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How Can You Alleviate The Discomfort Of Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a fairly common condition, given that chronic bronchitis affects about

10 million people in the US, while every year, about 5% of the population develops acute bronchitis.

But acute or chronic, inflamed, irritated lungs aren’t easy to manage. From a sore throat to wheezing, constant bouts of cough, and mucus, bronchitis can be a lot to deal with. However, easing bronchitis symptoms isn’t quite as impossible as it may seem.

Here are some tips that can help you feel more comfortable during bronchitis.

Take a Hot Shower

A hot bath or shower can take care of many problems, including bronchitis symptoms. The steam from your shower will help break up the mucus making it easier to get out of your body. Just make sure to breathe deeply while you’re in the shower.

Also, your body is probably tense from all the coughing. The hot water can help you relax your muscles—it’s like getting a full body massage at the spa. Make sure the water is as warm as you can handle it, and avoid soaking in a hot bath if you’re short of breath.  

Make Some Lifestyle Changes

If you have chronic bronchitis, you need to make lifestyle changes that can help you ease bronchitis symptoms. These changes don’t have to happen all at once, nor do you need to flip your life 180 degrees right away, but you need to start incorporating healthier habits gradually.

This could mean anything from quitting smoking to avoiding polluted spaces as much as possible. You might also want to consider wearing face masks when outside and washing your hands more frequently.

A person wearing a mask outdoors

Also, make changes to your diet, drink more water, fix your sleep cycle, and work out a few times a week. These are simple ways to lead a healthier life and ease symptoms of many illnesses, including bronchitis.

Try Some Home Remedies

The internet is full of home remedies and tips for bronchitis. You can try a few of these:

  • Ginger tea made from fresh ginger,  or eat raw ginger every day
  • Sprinkle some turmeric in your salad for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
  • Try some salt water gargles
  • Use a mixture of honey and lemon
  • Try pineapple juice

These are, of course, only some of the home remedies that may help. You can also try OTC medication—however, keep in mind that some OTC medications need to be taken with caution. There are different ones for cough and congestion; make sure you’re using the right ones.

It might also be a good idea to see a virtual doctor for bronchitis to get a medication prescription online to ease bronchitis symptoms more effectively.

Book an appointment with us today to learn more!