Severe coughing and shortness of breath are common symptoms of chronic bronchitis. It can therefore get difficult to treat and manage. However, getting better control of the condition is possible with the help of prescribed treatment and home remedies. Making changes to daily lifestyle and foods being included in regular meals can also play a major part in the patient’s condition. It is important to get the inflammation levels under control to manage bronchitis signs and complications.

Foods to have

Honey
Honey is exceptionally well-known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. It plays an important role in helping prevent and clear chest congestion and other blockages. Chronic bronchitis can often lead to congested lungs and respiratory tract being obstructed with mucus formation. Honey has anti-inflammatory properties and is known for its ability to break down the mucus in the body and reduce inflammation. It can be incorporated into the patient’s routine by adding it to beverages like lemon and ginger tea. It can also be used in hot water or in combination with black pepper.

Orange juice
Orange juice is rich in vitamin C and other essential components that are known to boost the immune system. Owing to this property, it is also used as a great option in treating patients experiencing cough, cold, and flu symptoms. Besides its immune-boosting capabilities, it also has the ability to help the patient find relief from symptoms of chronic bronchitis. It is extremely helpful in relieving the inflammation of the throat, which is a common occurrence in patients dealing with bronchitis.

Onion
Adding raw onions on a regular basis to the patient’s meals is an efficient way of dealing with an inflamed throat. Alternatively, onion juice is also known to be effective if someone does not fancy the thought of chewing on raw onion and wants to be done with the task with less effort.

Foods to avoid

Soda
Drinking soda can aggravate the inflammation in the patient’s bronchial tubes and lungs. Soda is loaded with carbon dioxide that can lead to bloating and gas that results in difficulty in breathing. Replacing soda with beverages like natural fruit juices, water, flavored water, and tea can be a beneficial choice.

Fried foods
Fried foods constitute a high amount of trans fats and preservatives. They can contribute to the cholesterol level in the body and increase the risk of heart conditions and diabetes. Regular intake of these foods also increases the inflammatory levels in the body. The increased inflammation can cause aggravation of bronchitis symptoms. It is, therefore, advisable for patients to avoid eating fried food on a regular basis.

Avoid processed meats
Eating processed meat or red meat is frowned upon when it comes to patients with bronchitis. Intake of these types of meat is often linked with compounds that increase the body’s inflammation. It is rather advised to replace these inflammatory meats with non-inflammatory meat sources like chicken, eggs, and fatty fish. Including omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel is a great source of adding anti-inflammatory protein to the patient’s meals.

Salty food
Salty food is considered as bad as any other inflammatory food for patients with chronic bronchitis. The increased sodium levels in the body can lead to increased blood pressure levels that can negatively impact the patient’s respiratory health. Avoiding salt-rich food also means significantly decreasing the intake of canned and other preserved foods.

Refined sugar
Sugar is one of the common ingredients that lead to the aggravation of bronchitis symptoms. The amount of refined sugar in foods like candies, syrups, baked products, and other desserts is much higher than the recommended intake. It can cause symptoms like inflammation, lung irritation, and coughing.

Natural ways to manage bronchitis

Oregano oil
Oregano oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help improve the bronchitis side-effects suffered by a patient. It can help soothe inflammation in the body that results from the music formation and accumulation of bronchitis. Using a few drops of oregano oil on a regular basis as a home remedy to treat chronic bronchitis can help ease the unrest caused by its symptoms. The remedy can be as simple as applying a few drops of this oil onto the patient’s tongue.

Salt water gargle
Salt water gargle is a simple yet effective remedy against not just a sore throat but also any discomfort experienced from chronic bronchitis. However, it is important to remember that this water should not be swallowed. It is one of the most effective home remedies that can help find relief against bronchitis symptoms. It can break down the mucus that is against the lining of the lung and other respiratory system parts.