Bronchitis is a medical health condition that is characterized by an infection of the airways that send air into the lungs. These airways are called bronchi and trachea. When they become inflamed, this can lead to a number of debilitating symptoms and even other conditions. A bronchitis diagnosis can be either acute or chronic, meaning that it can be either short or long-term, depending on the severity of the inflammation and its effects. Chronic bronchitis can be treated but not cured, so people diagnosed with chronic bronchitis need to find ways to manage this condition on a regular basis.
Mostly, bronchitis is developed as a result of a virus. Living with a virus can lead to the build-up of mucus in the airways of the lungs, leading to coughing. With bronchitis, this mucus and coughing lead to inflammation, which continues the cycle of mucus and coughing. If you have a cough for more than two weeks after having a cold or flu, this could signify that you have developed bronchitis as a result of a virus.
Some people are at a higher risk of developing bronchitis including people who:
There are a number of different treatment options for dealing with a bronchitis diagnosis. These will be diagnosed to patients depending on their risk factors and the reason for the cause of bronchitis. For example, if you are at a higher risk for developing bronchitis as the result of an asthma diagnosis and you develop bronchitis, your doctor may prescribe you a higher dose of asthma medication. If you’ve developed bronchitis as a result of a cold or flu, you may expect to be prescribed antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and cough suppressants.
Some people do not respond fully to traditional bronchitis medications. Especially, if they are living with chronic bronchitis. Furthermore, people who are struggling to manage symptoms of acute bronchitis may be looking for non-traditional treatments to speed up the healing process. This is where acupuncture comes in to help those living with bronchitis.
Acupuncture is known for its healing effects on inflammation found in the body. Since bronchitis is the result of inflamed airways that lead to the lungs, acupuncture can help to improve healing and manage symptoms of even chronic bronchitis by reducing inflammation of these airways. Basically, it is believed that acupuncture helps to improve the function of the nervous system, immune system, and blood circulation, which all can result in reduced inflammation of the bronchi and trachea.
Want to see what acupuncture can do for you in dealing with the symptoms of bronchitis in your life? Acupuncture Zen offers acupuncture sessions to specifically help patients heal from bronchitis and manage everyday symptoms of chronic bronchitis. Find out more about our practice, located in Delray Beach, on our website, and reach out to us today to learn more.
Some of the symptoms people who are diagnosed with bronchitis experience include:
