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An expectorating cough

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Shortness of breath (dyspnea)

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Chronic inflammation of the pharynx along with cough.

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Wheezing

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Chest pains

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Fever

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Fatigue or malaise may also occur

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Further obstruction to the airways is caused by more goblet cells in the small airways. This is typical of chronic bronchitis.

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Bronchitis caused by Adenoviridae may cause systemic and gastrointestinal symptoms as well. However the coughs due to bronchitis can continue for up to three weeks or more even after all other symptoms have subsided. Most doctors rely on the presence of a persistent dry or wet cough as evidence of bronchitis.

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A chest X-ray that reveals hyperinflation; collapse and consolidation of lung areas would support a diagnosis of pneumonia. Some conditions that predispose to bronchitis may be indicated by chest radiography.

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A sputum sample showing neutrophil granulocytes (inflammatory white blood cells) and culture showing that has pathogenic microorganisms such as Streptococcus spp. Damage caused by irritation of the airways leads to inflammation and leads to neutrophils being present.

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A blood test would indicate inflammation (as indicated by a raised white blood cell count and elevated C-reactive protein).

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Typical viruses that cause acute bronchitis include:

- respiratory syncytial virus

- rhinovirus

- influenza

Acute bronchitis can also result from breathing irritating fumes, such as those of tobacco smoke or polluted air.

Causes of chronic bronchitis include:

- Tobacco smoking (it is the most common cause)

- Pneumoconiosis and long-term fume inhalation are other causes

Although infection is not the reason or cause of chronic bronchitis it is seen to aid in sustaining the bronchitis.

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Kali phos. (D6) is a biochemic tissue salt that is often called ‘nature’s pacifier’. It has a relaxing effect on the nerves and throughout the body and helps to support healthy breathing.

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Matricaria recutita (Chamomile) is one of nine sacred herbs believed by the Anglo Saxons to have been given to the world by the god Woden. It is widely used in holistic medicine as an antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and calmative herb, and is particularly useful for allergy-induced asthma. Traditionally used to help relieve occasional simple nervous tension, this herb helps to gently soothe and lessen frustration caused by common every day overwork and fatigue and is widely used in holistic medicine to support the lungs and respiratory system. Active ingredients include volatile oil, flavonoids, valerianic acid, coumarins, tannins, salicylates and cyanogenic glycosides. Research has confirmed the benefits of Chamomile on respiratory functioning.

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Nat sulph. (D6) is a biochemic tissue salt that is classically used as a natural bronchial tonic and helps to soothe the respiratory tract

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Astragalus membranaceus is a tonic herb that has been confirmed by clinical research to be effective in strengthening immune system functioning. It also has antispasmodic and antibacterial properties. Astragalus membranaceus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for many centuries as a natural rejuvenating tonic. Currently, much of the pharmacological research on Astragalus is focused on its benefits for the immune system.

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Hypoxis Rooperi (extract of African Potato) - Hypoxis contains phytosterols and sterolins, which help to modulate the effect of the immune system. Research has shown the beneficial effect of plant sterols and sterolins on the immune system. Research done on a group of volunteers demonstrated a significant increase in the number of T-cells, which are involved in enhancing immunity.

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Phosphorus (C6) is used homeopathically to treat and prevent respiratory problems linked to anxiety. Phosphorus (C6) is a remedy suited to those who tend to be affectionate, artistic, enthusiastic and expressive, often "biting off more than they can chew". Phosphorus also supports the respiratory system and promotes healthy oxygen intake.

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Arsen alb. (C6) is often used to prevent bronchospasm caused by cold air and in the early morning. Arsen alb. (6C) is a remedy made by extracting the ingredient from the crystalline mineral ore Arsenopyrite that is found in many countries of the Northern Hemisphere. Ars. alb. typically suits those who are very organized, dislike chaos and are ambitious, neat and tidy. People who respond to this remedy tend to feel worse in cold air and improve with warmth and heated drinks.

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Agothosma betulina (Buchu) - This is a urinary antiseptic and possesses diuretic properties. Buchu has been used by the natives of the Western Cape of South Africa for many centuries and assists the body to rid itself of toxins by stimulating the secretion of retained water.

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Solidago virgaurea - This herb helps the body in its ability to routinely regulate mucus and has been used traditionally by herbalists for centuries as a tonic remedy to strengthen the natural protective ability of the body to fight infection.

