How to Prevent Bronchitis

Although bronchitis isn't a life-threatening condition, the symptoms can persist for several days or weeks, and they can impact a person's life. The most common symptom of bronchitis is an ongoing cough. Sufferers may also deal with a sore throat, sinus problems, chest congestion, wheezing and a fever. Bronchitis typically develops after a respiratory infection. Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself and prevent bronchitis.

Things You'll Need

• Vitamins
• Face mask
• Humidifier
• Scarf

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Instructions

• 1

  Wear a face mask. To limit your exposure to air pollutants such as cigarette smoke, household products and other chemicals, wear a face mask to protect your air passageway. Pollutants can irritate the bronchial tubes and cause inflammation.

• 2

  Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf. If you're dealing with a cold or respiratory infection, cover your face with a scarf before going outdoors into cold weather. Cold air can enter the lungs and trigger bronchitis.

• 3

  Take a vitamin supplement. Vitamins boost your immune system and lower your chances of developing a cold, flu or bronchitis. Take a multivitamin every day; and at the first sign of a cold, take echinacea and increase your vitamin C intake.

• 4

  Get an annual flu shot. A flu shot significantly reduces your risk of developing the flu virus. In turn, this lowers your chances of developing bronchitis. Talk to your doctor about flu vaccinations.

• 5

  Wash your hands often. Wash your hands with an anti-bacterial soap, or use a hand sanitizer to prevent an infection. Make a conscious effort to keep your hands away from your mouth and nose.