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DISORDERS
(Their description, characteristics or symptoms,
causes, and complementary or alternative treatments)
Disorder: BRONCHITIS
Description: Bronchitis is an inflammation or obstruction of the bronchi, the breathing tubes that lead to the lungs. Bronchitis can be either acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is a mild, short attack, usually caused by an infection, while chronic bronchitis is characterized by constant inflammation, often accompanied by irritation of the bronchi, but without any infectious component.
Symptoms: The inflammation of the bronchial tubes results in a buildup of mucus plus coughing, fever, pain in the chest and/or back, fatigue, sore throat, difficulty breathing and, often, sudden chills and shaking.
Incidence:
Causes: Bronchitis can be caused by infection, exposure to cold, or noxious agents. It is more common in the winter as it usually follows some form of upper respiratory infection, such as a cold. Food or chemical allergies can provoke symptoms of bronchitis. Smokers or those exposed to excessive second-hand smoke may also be more vulnerable to chronic bronchitis.
Treatments: Diet, nutrition, and environment all play important roles in any respiratory disease. A healthy environment can make respiratory problems easier to control.
Nutrients:
Supplement Dosage Comments
|
Natural beta-carotene |
50,000 IU daily |
Needed for protection and repair of lung tissue. |
|
Vitamin A |
20,000 IU twice daily for 1 month; then reduce to 15,000 IU daily. (If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily.) |
For healing and protection of tissues. |
|
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids |
3000-10,000 mg. daily, in divided doses. |
Enhances immune function and reduces histamine levels. |
|
Coenzyme Q10 |
60 mg. daily |
For improved circulation and breathing. |
|
Vitamin E |
400 IU and up twice daily. |
Powerful free radical scavenger & oxygen carrier. Needed for healing tissues and improved breathing. |
|
Zinc lozenges |
One 15 mg. lozenge 5 times daily. Do not exceed a total of 100 mg. daily from all supplements. |
Needed for repair of all tissues |
|
Garlic |
2 tablets 3 times daily, with meals. |
A natural antibiotic that reduces infection and detoxifies the body. |
|
Vitamin B complex |
100 mg. 3 times daily. |
Activates many enzymes needed for healing. |
Herbs:
 | Black radish, chickweed, ginkgo biloba, lobelia and mullein improve lung and bronchial congestion and circulation. |
| Boneset contains immunostimulatory polysaccharides that are good for inflammation of the mucous membranes. Caution: Do not use boneset on a daily basis for more than one week, as long-term use can lead to toxicity. |
| Coltsfoot, slippery elm bark, and wild cherry bark soothe the throat and are good for a cough. |
| Alcohol-free echinacea and goldenseal extract helps fight viruses and bacteria and boosts the immune system. At the first sign of illness, put ½ dropperful in your mouth and hold it there for ten minutes, then swallow. Do this every three hours until symptoms are relieved (but not for longer than one week at a time.) |
| Horsetail, taken in extract form, is a good source of silica, which has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, and also reduces coughing. |
| Siberian ginseng is especially good for the lungs. It clears bronchial passages and reduces inflammation. |
Recommendations:
| Include in your diet hot, spicy foods which open the air passages to bring relief. These include garlic, onions, chili peppers, horseradish and mustard. |
| Drink plenty of fluids. Pure water, herbal teas, and soups are all good choices. |
| Avoid mucus-forming foods such as dairy products, processed foods, sugar and white flour; also avoid gas-producing foods such as beans, cabbage and cauliflower. A vegetarian diet is best. |
| Do not smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke. |
| Add moisture to the air by using a humidifier or vaporizer. |
| Apply warm, moist heat, or a hot water bottle over the chest and back before bedtime to aid in sleeping and reduce inflammation. |
| Do not use cough suppressants if you have bronchitis. Coughing is essential for eliminating mucus. |
| If persistent and/or severe coughing, high fever, weakness, difficulty breathing, and/or chest pain develop, consult your health care provider. These may be signs of pneumonia. |
Considerations:
| If bacteria are the cause of acute bronchitis, treatment with antibiotics may be necessary to cure the infection and prevent pneumonia. |
| If bronchitis does not clear up in a reasonable amount of time, a chest x-ray may be recommended to rule out lung cancer, tuberculosis, or other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. |
| A common treatment for bronchitis is a bronchodilator. When using a bronchodilator, do not inhale more than the prescribed dose, as larger doses may cause side effects including nervousness and trembling. |
Vitamin For Life Recommended Regimen and cost:
|
Product No. 59618- |
Description |
Comments |
Cost |
|
925-15 |
Beta Carotene 25,000 IU Softgels |
2 softgels daily |
$5.95/100 |
|
958-15 |
A Natural 10,000 IU Softgels |
2 softgels daily for 1 month; then reduce to 1 daily. (Do not exceed 1 softgel daily if you are pregnant.) |
$3.95/100 |
|
970-12 |
Vitamin C 1000 mg. with Rose Hips Tabs. |
3 tablets daily in divided doses. |
$5.75/60 |
|
946-12 |
Coenzyme Q-10 30 mg. Capsules |
2 capsules daily. |
$13.95/60 |
|
234-15 |
Vitamin E 400 IU softgels |
As directed on label |
$8.95/100 |
|
223-15 |
Zinc (chelated) Lozenges |
As directed on label |
$4.95/100 |
|
978-15 |
Garlic 400 mg. odor free tabs. |
2 tablets 3 times daily with meals. |
$5.50/100 |
|
890-15 |
B Complex 100 mg. Tabs. |
1 tablet 3 times daily |
$8.95/100 |
Sources:
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 2nd Edition
By James F. Balch, M.D. & Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.
Alternative Medicine, The Definitive GuideCompiled by Burton Goldberg
