Home Remedies For Bronchitis And Sinus Infection

Natural Ways To Thin Mucus

• To thin mucus and help you cough it up more easily, drink lots of water, at least eight 250-mL glasses each day. And avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which dehydrate your system and make the mucus tougher to dislodge.
• Eat chile peppers, hot spicy salsa, or dishes prepared with cayenne pepper. Fiery foods dont just make your nose run they also thin the mucus in your lungs, helping you cough more productively.
• Drink mullein tea. Mullein, a traditional folk remedy for respiratory ailments, offers another way to clear mucus from your lungs. It contains saponins, which help loosen phlegm, along with a gelatinous mucilage that soothes raw mucous membranes. Boil a cup of water, remove from the heat, and drop in two teaspoons dried mullein leaves. Let the tea steep for 10 minutes, then strain out the wet leaves and drink the tea. You can drink up to three cups a day.
• Avoid milk products. Cows milk contains lactalbumin, which stimulates the production of mucus in the upper and lower respiratory tract and in the intestines. When humans drink cows milk, the result is excessive mucus production.

How Long Does An Acute Bronchitis Cough Last

Acute bronchitis can occur in people of any age, although its not common in infants. Acute bronchitis usually lasts from 10 to 14 days, but some symptoms may last longer. For example, you may have a lingering cough that lasts for a month or sometimes longer. This is true for both children and adults.

What Are The Six Types Of Sinusitis And Sinus Infections

Sinusitis may be classified in several ways, based on its duration and the type of inflammation . The term rhinosinusitis is used to imply that both the nose and sinuses are involved and is becoming the preferred term over sinusitis.

• Acute sinus infection usually lasts less than 3-5 days.
• Subacute sinus infection lasts one to three months.
• Chronic sinus infection is greater than three months. Chronic sinusitis may be further sub-classified into chronic sinusitis with or without nasal polyps, or allergic fungal sinusitis.
• Recurrent sinusitis has several sinusitis attacks every year.

There is no medical consensus on the above time periods.

• Infected sinusitis usually is caused by an uncomplicated virus infection. Less frequently, bacterial growth causes sinus infection and fungal sinus infection is very infrequent. Subacute and chronic forms of a sinus infection usually are the result of incomplete treatment of an acute sinus infection.
• Noninfectious sinusitis is caused by irritants and allergic conditions and follows the same general timeline for acute, subacute, and chronic as infectious sinusitis.

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What Is Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is a contagious viral infection that causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes. These are the airways that carry air into your lungs. When these tubes get infected, they swell. Mucus forms inside them. This narrows the airways, making it harder for you to breathe.

There are 2 types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Chronic bronchitis is long-lasting and can reoccur. It usually is caused by constant irritation, such as from smoking. Acute bronchitis lasts only a short time. Most cases get better in several days, though the cough can last for several weeks.

When I see patients with chest colds, they usually dont need antibiotics. Instead, I tell them about some simple treatments they can do at home. Read More

The symptoms of acute bronchitis can include:

• Chest congestion or tightness
• Chills
• Body aches

Your cough can last for several weeks or more. This happens because the bronchial tubes take a while to heal. A lasting cough may signal another problem, such as asthma or pneumonia.

How Is Sinusitis Treated

Doctors may prescribe oral antibiotics to treat sinusitis caused by . Some doctors may recommend decongestants and antihistamines to help ease symptoms.

Sinusitis caused by a usually goes away without medical treatment. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and/or warm compresses can help reduce any pain. Over-the-counter saline solution is safe and helps wash the nose and relieve many symptoms caused by allergies, viruses, and bacteria.

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The Link Between Sinus Infections And Bronchitis

Reviewed by Theresa H. Care Delivery Manager & Family Nurse Practitioner

When a cold strikes, it can make you feel miserable. Whats more, a stuffed up head and nose can quickly progress leading to other uncomfortable symptoms including facial pain, sinus pressure, post-nasal drip and chest congestion. In fact its not uncommon for a cold to develop into a sinus infection or bronchitis.

But what exactly is a sinus infection? Are sinus infections and bronchitis linked? Why are some people more prone to developing sinus and bronchial infections? And, most importantly, if you have a sinus infection or bronchitis, what can you do to feel better?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the term used to describe chronic lung conditions that cause severe shortness of breath and block the…

• Cough that produces yellow or green mucus
• Burning sensation in the chest
• Wheezing

• Chronic cough that produces mucus
• Wheezing, shortness of breath
• Ankle, feet, and leg swelling

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Take Cough Medicine With Expectorant

There are two types of cough medicine: cough suppressants, which are used for a dry cough, and expectorants, which are used for a wet cough that brings up mucus, says Dr. Parsons. For something like bronchitis, youre going to want to find a cough medicine with expectorant since that will help bring up mucus.

Just keep in mind that a typical cold medicine wont cure your bronchitis, but it will still definitely help curb the symptoms. Over-the-counter medicines are simply supportive and help minimize symptoms, but do not make the bronchitis resolve more quickly, says Dr. Parsons.

