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Bronchitis
What is bronchitis?
Bronchitis refers to an infection or irritation of the bronchi-the passageway from the windpipe (trachea) to the lungs while pneumonia refers to infection or irritation of the lungs. Both of these conditions are much more common in the winter, as they usually follow an upper respiratory infection (cold).
WARNING: Symptoms of bronchitis or pneumonia including a persistent cough may indicate a serious condition. Consult your physician if you have symptoms suggestive of pneumonia or if a cough persists for more than one week, if it recurs, or if it is accompanied by high fever, rash, or persistent headache.
Signs and symptoms of bronchitis include bouts of coughing, shaking, chills, fever, and chest pain that are usually preceded by an upper respiratory tract infection (cold). Pneumonia differs from bronchitis in that it shows the classic signs of lung involvement (shallow breathing, cough, abnormal breath sounds, etc.) and a chest X ray shows infiltration of fluid and lymph into the lungs. Since the two are difficult to distinguish without a physician, please consult a physician if you are experiencing any symptoms suggestive of pneumonia.
What causes bronchitis?
Bronchitis can be caused by a variety of microorganism especially viruses and bacteria. In healthy individuals, bronchitis most often follows an insult to the immune system. Viral infection (especially influenza or the common cold), cigarette smoke and other noxious fumes, loss of consciousness (which depresses the gag reflex, allowing the breathing in of fluids [aspiration]), cancer, or hospitalization (due to increased exposure to organisms that can cause pneumonia) are all risk factors for bronchitis and pneumonia.
What dietary factors are important in bronchitis?
Optimal immune function requires a healthy diet that (1) is rich in whole, natural foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, seeds, and nuts, (2) is low in fats and refined sugars, and (3) contains adequate, but not excessive, amounts of protein. On top of this, drink five or six 8-ounce glasses of water per day (preferably pure water). These dietary recommendations go a long way in helping the immune system function at an optimum level. Please see LOW IMMUNE FUNCTION for more recommendations.
What nutritional supplements should I take for bronchitis?
Foundation Supplements. There are three products from Natural Factors that I think are critical in supporting good health:
- MultiStart (age and gender specific multiple vitamin and mineral formulas). Follow label instructions.
- Enriching Greens - a great tasting "greens drink" containing highly concentrated "greens" like chlorella, spirulina, wheat grass juice, barley grass juice, etc., and herbal extracts. Take one serving (one tablespoon) in 8 ounces of water daily.
- RxOmega-3 Factors - A true pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplement. Take two capsules daily.
Lung, Bronchial, and Sinus Health from Natural Factors is designed to provide key nutrients and herbal extracts for healthy airways. For example, it provides N-acetylcysteine (NAC) - a derivative of the naturally occurring amino acid cysteine. NAC directly splits the sulfur linkages of mucoproteins thereby reducing viscosity of bronchial and lung secretions. As a result it improves bronchial and lung function, reduces cough, and improves oxygen saturation in the blood. Adults and children over 12 years of age: One tablet three to four times daily. Children 6 to 12 years of age: One tablet up to three times daily. Not recommended for children under six years of age unless recommended by a physician.
Anti-V from Natural Factors. This herbal formula contains the following concentrated extracts:
- EchinamideT - a patented, clinically proven, super-extracted Echinacea purpurea liquid that guarantees high levels of the three key active groups of compounds responsible for echinacea's actions on the immune system.
- Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) - the most famous herb in Chinese medicine for strengthening the immune system that is now backed by scientific evidence.
- Lomatium (Lomatium dissectum) - this herb garnered attention during the Spanish influenza in 1917, after it was discovered that Native Americans were recovering from this flu much quicker than everyone else.
- Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) - referred to in Chinese medical texts as 'the mushroom of immortality,' reishi is valued by modern herbalist for its ability to promote resistance during times of stress.
- Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) - a valued, time-tested herb noted in recent scientific investigations for its anti-viral properties.
The dosage recommendation for immune support during acute viral infections is to take 50 drops in water or two capsules every two to three hours. For long-term support or prevention the recommendation dosage is to take 50 drops or one two capsules two times a day or as directed by your health practitioner.
Additional recommendation:
One of the main treatment goals in cases of bronchitis, sinusitis, and pneumonia is to help the lungs and air passages get rid of excessive mucus. In an effort to assist this process, let me give you the directions for an old time therapy that works absolute wonders. It called postural drainage and I recommend that you do it twice daily until the bronchitis has resolved.
Apply a heating pad, hot water bottle, or mustard poultice to the chest for up to twenty minutes. To make a mustard poultice, mix one part of dry mustard with three parts of flour, then add enough water to make a paste. Spread the paste on thin cotton (an old pillowcase works well) or cheesecloth, fold it, and place it on the chest. Check often, as the mustard can cause blisters if left on too long. After the hot pack, perform postural drainage by lying face down with the top half of the body off the bed, using the forearms as support. The position should be maintained for five to fifteen minutes, while you try to cough and expectorate into a basin or newspaper on the floor.
How do I know if the program is working?
A lessening in the severity of symptoms such as cough and should be apparent within the first 48 hours. If not, please check with your physician.
Feedback:
Please let Dr. Murray know how this program has worked for you by clicking here.
Condition Center Caution:
- Dr. Murray’s recommendations and protocols for nutritional support are not intended as a substitute for appropriate medical care.
- The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
- If you have a medical condition or disease, please talk to your doctor prior to using the recommendations given.
- Do not self-diagnose. Proper medical care is critical to good health. If you have a health concern or undiagnosed sign or symptom, please consult a physician, preferably a naturopathic doctor (N.D.), nutritionally oriented medical doctor (M.D. or (D.O.), or other health care specialist. Please go to www.naturopathic.org to find a qualified naturopathic doctor (N.D.) in your area to help you.
- Make your physician aware of all the nutritional supplements or herbal products you are currently taking to avoid any negative interactions with any drugs you are taking.
- If you are currently taking a prescription medication, you absolutely must work with your doctor before discontinuing any drug or altering any drug regimen.
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