Alternative Treatments for Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an infection of the major bronchial tubes that lead to the lungs. This infection is painful and often caused by a virus. Bronchitis can be accompanied by severe coughing, thick mucus, aching pain behind the breastbone and shortness of breath. A normally healthy person can usually rely on self-care to treat bronchitis.

Humidify

• Add moisture to the air with a warm or cool mist humidifier. This will promote coughing, which is the body's way of bringing up the infection. A steamy shower will also help.

Liquids

• Drink extra fluids. It does not matter what type of liquids are taken. They help the mucus stay in liquid form so it can be coughed up easier.

Gargle

• Add 1 tsp of salt in an 8 oz. glass of water. Gargle often and spit out the salty water. This sooths the throat and cuts through the mucus coating the throat.

Rest

• Stay still while suffering from bronchitis. Activity will make the symptoms worse and potentially spread the germs to others.

Medication

• Take aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve the muscle pain from coughing. These are pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications. Do not give aspirin to children because of the risk of Reye's Syndrome.