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1
Do I have to continue homeopathy for long period of time?
The course of line of treatment in homeopathy depends upon how the individual reacts to the given remedy. In case of acute complaints, homeopathy will provide quick relief in reducing the intensity and severity of complaints so that the person can resume their activities soon whereas to increase the resistance of the individual and to protect from further relapse, it might require 6- 8 months for complete treatment.
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2
How homeopathy is helpful in treating bronchitis?
Homeopathy is very effective in treating all the symptoms of acute and chronic bronchitis, and plays a significant role in preventing further complications and reoccurrence of the disease.
Homeopathic medicines after administration will clear up the infection; relieve the discomfort of chest and helps in clearing up the airways for the easy elimination of secretions.
In acute stage of disease, homeopathic treatment for bronchitis helps by relieving the patient from dry irritating cough with acute medicines, thereby reducing the frequency and severity of diseases. Constitutional approach will boost up the immune system of the body hence preventing recurring infections.
To know about the benefits of homeopathy from our experts, in detail please click Homeopathic Treatment
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3
What is the prognosis of this disease?
Those individuals who have a habit of smoking and who are ready to stop smoking have a good prognosis and lesser chances of developing chronic bronchitis. Also people who seek various preventive measures in their work place can save themselves from dangerous complications associated with it. But those who get exposed to continuous repeated attacks of irritants and can lead to bronchial irritation and can have a bad prognosis leading to many complications.
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4
What happens if we do not treat bronchitis?
Most people who have symptoms of acute bronchitis can recover soon without any complications. But those who suffer from persistent cough for more than 3 months with difficulty in breathing can lead to serious complications especially in elderly people and those who are already having heart or lung diseases. Thus if you come across any symptoms you should talk to your practitioner and start your medications as fast as possible.
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5
Is it possible to treat bronchitis? If yes what are the modes of treatment available?
The main aim of treatment is the alleviation of symptoms. In case of acute bronchitis, treatment is primarily supportive and for chronic it is the avoidance of environmental irritants. People who have chronic bronchitis should avoid things that cause their bronchial tubes to swell.
Agents like cough suppressants, non-steroidal inflammatory drugs and mucolytics are used by the conventional methods to control cough.
Ideally, the cough produced in the bronchus should be expelled out and not suppressed. Cough suppressants can cause adverse effects on the bronchus. They, along with anti-inflammatory drugs work only temporarily and the symptoms worsen as soon as the treatment is stopped. Homeopathic medicines help to reduce inflammation naturally and promote the cough to be expelled out and reduce the amount of cough that is produced by the airways.
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6
Are there any tests available to diagnose Bronchitis?
If you ever noticed symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath and wheezing for longer period of time, then it is better to consult doctor immediately and seek his advice.
Bronchitis can be easily diagnosed on basis of case history, physical examination and blood tests. It is important to differentiate between acute and chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis will remain for few days and will settle immediately whereas chronic bronchitis can be caused due to recurrent episodes and may lasts for longer period of time.
Other inquiry about any recent history of cold or the flu, smoking, exposure to smoke or other lung irritants such as air pollution, dust or fumes in your work place should be evaluated for the diagnosis.
Sometimes if needed, then simple interventions like X-ray, Complete blood count, culture sensitivity test can be done to assess the source of infection.
For further details please click Tests and Diagnosis .
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7
Are there any serious adverse effects or complications associated with acute and chronic bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis settles in few days and thus do not develop any complications. But if one encounters recurrent attacks of bronchitis, then there are higher chances that the infection may spread throughout the lungs producing dreadful complications such as pneumonia, emphysema and ultimately respiratory failure. Please click Complications
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8
My father recently suffered from an attack of acute bronchitis, so what prevention should I take to prevent his recurrent episodes of bronchitis?
Yes, to prevent bronchitis, we should first assess the triggering factors leading to this disease and learn to avoid it. If at all he is working in any industry where there is continuous exposure of fumes, vapours, then he can wear a face mask or demand for adequate ventilation.
If he has a habit of smoking, then you should tell him to reduce the number of cigarettes gradually as smoking reduces the body's ability to fight against infections in the lungs.
Also he should try to avoid contact with those who have an upper respiratory tract infection, such as a cold or flu and try to maintain simple hygienic conditions.
To know these preventive measures in detail please click Prevention
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9
I smoke 5-6 cigarettes per day, can I suffer from bronchitis?
Yes, cigarette smoking is the greatest risk factor for developing chronic bronchitis. 80-90% of the cases of bronchitis are due to smoking.
Smoking affects the tiny hair cells called cilia that line the air passages. When cilia do not function properly, they trap the mucus inside the lungs. This affects the lining of the bronchial tubes to become swollen and irritated. Because of this, there is difficulty in breathing and tightness of chest.
Hence, the more amounts of cigarettes you smoke; there is increased rate of developing chronic bronchitis.
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10
Every now and then due to sudden change in weather, my mother gets affected by common cold, so can she develop bronchitis at any point of time? Who all are at higher risk of developing bronchitis?
Anyone can suffer from bronchitis at any time. Mainly young children and infants have great chances of getting infected due to low immunity. Those who had a recent upper respiratory infection like sinusitis, common cold, or influenza (flu) are easily prone to develop acute bronchitis. If such infections are not treated well then it may develop in chronic bronchitis.
Also more cases of Chronic bronchitis are more common among people who are over 45 years and those who are exposed to high level of air pollution, dust, working with chemical fumes, coal mining and textile industry.
Even smokers of all ages are more likely to have chronic bronchitis than non-smokers. Minor injuries to the chest wall such as a rib fracture or injury to airways can also trigger bronchitis.
People who are subjected to any chronic illness such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, asthma, allergies, diabetes, HIV, chemotherapy have a weaker immune system which may increase the probability of being affected with bronchitis.
Hence it is necessary that your mother should take proper care of her health and increase her immunity so that she does not land up developing any serious diseases.
To read in detail please click Risk Factors
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11
How do I know if I am suffering from chronic bronchitis?
If you are suffering from chronic bronchitis then you might have noticed that you might be suffering from recurrent or persistent productive cough for 3 months for at least 2 years. The intensity of cough may vary from mild to severe.
Also there will be tightness of chest with difficulty in breathing. Chronic bronchitis can develop from repeated episodes of acute bronchitis or other repeated lung infections.
These infections can damage the linings of the respiratory tubes causing difficulty in breathing. Other symptoms like fatigue, loss of appetite, etc can also be there. In severe cases, bluish discoloration of the tongue, lips and conjunctiva may be seen.
