How to Beat Chronic Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a condition in which the lining of the lungs becomes infected and swollen. Since the lungs' passageways are inflamed, breathing can become difficult. Generally, bronchitis clears up within a few days to two weeks. Chronic bronchitis lasts for long periods of time, generally longer than three months. You can fortify your immune system and effectively beat chronic bronchitis.

Things You'll Need

• Clear liquids
• Cough medicine
• Humidifier

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Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor. He may prescribe a bronchodilator which works similarly to an inhaler. The bronchodilator will release medication which you'll inhale that helps make breathing easier. Your doctor may also prescribe steroid medication to aid recovery, or other prescription medications to reduce inflammation of your bronchial linings.

• 2

  Stop smoking. Smokers are much more likely to experience chronic bronchitis than non-smokers. Tobacco smoke irritates the lungs, often causing them to produce mucus and leading to bronchitis.

• 3

  Drink plenty of clear liquids. Water works best, however, other clear liquids such as broths and juices also work well. Drinking liquids helps to thin mucus secretions, thereby making breathing easier.

• 4

  Get lots of sleep. If you have chronic bronchitis, you need to strengthen your immune system. While seven hours of sleep is recommended for a healthy individual, aim for eight to nine hours of sleep nightly while you have chronic bronchitis.

• 5

  Take cough medicine at night. Over-the-counter cough medication will suppress your cough, allowing you to properly rest. Avoid cough medicine during the day since productive coughs help expel mucus from your body.

• 6

  Get moderate exercise. Walk briskly for 10 to 20 minutes daily. This will help to strengthen your breathing muscles. Take things slowly at first as you become accustomed to the exercise. Discuss any new exercise regime with your doctor prior to starting.

• 7

  Use a humidifier. Place one next to your bed while you sleep. Humidifiers keep the air moist, helping to loosen phlegm and reduce coughing fits.