What are the Most Common Bronchitis Causes?

By Rickey Henolap


Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes of the lungs. The bronchi are airway passages in the lungs that form a tree-like system, each getting narrower as they descend into the lungs. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection that inflames these passages, causing them to narrow and secrete mucus. Common viruses that can cause acute bronchitis are the rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza. Symptoms are often a loose productive cough, a runny nose, nasal congestion and a sore throat. Antibiotics are generally not effective in treating acute bronchitis.

One of the home care ideas for bronchitis fever is a mentholated chest rub, a vaporizer to keep the air you are breathing moist, a pain and fever reducer, plenty of liquids like hot teas for the comfort factor. This works in probably about twenty percent of the cases as they are most likely mild and will go away in a week or so. Rest, sleeping on an incline with your head and chest higher than your feet may help as well.

You should see your doctor if you suspect you have viral bronchitis, because it could be bacterial. If it is bacterial you will need antibiotics, but if it is viral then antibiotics will not help. Your doctor will listen to you breathe with a stethoscope, check your neck glands for swelling, and perform a check of your throat and sinuses. If they see evidence of yellow mucus then it is probably not viral and they will prescribe antibiotics for you.

A bronchitis sufferer can take several steps to alleviate his symptoms that do not involve the use of drugs. Using a humidifier helps keep the inflammation down. Taking over the counter medications to control the cough may help a sufferer sleep at night. If the bronchitis cause is an environmental pollutant such as cigarette smoke or household cleaners. A person who thinks any of these might be his bronchitis cause should avoid the items that inflame his condition.

In addition to viral causes, acute bronchitis can be caused by chemical irritants. These include tobacco smoke, solvents, and gastric reflux. Smoking predisposes people to acute bronchitis. One way to prevent it is to quit smoking. This helps to decrease the amount of tar in the lungs and loosen up the bronchial passages.

Another natural remedy that is extremely effective for viral bronchitis is BRONOVIL. You can find more information about it at http://bronovil.com. It contains an herb called Pelargonium sidoides that helps stimulate the immune system. It has been shown to reduce mucous and prevent the viruses from sticking to the lung walls and spreading.




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