Bronchitis is an infection of the main airways of the lungs (bronchi), which causes them to become irritated and inflamed. The main airways branch off on either side of the trachea which leads to smaller and smaller airways inside the lungs that are called bronchioles.
The walls of the main airways produce mucus to trap dust and other particles which then irritates.
In most of the cases, bronchitis happens when an infection irritates and inflames the airways and causes them to produce more mucus than usual. Hence, the body tries to shift this extra mucus through coughing.
Hence bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes, which carry air to the lungs become inflamed and swollen.
Bronchitis can be described as two types which is being either acute bronchitis or chronic bronchitis.
Two types include:
Acute bronchitis: It is the more common type of disease. Symptoms usually last for a few weeks, but it doesn’t usually cause problems. It commonly affects people of all ages, but it mostly happens in children under the age group of 5.
Chronic bronchitis. It is the more serious type of bronchitis that keeps coming back or doesn’t go away.
What is an Ayurvedic view for Bronchitis?
In Ayurveda, bronchitis is correlated with Kasaroga in which there is an aggravation of Vata and Kaphadosha. These vitiated doshascauses cough, common cold, excessive mucus production, breathlessness, chest congestion, etc. In bronchitis, there is an accumulation of ama in the lungs.
What are the causes of Bronchitis?
Causes of bronchitis are;
Viral and bacterial infections:
Bronchitis is usually caused due to a virus. But less often, it is caused due to bacteria. It is also stated that in most of the cases, bronchitis is caused by the same viruses that cause common cold or flu.
This virus is present in millions of tiny droplets that come out of the nose and mouth during coughing or sneezing.
These droplets typically spread by hang suspended in the air for a while, then land on surfaces. On these surfaces, the virus can survive for up to 24 hours. A person who touches these virus-containing surfaces can spread the virus further by touching something else.
What are the symptoms of Bronchitis?
Symptoms of bronchitis are:
The main symptom of acute bronchitis is having cough, which may bring up clear, yellowish-grey or greenish colored mucus (phlegm).
Other symptoms are similar to that of the common cold or sinusitis, that may include:
- a sore throat
- a headache
- a runny or blocked nose
- aches and pains
- tiredness
In acute bronchitis, a cough may last for several weeks after other symptoms have gone. Continuous coughing makes the chest and stomach muscles sore.
In some of the people, there is shortness of breath or wheezing as a result of inflamed airways. But it is more common in those who are suffering from long-term (chronic) bronchitis.
What are the risk factors for Bronchitis?
Various risk factors that increase the risk of bronchitis include:
- Cigarette smoking: People who are smoking or who live with a smoker are at a higher risk of acute bronchitis as well as chronic bronchitis.
- Low resistance: It results from another acute illness, such as a common cold, or from a chronic condition that compromises the immune system of the body. Older adults, infants, and young children are more vulnerable to infection.
- Exposure to irritants on the job: The risk of developing bronchitis is more, if you work around certain lung irritants, such as grains or textiles, or if you are exposed to chemical fumes.
- Gastric reflux: Repeated bouts of severe heartburn irritates the throat and make you more prone to developing bronchitis.
What is the Ayurvedic Treatment for Bronchitis?
Panchakarma treatment for Bronchitis:
Chandigarh Ayurved Centre offers panchakarma procedures that are recommended for bronchitis patients for balancing the three doshas. These procedures work on the root cause of the disease.
- Abhyangam: In this ayurvedic procedure, massage is done with lukewarm oil over the whole body which increases the blood circulation of the body. It also stimulates the internal organs of the body and eliminates the impurities from the body.
- Nasya: In this procedure, a few drops of Nasya oil is administered in each nostril. It helps in the elimination of excessive Kaphadosha, mucus, and treats nasal congestion. This Ayurvedic procedure removes extra phlegm out from the body.
- Dhumrapan: After nasaya, dhumrapan is given to the patient in which medicated smoking is done to balance the Kaphadosha in the body. It also deals with chest and nose congestion, cough, cold-related to bronchitis.
Chandigarh Ayurved Centre is providing Bronchitis Go Kit for treating bronchitis. This kit comprises of Broncho care syrup, Cough go tablet, Cough powder, Giloy capsule, and Amrittulsiras. These herbal formulations help in balance the three doshas and eliminates the ama from the body.
Product details:
1. Broncho care syrup:
Broncho Care Syrup eliminates the toxins from the body. It contains ingredients like Chitrakmool (Plumbagozeylanica), Lasoda (Cordiadichotoma), Kantkari (Solanumsurattense), Vasa Patra (Adhatodavasica), Bharangi (Clerodendrumserratum), Sonth (Zingiberofficinale), Mulethi (Glycyrrhizaglabra), Pippali (Piper longum), Pudina (Menthaspicata), etc. All these ingredients in combination shows antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, expectorant and bronchodilator properties. It also treats chronic cough, bronchitis, common cold, whooping cough, etc.
Recommended Dosage: Take 2 teaspoonful twice a day with normal water.
2. Cough Go Tablets:
Cough Go tablet is an ayurvedic formulation that contains ingredients like Kali Mirch (Piper nigrum), Mulethi (Glycyrrhizaglabra), Pippali (Piper longum), Sonth (Zingiberofficinale), etc. These ingredients act a bronchodilator and expectorant that treats chest congestion. It is also very effective in bronchitis, cough, cold, nasal problems, and other respiratory problems.
Recommended Dosage: Take 1 tablet twice a day with normal water.
3. Cough powder:
Cough powder is very effective in treating cough with mucus, cold, and other respiratory ailments. This herbal formulation contains Ayurvedic ingredients like abharakbhasam, kaph Ketu ras, lakshmivilas rasa, talisadichurna, godantibhasam, yashtimadhuchurna, tankan bhasma, etc. Being antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, a bronchodilator, & expectorant properties this powder eliminates the ama from the body.
Recommended Dosage: Take 1 sachet twice a day with honey.
4. Giloy capsule:
Giloy is an Ayurvedic herb that has been used in Ayurveda for many ages to treat fever. These capsules are formulated with the pure and standardized extract of herb giloy (Tinosporacordifolia). These capsules boost up the immune system and remove toxins from the body. It also purifies blood, beneficial in cough, common cold, fever, & bronchitis.
Recommended Dosage: Take 2 capsules twice a day with normal water.
5. Amrit Tulsi Ras:
Amrit Tulsi Ras is a pure herbal preparation that contains five types of Tulsi extracts Ocimum sanctum, Ocimumgratissium, Ocimumcanum, Ocimumbasilicum, and Ocimumcitriodorum. These Ayurvedic drops increase immunity and thereby treats respiratory diseases especially bronchitis. It gives effective results in cough, chest pain, throat pain, nasal congestion and other bacterial as well as viral infections.
Recommended Dosage: Take 2 drops twice daily in a cup of water.