Bronchitis

Bronchitis is the inflammation or obstruction of the breathing tubes "bronchi" that lead to your lungs. The inflammation results in a buildup of mucus along with symptoms that include: coughing, fever, pain in the chest and/or back, fatigue, sore throat, difficulty breathing, and sudden chills and/or shaking. Bronchitis can be either acute or chronic Acute bronchitis is usually caused by an infection, which can be bacterial, viral, mycoplasmal, or caused by a combination. It typically follows an upper respiratory tract infection, such as a cold or influenza In acute bronchitis, bronchospasm is more often associated with viral than bacterial infection. Most cases of acute bronchitis are self limiting, with full recovery in a few weeks. In some cases, however, the condition can lead to pneumonia. This is more likely to occur in persons who also have a chronic respiratory disease or other serious health problem

Chronic bronchitis results from frequently occurring irritation of the lungs, like from cigarette smoking or other noxious/toxic fumes, rather than from infection Allergies may also be the root cause of chronic bronchitis. As chronic bronchitis reduces the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your lungs, and the heart works harder as a side effect. Over time, this may lead to pulmonary hypertension, enlargement of the heart, and even heart failure.

Chronic bronchitis is one of the most common diseases seen by allergists and primary care doctors. Specialists in occupational medicine have long known that bad environmental conditions produce extra vulnerability to respiratory infections. Weather factors as well as epidemics of viral infections also increase the risk of bronchitis. Among people who live or work in unhealthy environments, shortness of breath is frequently aggravated by dampness and cold, exposure to dust, or even minor respiratory infections.

Nutrient / Supplement	Helpful notes
vitamin C	strengthens the immune system and increases the number of white blood cells as well as the quality of the white blood cells. It will also reduce histamine levels.
Bioflavonoids	bioflavonoids are natural antioxidant and free radical destroyer, boosts the immune systems and helps fight infection, work well with vitamin C.
Echinacea	herb that helps healing and often combined with zinc
Reishi	herb that helps boost the immune system and both protect and fight against viral infections in the body
vitamin E	helps the body's healing process and also serves as a powerful antioxidant to help rid the body of free radicals and increase oxygen carrying.
Zinc	this mineral quickens the immune system response and helps reduce infection.
Multi-vitamin mineral supplement	contains vitamin E, vitamin C , vitamin B complex , and zinc which all are helpful in both the treatment and prevention of bronchial infection and related disorders. The nutrients found in a daily supplement are needed for good general health and well being.
Frankincense resin	helps to calm and sooth the body and promote general healing
Myrrh resin	promotes healing and it works well with frankincense and aloe vera
Garlic	has both antiviral and antibacterial properties and it helps to detoxify the body
B vitamins	they promote healing, strong immune system, and healthy nervous system.

All information presented on this web page is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any
physical ailments. In all matters related to your health please contact a qualified, licensed practitioner.
All Information on this web page & pages linked to it are provided by GBS International training pack 1995/2002;
Dr. Mark Crapo nutritional seminars; The Herb Encyclopedia & Sara St.Louis RN, CIC, NP, MPA