Sinus Infection Or Allergies

Sinusitis Symptoms , Allergies, and Common Cold are almost identical.

How can you tell which one is responsible for your misery?

Well, apparently a bacterial sinus infection lasts longer than the common cold. The mucus tends to thicken and discolor, and pressure and pain are involved in the horror story too.

Allergy Signs and Symptoms:

• Sneezing & stuffy or runny nostrils
• Clear or whitish nasal drip
• Itchy watery eyes

• Pain in the upper teeth
• Pressure or pain in upper cheeks, top of the nose, between eyes or forehead
• Stuffed nose, mucus is thick and yellow, greenish or grayish
• Symptoms last more than 10-14 days

But whatever it is, the following remedies can help either.

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What Triggers Lung Infections

Our lungs can become irritated when nerve endings in our airways come into contact with substances like dust, pollen, viruses and bacteria. Weâre exposed to these substances everywhere, but particularly when indoor air quality is poor.

The Environmental Protection Agency says that the air in homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than outdoor air. This is especially problematic during the cooler months when individuals spend more time indoors than outdoors. Indoor air pollution can come from materials or substances that release gases or particles into the air like building materials, mold, mildew, dust mites, air fresheners, personal care products, laundry sheets â you name it.

When you breathe in, particles suspended in the air enter the nose, but not all of them reach the lungs. The nose is an incredibly efficient filter, and most large particles are stopped by the tiny hairs that line nose, until they are removed by forcefully blowing or sneezing.

Smaller particles, like ultra-fine particles, viruses and bacteria, are able to pass by these tiny hairs in our nose and enter the lungs. Once in the lungs, mucus is produced to capture the tiny particles, which is then moved upward and out into the throat, where it is either coughed up and spat out, or swallowed.

During this whole process, our lungs can become extremely irritated, leading to inflammation of the trachea , bronchi or sinuses .

Beware Of Cough Medicines

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has recommended that over-the-counter cough medicines should not be given to children under the age of 6.

Children aged 6 to 12 should only use them on the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.

As an alternative to an over-the-counter cough medicine, try making your own mixture of honey and lemon, which can help soothe a sore throat and ease your cough.

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Keep An Eye Out For Complications

While letting nature take its course is generally the best treatment for acute bronchitis, complications can sometimes occur, so you’ll need to stay alert for signs that it’s time to see your doctor. The most worrisome complications include pneumonia, sinus infection and ear infection, all of which need to be treated with prescription antibiotics. Signs that one or more of these complications may be present include a persistent high fever , severe shortness of breath, prolonged coughing spells or a cough that lasts more than four to six weeks, severe chest pain, pain behind the eyes or ear pain.

Be on the lookout for blood in your sputum or sputum that changes dramatically in color or consistency, and report it to your doctor. In addition, tell your doctor if you suffer frequent bouts of bronchitis, since you may be suffering from a more serious respiratory problem that requires medical treatment.

Originally Published: Jan 15, 2007

The Right Technique Of Steam Inhalation

Heres the process:

• Heat up the water to boiling in a pot or kettle. Ensure to make water just steamy.
• Put two handfuls of herbs or essential oils or a camphor stone in the water, and let steep for 10 minutes. Their essence can be left to dissipate in the air, where they can continue to help refresh you and your environment.
• Drape the towel over the back of your head like a tent so that the steam will not escape away.
• Shut your eyes and slowly lower your head toward the hot water until youre about 8 to 12 inches away from the water. Be extremely careful to avoid making direct contact with the water.
• Inhale the steam for no more than 10 minutes. Turn on a timer.
• For the first 3 to 5 minutes, inhale slowly and deeply through your nose and exhale it from the mouth.
• Similarly, inhale slowly and deeply through your mouth and exhale it from the nose.

You can repeat steam inhalation two or three times per day if youre still having symptoms.

Additional steam therapy methods include inhaling steam from baths, showers, and steam rooms.

In recent years, portable steam inhalers, also known as vaporizers, have become popular. They come with a built-in mask that fits around your mouth and nose. Make sure to wash them often to prevent bacterial and fungal growth.

Warm saline gargles

Saline gargles are a way of nasopharyngeal wash to prevent the virus from inhabiting and replicating in the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa.

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Massage And Physical Therapy

Aromatherapy

Running a humidifier with an essential oil such as cedarwood, bergamot, eucalyptus, myrrh, sweet fennel, jasmine, lavender, tea tree, or marjoram at night may help thin mucus and ease cough. Talk to an experienced aromatherapist to learn which oil, alone or in combination, is best for you.

Is Sinus Infection Contagious

Yes. Sinusitis is caused by a wide variety of organisms which are spread from one person to another by droplet infection, which is, by coughing, sneezing or sharing of same utensils, food or water. Viral sinus infection is most contagious as viruses tend to remain on surfaces for long periods. Some even become resistant to cleaning and disinfection.

