa are both wonderful herbs with a strong affinity for the respiratory system. They both act as expectorants, strengthening and cleansing the respiratory tract. Wild cherry can be useful to soothe tissues irritated from excessive coughing. Other herbs to consider include licorice, mullein and elderberry.
Conclusion
Acute bronchitis is a self-limiting infection, usually of viral origin. While antibiotics are usually not effective, you can do other things at home to support your body in clearing the illness. Herbal medicines may be an effective tool in strengthening immune function and supporting your respiratory system. Remember that the cough may persist for up to a few more weeks after other signs and symptoms of illness resolve, due to irritation of the fragile mucous membranes. Only your physician can properly diagnose bronchitis as well as perform the examination and testing necessary to rule out other conditions.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Bronchitis
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, ND; 2009
