Acute bronchitis is a health problem characterized by inflammation of the mucus membranes lining your bronchial tubes. The Children's Hospital Boston states that acute bronchitis is usually a mild condition that may be caused by a virus, secondhand smoke, allergens or strong fumes. Before using nutritional therapy to help resolve your acute bronchitis, consult your primary care provider about the efficacy and safety of this approach.
Acute Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is a common health complaint among Americans. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, acute bronchitis is among the top 10 health problems for which patients seek medical attention. In most cases, cough is the number one symptom of acute bronchitis. Other common signs and symptoms associated with acute bronchitis include sore throat, back pain, fever, chills, runny nose and malaise.
Beneficial Dietary Practices
Some dietary practices may be beneficial in treating your bronchitis. Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that increasing your consumption of garlic, onions, pure water, herbal teas and soups may be most helpful. Consider eliminating mucus-forming foods from your diet, including dairy products, processed foods, refined sugar and white flour. Scientific research has not proven that these measures will work to treat your bronchitis.
Useful Nutritional Supplements
Numerous nutritional supplements may be useful in treating your bronchitis. According to Dr. Alan R. Gaby, a medical doctor and the author of "The Natural Pharmacy," some of the most helpful nutritional and herbal supplements for this health problem include N-acetyl cysteine, thymus extracts, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, geranium, ivy leaf, plantain, anise, Chinese skullcap, echinacea, elecampane, eucalyptus, horehound, horseradish, lobelia, mullein, pleurisy root and thyme. Always check with a doctor before treating bronchitis with an herbal or natural supplement, and ask about possible side effects and drug interactions.
Additional Information
Acute bronchitis may lead to pneumonia in some individuals. Other health complications associated with acute bronchitis include pulmonary hypertension, cor pulmonale and emphysema. Nutrition therapy -- dietary changes, nutritional supplements -- may be a helpful adjunct therapy in treating your acute bronchitis, but these treatment measures alone may be unlikely to fully resolve your health complaint. Acute bronchitis requires medical care. Don't attempt to treat yourself, but instead consult a health care provider to establish an effective treatment plan.
References
- Children's Hospital Boston: Acute Bronchitis
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Diagnosis and Management of Acute Bronchitis
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "The Natural Pharmacy"; Alan R. Gaby, M.D.; 2006