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Breathing In Irritant Substances

Bronchitis can also be triggered by breathing in irritant substances, such as smog, chemicals in household products or tobacco smoke.

Smoking is the main cause of chronic bronchitis. It can affect people who inhale secondhand smoke, as well as those who smoke themselves.

People with chronic bronchitis often develop another smoking-related lung disease called emphysema, where the air sacs inside the lungs become damaged, causing shortness of breath.

If you smoke, try to stop straight away as smoking aggravates bronchitis and increases your risk of developing emphysema.

Stopping smoking while you have bronchitis can also be the perfect opportunity to quit altogether.

Taking Nutrition And Dietary Supplements

There is some evidence that supplements may benefit people with bronchitis. People should get advice from a healthcare provider when considering supplements. Some supplements interact with medicines or have side effects.

N-acetylcysteine is a derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine. One review found that NAC could help prevent sudden worsening of chronic bronchitis symptoms.

Probiotics are live microorganisms. When consumed as food or supplements, they are thought to maintain or restore beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.

Probiotics may regulate the immune system. Probiotics have been shown to be better than placebo in preventing respiratory tract infections and may have a beneficial effect on the

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Ayurvedic Treatment For Sinusitis

Sinus is a severe disease! Your nose can be blocked when you have sinusitis, due to which sometimes you have trouble breathing enough. Because of this, you get annoyed, and you are unable to concentrate on any work. Due to this disease, the problem of pain in the eyes and head of the person, pain in the cheeks and eyebrows can also occur. The most challenging thing is that sometimes this problem can persist for 12 weeks.

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• In Ayurveda, the aggravation of Kapha dosha is considered the root cause of sinusitis development. The Ayurvedic treatment approach to sinusitis involves a combination of detoxification processes through Panchakarma, herbal oral medicines and decoctions, dietary and lifestyle modifications.
• Panchakarma like Nasyam, Vamanam, Lepanam, Thalam, Shirodhara helps open up the blocked passages in the skull, and facial structures reduce infection risk. Nasya Karma or Nasyam is a unique detoxification therapy for treating sinusitis with successful results.

• During the procedure, medicated oil or powder is administered through the nostrils to clear the Kapha’s accumulated sinus passage. The treatment procedure completely removes the mucus and blocks in the sinus passages and prevents the recurrence condition.
• Along with treatment procedure, few diet and lifestyle modifications are instructed to pacify the aggravated. Kapha dosha and rejuvenate the body and prevent the condition’s reoccurrence.

What Is A Sinus Infection

The sinuses, or sinus cavities, are hollow spaces that air flows through within the bones surrounding the nose. A sinus infection or sinusitis occurs when your nasal cavities become swollen and inflamed. Normally, your sinuses are filled with air. When sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection.

How long do sinus infections last? Well, that depends on what type of sinus infection you have. Acute sinusitis can last over two weeks even with appropriate treatment. If your sinus infection lasts longer than 10 to 14 days, then youre more likely to have bacterial sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis lasts much longer at least 12 weeks! Chronic sinusitis with polyps is an inflammation of the sinuses that lasts 12 weeks or longer and is associated with having nasal polyps. Other forms of chronic sinusitis are associated with allergies or a deviated septum and also last 12 weeks or longer.

How can you tell what type of sinus infection you have? Your doctor wont be able to tell you if your sinus infection is bacterial or viral based on symptoms or an exam alone. The best way to tell the root of a sinus infection is symptom duration. If its a viral sinus infection, it should start to improve after five to seven days. On the other hand, a bacterial infection often lasts seven to 10 days or even longer and the infection can get worse after seven days.

• Fever
• Earaches

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Home Remedies For Sinusitis And Bronchitis For During Winters

Apart from the therapy, specific home remedies help patients for bronchitis and sinusitis. Dr Jeason Kolamala John – BAMS names a few essential treatments.

• Basil: Consuming raw basil leaves or basil juice on an empty stomach every morning proved to be a beneficial remedy for bronchitis. A little honey or ginger juice can also be added. You can make basil tea by boiling it along with fresh leaves and drink it twice a day. This helps reduce Kapha dosha, thus causing a chest rest. Add 6-7 basil leaves, 6-7 mint leaves, two cloves and a half-inch piece of ginger and boil it. Cook the water for a while and then filter it and let it cool. Drink this water a few times a day.
• Turmeric and milk: A mixture of milk and turmeric also proved to be an adjunct bronchitis treatment. In a glass of milk mix, one spoon of turmeric and then boil it for a few minutes. You can drink it two or three times a day. Turmeric with milk removes mucus from nasal cavities and helps drain your sinuses. It is anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. It can be given to the patient in its pure form or even in the form of capsules.
• Saltwater: We all use saltwater at home to cure a sore throat. It is beneficial in relieving cough and infection. It removes mucus, which irritates the throat. If you are troubled by a virus or common cough and cold, you should try to consume salt water as much as possible. Sipping warm beverage opens the closed nose. You can resort to hot soup and hot water for this.