Cold spells, which characterize the winter period, are the source of many diseases. Among these, we can include bronchitis. Those who are most vulnerable are the elderly, infants and pregnant women. Able to appear unpredictably or repeatedly, bronchitis is characterized by the inflammation of the bronchi, that is to say the airways that transport air from the trachea to the lungs. Caused, most of the time, by viruses (responsible for the flu) and bacteria, bronchitis first manifests itself by swelling and redness of the bronchial tubes, as well as an increased production of mucus that ends up clogging the airways.
There are two distinct types of bronchitis: acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. The first occurs suddenly and only lasts a few days while the second is a disease that recurs frequently and can last several weeks. Indeed, in cases of chronic bronchitis, which is often caused by smoking, the airways are constantly red and swollen and there is an abundant production of mucus.
Bronchitis starts out as a cold with coughing and respiratory problems. Chronic bronchitis and acute bronchitis are both caused by an inflammation of the respiratory tract. However, their symptoms are not entirely similar. Acute bronchitis appears suddenly, and is accompanied by mild fever, fatigue, pain in the back or chest, a sore throat, headaches, a loss of voice and breathing difficulties among the most fragile patients.
Regarding chronic bronchitis, it is characterized by a cough that lasts for three months and frequently recurs. It is recognizable by a cough with sputum, shortness of breath that increases over time and breathing difficulties (wheezing). Chronic bronchitis, although it seems less worrisome, can lead to respiratory complications, thus reinforcing the need for adequate treatment on time. For this purpose, one can use several pharmaceutical drugs although resorting to homoeopathy is always a good idea. Whether it is for acute or chronic bronchitis, there are lots of effective homoeopathic remedies available.
Although acute bronchitis can disappear on its own, without treatment, after about two weeks, it is always advisable to treat it appropriately. If it is accompanied by dry and painful coughing, it is recommended to use Aconitum napellus, which is suitable for people who do not feel the urge to drink. On the other hand, those who feel an intense thirst and pain around the ribs are advised to take Bryonia alba. Those whose cough is similar to a whooping cough should be administered “Drosera rotundifolia” (which also minimizes the pain at the base of the thorax) and “Cuprum metallicum” (reduces pain in the chest) or “Ipecacuanha”
(limits breathing difficulties and nausea), considered to be the most appropriate forms of treatment. In any case, “Rumex crispus” is suitable for acute bronchitis with dry cough.
Acute bronchitis is usually accompanied by mucus production. However, in some cases (among the elderly for example), it is often difficult for the patient to spit, hence the need to resort to Senega, a homoeopathic remedy that facilitates the expectoration of mucus. Moreover, in the case of viscous and yellowish mucus, “Goldenseal” is the recommended remedy. Another possibility consists of alternating doses (a dose consists of four granules) of Kalium bichromicum 5 CH and Antimonium tartaricum 5 CH ), which proves to be effective for the treatment of bronchitis with phlegmy sputum.
However, if the sputum has a liquid consistency and is of greenish colour, Kali sulphuricum is the most appropriate remedy. If the mucus is very abundant, Calcarea sulfurica can help curb its production. Taking four granules of Bryonia 5 CH three times a day has proven to be very effective to overcome a cough.
To fight against the fever that accompanies bronchitis, Ferrum Phosphoricum is the most suitable homoeopathic remedy. If diarrhoea and vomiting occur during the disease, use Sanguinaria canadensis to resolve these issues.
If the lungs are highly congested with mucus, Antonium tartaricum will be able to reduce congestion within these organs, as well as regulate the production of mucus. Meanwhile, Aconite is essential for a patient who has caught a cold. As for the sore throat and the common cold, they can be treated with Belladonna and Dulcamara, respectively .
Unlike acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis cannot be cured. However, its symptoms may be lessened or limited by different homoeopathic remedies. To fight against morning sputum, taking Hepar sulphur 5 CH every night is very effective. Silicea is also used to treat chronic bronchitis, and is especially recommended for people who are sensitive to the cold. But for a long-term treatment, a combination of Natrum sulfuricum and Thuja seems to be the method of choice. Hundreds of homoeopathic products are available for the treatment of chronic bronchitis. Your homoeopath will prescribe the best combinations of remedies, meaning those that are most suitable to your body.
If acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis are poorly treated, this can lead to long term respiratory complications, especially among infants and the elderly. Indeed, acute bronchitis that is left untreated can turn into pneumonia. Thus, if the symptoms of acute bronchitis persist for more than a month, grow in intensity and include foul-tasting greenish sputum, swelling of the feet, mucus mixed with blood, breathing difficulties and a strong fever, it is necessary to seek medical attention right away. As for chronic bronchitis, it is necessary to consult a doctor if the coughing frequency increases, if sputum becomes mixed with blood, and if chest pain becomes more and more acute despite smoking cessation.
Good to know: To select the most appropriate homoeopathic remedy, it is useful to first determine the patient’s type of cough: dry or productive.
