Bronchitis is a serious variety of kasa roga, bronchitis is characterised by inflammation of the bronchial tubes which carry air to the lungs. Bronchitis disease is endemic to cold damp climates but may strike anywhere.

Acute bronchitis is usually a short illness that commonly develops from a severe cold or following other viral infections and is characterised by cough with green sputum and a soreness in the centre of the chest and perhaps fever and some (usually mild) shortness of breath.

Symptoms & Causes of Bronchitis

Even though it is caused by certain germs, the susceptibility of certain constitutions cannot be denied. Ayurveda ascribes it to impairment of the digestive processes, and the remedies selected for its cure are those which help restore the digestive balance too.

There is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchi to which phlegm adheres, and there is difficulty in expelling it. The phlegm, when expelled, is found to be viscid and may be purulent. Due to the tendency of the viscid phlegm to stick to the bronchi, there is difficulty in breathing and the lungs are starved of air. A fit of coughing may turn the face of the patient blue. Bronchitis patients are thin and emaciated. In its acute form, bronchitis may result in a rise of temperature, breathlessness, and loss of appetite. If proper care is not taken and the disease becomes chronic, it may deteriorate into continuous breathlessness.

Home Remedies for Treating Bronchitis

Home Remedies: The simplest treatment for bronchitis is administration of one teaspoonful of turmeric powder (haridra) with a glass of milk, twice-or thrice daily. It acts best when taken on an empty stomach. A powder of equal quantities of dried ginger, black pepper, and long pepper (pippali) can be given thrice daily. It may be mixed with honey or infused with your daily tea. Its anti-pyretic qualities deal with the fever attendant upon bronchitis and also tone up the metabolism of the patient Juice of vasa (Adhatoda vasica) may be taken thrice daily, in two teaspoonful doses. Two teaspoonfuls of honey taken daily are also helpful in bronchitis.

In case of a congested throat which accompanies bronchitis in many cases, Khadiradi Vati should be sucked as a lozenge five times a day. The main ingredient of the drug, catechu, helps relieve th~ congestion.

Diet and Other Regimen: Curds and sour substances should be avoided. Banana and guava are fruits which are contraindicated in this malady.

Smoking is contraindicated and consumption of liquor should be reduced to the minimum, Excessive physical exercise and exposure to cold and damp should be avoided.

Prevention

What's the best way to avoid getting bronchitis? Washing your hands often helps to prevent the spread of many of the germs that cause the condition ? especially during cold and flu season.

If you don't smoke, don't ever start smoking ? and if you do smoke, try to quit or cut down. Try to avoid being around smokers because even secondhand smoke can make you more susceptible to viral infections and increase congestion in your airway. Also, be sure to get plenty of rest and eat right so that your body can fight off any illnesses that you come in contact with.