Chronic bronchitis, now called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes that causes coughing, sputum, and ultimately difficulty breathing. Its prevention is essential.
Prevention
Stop smoking.
Passive or not, the smoking increases the inflammation of the bronchi, therefore their susceptibility to infections, and coughing fits. The smoke also paralyzes the bronchial cilia responsible for expelling secretions from the bronchi. Concerning more particularly chronic bronchitis, 90% of them are due to tobacco.
Evolve in a healthy environment
– Don’t overheat the house, microbes love it: set the thermostat to 18-19°C, especially in the bedrooms.
– Ventilate your home and office for at least 15 minutes every morning and every evening.
– Wear a mask so as not to inhale toxic substances at home when you do DIY or at your workplace.
Develop your breathing skills
– Perform short series of deep exhalations, outdoors or in a well-ventilated room.
– Regularly practice a sport such as swimming or bike.
Good to know: do you live in town? It’s not easy to find a place to ride a bike without breathing in the exhaust fumes! You can then replace the sport by the practice of a musical activity which develops the breath (singing, wind instrument…) or by the exercise bike.
Watch out for contagion!
– wash your hands often and avoid putting them in your eyes, nose or mouth as much as possible.
– Avoid being in a confined space with sick people.
The vaccination
It is advisable for the elderly, frail or even heavy smokers to get vaccinate against the flu (every year) and against pneumococcus (every 5 years).
And if you are hit…
– Drink 2 liters of water and take at least one hot shower a day to thin the pulmonary mucus and expel it more easily.
– Humidify the atmosphere: for example, place small cups of water on your radiators. Add a few drops of eucalyptus, niaouli or lavender essential oils for their antiseptic properties.
Good to know: if your bronchitis is of allergic origin, a humidifier can aggravate the symptoms. Especially since they easily become breeding grounds for germs if they are not cleaned well. Talk to your doctor.
