What is bronchitis?
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to the lungs. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Often, bronchitis appears as a complication of a cold or another respiratory tract infection. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is a more serious condition, involving persistent irritation or inflammation of the bronchial lining, often due to smoking.
Acute bronchitis
Acute bronchitis usually improves within a few days without lasting effects, although you may continue to have a cough for several weeks.
Acute bronchitis is very common and can be effectively treated without professional medical assistance.
Chronic bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is categorized as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Chronic bronchitis is a serious, long-term illness that often requires intensive medical care.
Through regular Ayurvedic consultations, you can prevent bronchitis or treat it at its roots.
Dr. Avishek Mishra is now in Bulgaria and has successfully helped hundreds of people manage persistent health issues that had troubled them for a long time without lasting solutions.
If there are recurring episodes of bronchitis, you may have chronic bronchitis, which requires medical attention. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms such as high fever or coughing up blood, you should see your doctor immediately. Seek urgent medical help if you have difficulty breathing or experience chest pain. Those with chronic bronchitis are at increased risk of developing heart problems, more severe lung diseases, and infections, so monitoring your condition is essential.
What causes bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is usually caused by lung infections, 90% of which are viral in origin. Repeated episodes of acute bronchitis that irritate the bronchi and airways over time can lead to chronic bronchitis.
Industrial pollution is one of the main culprits. Chronic bronchitis occurs more frequently in miners and people constantly exposed to dust and smoke. However, the primary cause is long-term cigarette smoking, which irritates the bronchi and causes them to produce excess mucus. Chronic bronchitis symptoms worsen with high concentrations of sulfur dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants.
Symptoms of bronchitis
For both acute and chronic bronchitis, signs and symptoms may include:
Cough
Production of mucus (phlegm), which may be clear, white, yellowish, green, or even blood-streaked
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Slight fever
Chills and chest discomfort
It’s no secret that most diseases are stress-related, and yoga and breathing techniques can help support a calm and healthy life. At The Art of Living, the Breath & Meditation Course teaches key breathing techniques that can support you.
Chronic bronchitis is defined as a dry cough that lasts at least three months, with recurring episodes over at least two consecutive years.
If you have chronic bronchitis, symptoms may worsen periodically. Visit your doctor if your cough lasts more than three weeks, interferes with your sleep, or is accompanied by a fever over 38 °C.
How does yoga help?
As strange as it may sound, breathing is the body’s primary natural detox mechanism. That’s why it’s important to learn how to breathe correctly, using the lungs' full capacity.
In this respect, yoga is an excellent tool for self-help, as it builds resistance to the bacteria and viruses that attack us.
Breathing techniques aren't the only helpful aspect — physical exercises are also essential.
Child’s Pose helps develop a stronger immune defense system.
Bridge Pose improves circulation and increases the body's energy to build better resistance against pathogens.
Cobra Pose opens the chest and supports the release of white blood cells, strengthening the immune system.
Fish Pose expands chest capacity and stimulates the thymus gland.
Yoga breathing techniques such as Kapal Bhati (boosts airway resistance), Bhastrika (clears the lungs), and Nadi Shodhan (enhances sinus immunity) are highly recommended by specialists. To learn how to practice them correctly, you can attend the Secrets of the Breath seminar.
Eat freshly prepared vegetarian food.
Avoid processed foods, canned goods, frozen meals, and packaged products.
Drink at least 2–3 liters of water daily to stay hydrated and support detoxification.
Include more vegetables in your meals and eat at regular times.
Increase your intake of vitamin C through fresh fruits and vegetables.
The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, combined with daily yoga, is especially recommended for healing bronchitis and improving overall health. Ayurvedic doctors recommend consuming Tulsi – a powerful herb known for boosting immunity and its remarkable healing properties. It is rich in antioxidants and helps reduce stress and respiratory inflammation. You can take it with ginger and honey as a tea or as a dietary supplement in tablet form.
Laxmi Taru tea, Amla, and Amrut are also powerful immune boosters. In addition, ginger and turmeric with honey can be taken twice a day for the same effect. If you want all of them in one, try Shakti Drops by Sri Sri Ayurveda.
