Salt Therapy: Improving Bronchitis Symptoms
It is summer time, but only now are temperatures starting to feel like a weekend trip to the beach may be possible. The weather has been swinging in unpredictable directions lately, from being sunny and warm one day, to cold and rainy the next. These conditions set up the perfect time to easily get sick. Your body can be thrown off with the rapidly changing temperatures and your immune system starts to weaken as well. You begin to feel under the weather. What could have been a simple cold, turns into something that requires weekly trips to your doctor. No one wants that, especially in the summer. We will help you understand more about bronchitis and how salt therapy helps in improving bronchitis symptoms.
About Bronchitis
Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes and is typically divided into two categories: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is the minor of the two. Most people diagnosed with acute bronchitis take a few weeks to fully recover. Viral infections, like a cold or the flu, tend to be the culprit behind acute bronchitis. Acute bronchitis can also be caused by a bacterial infection, which is more common in young children. Acute bronchitis typically goes away on its own, no treatment needed. Some doctors may still prescribe a medication, it varies by patient. Over the counter medications such as Ibuprofen can also help manage the symptoms, but bronchitis is typically an illness that needs to run its course.
On the other hand, chronic bronchitis is far more serious and should be watched carefully. Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition. Someone experiencing chronic bronchitis usually has an ongoing cough that lasts for several months. Since the airways are constantly inflamed for patients with chronic bronchitis, it makes it extremely hard to breathe. Chronic bronchitis can also be part of a serious condition called COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Unfortunately, while there are many treatments for chronic bronchitis, it will never go away completely. You’re stuck once you have it.
You’re higher at risk for catching either type of bronchitis if you smoke cigarettes, have asthma or allergies. Chronic bronchitis is often caused by smoking, but non-smokers are still at risk as well. Those who have a family history with respiratory diseases are also more at risk for bronchitis.
Bronchitis Symptoms
The bronchial tubes are very important to the respiratory system because they carry airflow from the trachea to the lungs. Think of your respiratory system as a machine. When something as crucial as your bronchial tubes aren’t working properly, other parts will start failing. Some symptoms your body will start feeling include: a hacking cough that produces thick yellow or green mucus, blocked nasal passages, and pain in the chest area when deep breathes are attempted. Symptoms between acute and chronic bronchitis are very similar, the only difference being that symptoms of chronic bronchitis last a few months.
Bronchitis typically has the same symptoms as a common cold, so it can be quite difficult to tell if you have bronchitis the first few days of illness. If you feel as if your symptoms aren’t improving, be sure to see a doctor.
Is Bronchitis Contagious?
Due to the fact that acute bronchitis is caused by a viral infection, it can be contagious in the first few days. To avoid anyone else possibly getting it, be sure that those around you wash your hands frequently and keep a safe distance for a few days. Chronic bronchitis is not contagious at all.
A natural treatment that can help prevent you from catching bronchitis in the first place, beside improving bronchitis symptoms, is salt therapy. Salt therapy is known to strengthen your immune system. Salt has high levels of negative ions. Negative ions improve the function of your cilia in your respiratory tract. Cilia are hair like structures that run along your respiratory tract. The stronger they are, the more dirt and dust they’re able to keep out of your lungs. Your lungs will be protected from irritation and inflammation, therefore leading to less instances of other respiratory illnesses.
How Salt Therapy helps Improving Bronchitis Symptoms?
Since salt has anti-inflammatory properties, breathing in salt particles is the key of salt therapy treatment. The release of small salt particles in the air will reduce inflammation of the bronchial tracts. This treatment is very helpful for those suffering from bronchitis. The airways will retract, air flow will improve, and it’ll feel easier to breathe. Salt therapy will also liquefy built-up mucus, making it easier to expel. As your respiratory tract widens and clears, you’ll find your coughing diminishing as well.
The time to try salt therapy is now! It’s natural, cost effective compared to other medication; you can use this treatment over and over again. Salt therapy has no side effects. It can be used at home during your sleep hours. This is a great benefit for those suffering from a chronic respiratory conditions. While you may still need medication when you are ill, salt therapy is a perfect way to assist in relieving your symptoms quickly and efficiently.