Bronchitis is the inflammation or obstruction of the bronchi, the breathing tubes that lead to the lungs.
Bronchitis can either be acute or chronic.
Acute bronchitis is caused by an infection which can be bacterial, viral, chlamydial (vinereal) or mycoplasmal (fungal); typically it is an upper respiratory tract infection.
Chronic bronchitis results from frequent irritation from the lungs such as exposure to cigarette smoke or other noxious fumes.
Allergies may also be the cause of chronic bronchitis.
Symptoms: The inflammation results in a buildup of mucus plus coughing, fever, pain in the chest/or back, fatigue, sore throat, difficulty breathing, and even sudden chills and shaking.
Recommendations:

• Beta-carotene and vitamin A are necessary for healingand the protection of lung tissue.
  We suggest a high quality whole foodsupplement, like VITAFORCE that is complete and made from whole foods.
  Beware that Vitamin A is toxicif from synthetic sources, so it must be from whole foods.
  Make sure youknow what you are getting from the nutritional label.
  
• Common Plantain has had some dramatic effects on peoplewith bronchitis.
  In one study, chronic bronchitis patients treated withPlantain for a 25-30 days had a quick effect on subjective complaints andobjective benefits in as many as 80% of the patients, with no sideeffects.
  Clinical Trial of Plantago Major Preparation in the Treatment ofChronic Bronchitis], Vutr Boles, 21(2), 1982, p.
  133-137
• Drink plenty of distilled water, about 8 glassesthroughout the day (not with meals).
  
• Use a humidifier, a vaporizer or even a pan of waterplaced on a radiator and clean your equipment frequently to preventbacteria growth.
  
• Apply warm, moist heat or a hot water bottle over thechest and back before bedtime to aid in sleeping and reduce swelling.
  
• Practice blowing up a balloon a few times daily, oneresearch study showed that after eight weeks of this therapy people withbronchitis were much less breathless.
  

Things to Avoid: Avoid mucus forming foods such as dairy products, processed foods, sugar and white flour.
· Do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke.
· Do not use a cough suppressant because coughing is essential for eliminating mucus secretions.
If coughing is persistent or severe enough, consult a healthcare professional as this may be a sign of developing pneumonia.
If bronchitis does not clear up in a reasonable amount of time, get a chest x-ray to rule out lung cancer, tuberculosis, or other conditions.
References: 1) James F.
Balch, M.
D, Phyllis A.
Balch, C.
N.
C, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," (1997) 2) M.
Mateve, et al.
, [Clinical Trial of Plantago Major Preparation in the Treatment of Chronic Bronchitis], Vutr Boles, 21(2), 1982, p.
133-137