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Mag phos. (D6) is a biochemic tissue salt that has a variety of uses, amongst these is the ability of Mag. phos to prevent spasms and tightness in the chest.

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Schizandra sinesis - This herb is a powerful native ingredient from China. Schizandra is also used to assist the body in its capacity to regulate and maintain healthy energy levels and to routinely protect against toxins and cell damage. It is effective in helping the body to perform its natural function of regeneration of damaged liver tissue, while promoting improved overall regulation of physiological processes.

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In people with bronchitis, lipids in the lung tissue may undergo oxidation damage (also called free-radical damage), particularly when the bronchitis is a result of exposure to environmental toxins or cigarette smoke. A diet high in antioxidants may protect against the free radical-damaging effect of these toxins. A good mix of fresh fruits and vegetables shall provide you with enough beta carotene, vitamin C and E. Other antioxidant rich foods include shellfish and avocados (selenium); nuts, seeds and shellfish (copper); and shellfish for zinc. Bioflavonoids, found in some fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits and grapes (do not drink water over grapes), also have antioxidant properties.

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If you have chronic bronchitis, you might want to experiment with different food choices to see if changes to your diet make any difference in your symptoms. As you do this, keep a careful record of how you are feeling (that is, any changes in your symptoms). For example, try reducing your intake of dairy which may increase mucus production. Also, try eliminating eggs, milk, food coloring, preservatives, and additives. Try adding onions and garlic.

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Drink mullein tea which is actually a traditional remedy for respiratory ailments and is also used to make expectorant cough syrups. It contains saponins that help to loosen phlegm. You may also opt for dried marshmallow root instead.

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To thin mucus and help you cough it up more easily, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which tend to dehydrate and make mucus tougher to dislodge.

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Go for ginger - Grind 15g ginger, 4 almonds, 8 large raisins and eat it twice daily, followed by hot water.

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Eat chilies, hot spicy salsa or dishes flavored with cayenne pepper. Fiery foods thin the mucus in your lungs, thereby helping you to cough more productively.

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Smoking cessation - Bronchitis is frequently associated with smoking and/or environmental exposure to chemicals or allergens. These exposures should be avoided to allow the cells of the bronchi to recover from chronic irritation and to decrease the burden on the immune system. To help the bronchial tree heal faster and not make bronchitis worse, smokers should cut back on the number of cigarettes smoked daily or quit smoking completely to allow their lungs to recover from the layer of tar that often builds up over time.

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If your job exposes you to lots of dust, fumes and pollutants, be sure to wear an efficient mask or respirator to filter the impurities from the air you breathe. Further, to reduce the risk of getting viral bronchitis, wash your hands frequently and keep them away from your face, especially when you are near someone who has cold.

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Breathe steam - Take a hot shower or pour steaming-hot water into a bowl and lean over it., draping a towel over your head to create a steam tent. inhaling the steam will help loosen the secretions in your lungs. To make the steam even more effective, add a few drops of eucalyptus or pine oil to the water. They have excellent anti-bacterial property along with mucus softening strength.

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Antihistamines - Using over-the-counter antihistamines may be harmful in the self-treatment of bronchitis. An effect/side effect of antihistamines is to thicken mucus secretions. Expelling infected mucus via coughing can be beneficial in recovering from bronchitis. Expulsion of the mucus may be hindered if it is thickened. Antihistamines can help bacteria to persist and multiply in the lungs by increasing its residence time in a warm, moist environment of thickened mucus. Using antihistamines along with an expectorant cough syrup may be doubly harmful: encouraging the production of mucus and then thickening that which is produced. Using an expectorant cough syrup alone might be useful in flushing bacteria from the lungs. Using an antihistamine along with it works against the intention of using the expectorant.

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Acupuncture - Acupuncture can help relieve symptoms of acute bronchitis and, possibly, help improve quality of life for those with chronic bronchitis. Acupuncturists treat people with bronchitis based on an individualized assessment of the excesses and deficiencies of qi located in various meridians. Needling treatment for bronchitis tends to focus on the lung and spleen meridians. Acupuncturists usually perform other treatments as well to clear the blockage of qi in the chest area. These treatments may include specialized massage, moxibustion (a technique in which the herb mugwort is burned over specific acupuncture points), breathing exercises, lifestyle counseling, and herbal remedies.

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