Bronchitis Relief: Effective Home Treatments & Symptom Management

Bronchitis occurs when inflammation develops in the air passage of the lungs. This condition often follows a cold or other respiratory infection, and sufferers typically deal with a moderate to severe cough. Although some people seek medical treatment, bronchitis responds well to home treatments, and symptoms can generally disappear within a few days.

Things You'll Need

• Humidifier
• Water
• Cough Suppressant
• Vitamin Supplements

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Instructions

• 1

  Use a humidifier in your bedroom. These devices moisten the air, and they effectively loosen mucus in your air passageway. Humidifiers also ease coughing and contribute to a speedy recovery.

• 2

  Stay away from air pollutants. Smoke and household chemicals can cause further irritation and prolong bronchitis. If exposed to an air pollutant, wear a face mask.

• 3

  Place a hot cloth on your chest. Soap a cloth in hot water, or wrap your heating pad in a towel and place it on your chest. The warmth from the cloth reduces inflammation, opens up your bronchial tubes and eases coughing.

• 4

  Drink plenty of water. Water is a natural healer. To treat bronchitis without seeing a doctor, drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to thin mucus and to relieve chest congestion.

• 5

  Take a cough suppressant. Over-the-counter cough suppressants relieve coughing and provide immediate results. Take the medication as directed. Use cough drops to control your symptoms between dosages.

• 6

  Experiment with vitamin supplements. To treat bronchitis without seeing a doctor, visit your local health-food or grocery store and purchase vitamin supplements. Vitamin C, echinacea and zinc are effective herbal supplements. These vitamins relieve coughing and boost the immune system.