Bronchitis cough results from the inflammation of the bronchial tubes. These tubes carry air to the lungs as well as release air from the lungs. Depending on how long the symptoms persist, a person can have acute or chronic bronchitis cough. It has been observed that acute bronchitis is caused due to infection by virus or bacteria that also causes common cold and flu. Chronic bronchitis cough is caused by smoking and constant exposure to air pollution or toxic gases and particulate matter.

Observed mostly among smokers, chronic bronchitis cough causes shortness of breath and fatigue accompanied by extreme discomfort in the chest. Although there are no are treatments to completely cure the ailment, doctors recommend medicines and lifestyle changes to alleviate the unease caused by the symptoms of chronic bronchitis cough. Read on to know more about the diagnosis of this disease, prevention measures, home remedies to alleviate the symptoms, and measures to take to prevent the disease from spreading.

Are there any home treatments for chronic bronchitis cough?

• Incorporate a lot of probiotics and anti-inflammatory foods in your diet. Raw fruits and vegetables, bone broth, cultured yogurt, kefir, kombucha, coconut kefir, sauerkraut in your regular diet to alleviate the symptoms of chronic bronchitis cough. All these foods give a boost to the immune system, help in fighting infection and reduce the production of mucus.
• Avoid foods such as dairy products, foods made of processed sugar, and fried foods. These are mucus-producing foods and aggravate the symptoms of chronic bronchitis cough.
• Increase the intake of vitamin C in your diet. Include foods such as kale, oranges, kiwi, strawberries, grapefruit, guava, broccoli, red peppers, and green peppers.

How is chronic bronchitis cough diagnosed?

• In the initial days, it is difficult to diagnose chronic bronchitis cough since the symptoms are similar to a common cold.
• Chest X-rays are often used by doctors to determine whether a person has chronic bronchitis cough. This test is especially used when the person has been a smoker or is currently smoking.
• Another way to diagnose this respiratory disease is through a sputum test. Sputum is the mucus that is produced from the lungs.
• Pulmonary function test is also used to check whether a person has chronic bronchitis cough. This test involves checking how much air a person can hold in their lungs and how quickly they can release the inhaled air. This is done by using a device such as a spirometer.

Are there any ways to prevent chronic bronchitis cough?

• There are no effective ways to prevent chronic bronchitis cough. However, there are a few ways that can help in reducing the risks of being afflicted with chronic bronchitis cough.
• One of the best ways to deal with chronic bronchitis cough is by making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking. The risk of chronic bronchitis cough is high among smokers. It has been observed that the risk reduces after five years of quitting.
• It is also advised to avoid secondhand smoking and keep away from air pollution, fumes, dust, and vapors that are a potential lung irritant.
• Yearly flu and pneumonia vaccine can also help in the prevention of chronic bronchitis cough.

How to prevent chronic bronchitis cough from spreading?

• Chronic bronchitis cough is not contagious; however, it is best to take some precautions to avoid the risk of the infection spreading to others.
• Avoid close contact with the person afflicted with chronic bronchitis cough.
• Do not share towels, razors, clothes, or utensils with the affected person.
• Use gloves and face mask while cleaning the room and other objects used by the person with chronic bronchitis cough.
• Wash hands thoroughly before and after eating and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose to prevent any infection.

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