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Bronchitis
by Dr. Rajesh Shah
Introduction: Bronchitis refers simply to inflammation of
the windpipe (tracheobronchial tree). This is usually caused by infection (viral, bacterial,
fungal, etc) but it can also be triggered by irritants and
allergens. This condition is widely prevalent throughout
the world and is a frequent cause of absenteeism from
school and work.
Bronchitis seems to be slightly more common in women as
compared to males though the difference is not
significant. It is more common amongst the younger
age-group as compared to the adult population.
Symptoms: The commonest symptom is purulent
cough. This may be accompanied by any of the following
symptoms: fever, chest pain, dyspnoea (difficulty in
breathing), throat pain, nasal congestion, malaise,
muscular pains, joint pains, etc.
When the condition becomes chronic and lasts for at least
3 months for 2 consecutive years, it is termed as chronic
bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is
predominantly caused by smoking, exposure to polluted
climate, and has also been linked to pneumoconiosis,
excessive alcohol consumption and exposure to cold and
draught. Allergens can also induce symptoms of bronchitis
as well as breathlessness and this is termed as Allergic
bronchitis. It has been implied that heredity may have an
important role to play in the development of chronic and
allergic bronchitis.
Suggestion about
homeopathic treatment: Homoeopathic medicines
are very effective in managing acute expressions of
bronchitis as well as play a vital role in preventing
relapse of the condition in chronic bronchitis. Chronic
and allergic bronchitis are actually constitutional
disorders that show local expression at the level of
lungs. Hence these call for an in-depth constitutional
approach towards its management.
Homoeopathy medicines are prescribed on the basis of
presenting complaints along with taking into account the
physical, emotional and genetic make up that
individualizes a person. This constitutional approach
makes homoeopathic medicines work at the basic level and
treat the disease more completely. Homoeopathy is very
strongly recommended for all stages and variants of
bronchitis.
Related conditions:
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