Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, the breathing tubes that connect the trachea with the lungs. Acute bronchitis is generally caused by an infection from bacteria, virus, Chlamydia, or mycoses. It usually follows a cold or influenza. It can lead to pneumonia if it is not treated in a timely fashion or properly. Chronic bronchitis is caused by allergies or exposure to cigarette smoke or other toxic fumes. It can be brought on by acute bronchitis that is left untreated or is not treated properly. Bronchitis can occur in any seasons but is more common in winter. It occurs more often in children and seniors than in the rest of society.

The main symptoms of bronchitis include fever, coughing, pain in the chest, Back pain, tiredness, sore throat, difficulty breathing, poor appetite, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, sudden chills and shaking. Swelling of the mucous membranes and over secretion from the bronchial glands frequently can result as a bronchospasm. Western medicine prescribes different drugs including oral medication and spray to treat bronchitis. In China, we usually use the combination of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine to help patients.

While the problem is located in bronchi and may extend to the lungs. It also can affect the heart, and the digestive system.

Traditional Chinese medicine is holistic medicine and it treats the whole person and not only the symptoms. Acupuncture is used to open the blocked meridians, activate the energy of the weak organs, improve blood circulation, strengthen immune system and calm the breathing and coughing.

Children can be treated by needleless acupuncture with good results since they are often afraid of needles. Acupuncture is slow to control the symptoms at the beginning. If the patient’s condition warrants it, I prefer that they continue their drugs as they receive acupuncture treatment. As the patients improves, their drugs will be gradually cut down or discontinued.

With the use of acupuncture, the patients with acute bronchitis feel that they have recovered faster than before; those with chronic bronchitis have an improvement in their quality of life and some patients have stopped taking their medication altogether. When patients have acupuncture treatments in the summer time, it boosts their immune system so that they do not suffer from bronchitis as readily or severely when the weather gets cold.

A proper diet is extremely important in the treatment and prevention of bronchitis. It is better to eat easily digested foods, avoid meats and fish, cold or hot spicy foods or drinks. Add more broth, soups and cooked vegetables in meals. The special foods for bronchitis are turnips, radishes, pears, apples, and almonds. Discontinuation of alcohol and smoking is imperative in the treatment and prevention of bronchitis. Regular exercise, fresh air and plenty of rest, especially after a stressful work-day are recommended. Take deep breathing exercises every day and find opportunities to laugh out loud.

Contact Li Hua L.Ac. TCMD at Atlanta Acupuncture Center or 404-250-9903 or e-mail lihua@aac2000.com or surf her web site at www.aac2000.com