Bronchitis is an acute inflammation of the air passage within the lungs, like trachea and bronchi. Patient comes with a history of irritating, unproductive cough, with discomfort behind the sternum, associated with tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing for two to three days. Cough, he says, has gradually become productive with greenish yellow sputum and has mild fever. On auscultation one finds an occasional crackle with wheeze and blood examination shows neutrophilic leucocytosis. In otherwise healthy person, without the patient being seriously ill, the whole episode can improve within 4-8 days. It is either because of bacterial or viral infection, from nasal sinuses or throat. Or this attack can be complication of measles, whooping cough etc. and inhalation of dust, gases like SO2, or pollens or organic dust.

Causes of bronchitis

Infection – bacterial, viral, descending infection from nasal sinuses and throat.

Complication of other diseases like – measles, whooping cough etc

Physical and chemical irritant – inhaled dust, steam, gases like SO2 etc

Allergic bronchitis – following inhalation of pollens or organic dust

Symptoms of bronchitis

Toxemic -Malaise Fever, Palpitation, Sweating

Irritative – Cough with expectoration first scanty viscid sputum, later more copious and mucopurulent

Substernal pain

Sensation of rawness

Obstructive – paroxysm of dyspnoea

Ronchi, rales, wheeze on expectoration, prolonged expiration

Diagnosis

Diagnosis mainly depend upon clinical sign and symptoms, diagnosis mainly include

Ventilatory indices

Chest radiograph

Blood examination

Treatment for bronchitis

Removal of cause

Vaccination against common influenza virus

Avoid overheated rooms, damp places, smoking, and alcohol.

Patient should be advised for breathing exercises

Homeopathic treatment for bronchitis – Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which the patient is suffering. The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat bronchitis symptoms but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several well-proved medicines are available for bronchitis treatment that can be selected on the basis of cause, sensation and modalities of the complaints. For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic doctor in person. Some important remedies are given below which are helpful in treatment for bronchitis:

Aconite, Bryonia, Kali Bi, Ipecauc, Antim Tart, Belladonna, Hyoscyamus, Sticta, Rumex, Hepar Sulph, Phosphorus, Kreosote, Merc Sol, Sulphur and may other medicines.

Allopathic treatment for bronchitis – mainly include antitussives, bronchodilators, expectorant, mucolytics, antibiotics, corticosteroids.

Other natural and alternative modes of treatment for bronchitis – mainly include Ayurveda, naturopathy, hydrotherapy, herbal medication. Chinese medicine etc.