Skin and Respiratory Health - Bronchitis Flashcards
- What is Bronchitis?
A: Acute or chronic inflammation of the bronchi, often caused by environmental irritants, resulting in symptoms like coughing, mucus production, and airway obstruction.
Q: What are the main pathological changes seen in bronchitis?
A:
Mucosal edema
Infiltration with macrophages and neutrophils
Hypertrophy of bronchial glands
Hypertrophy/hyperplasia of bronchial smooth muscle
Irreversible scarring of airway walls, reducing airflow
Q: What are the hallmark symptoms of bronchitis?
A:
Hacking unproductive cough (becomes productive with thick, yellowy mucus)
Fever
Sore throat
Shortness of breath
Headache
Runny or blocked nose
Muscle pain
Q: What natural approaches help manage bronchitis?
A:
Reduce bronchial irritants: Stop smoking, avoid dust, smoky atmospheres, and environmental irritants.
Q: What foods should be excluded from the diet for bronchitis management?
A:
Reduce intake of sugar, salt, saturated fats, cow’s dairy, wheat, processed foods, additives, preservatives, and colorings.
Avoid mucus-forming foods: Known allergens/food intolerances, histamine-rich foods (processed meats, dried fruit, cheese, fermented foods, smoked fish, alcohol, avocado, tomato, spinach, mushrooms).
Q: What foods should be included in the diet for bronchitis?
A:
Follow the principles of the CNM Naturopathic Diet, focusing on easy-to-digest foods (e.g., soups).
Ensure adequate fluid intake: Water, herbal teas, juices, broths.
Increase intake of mucolytic foods (garlic, onions, horseradish, ginger, cinnamon) to ease mucus expulsion.
Bromelain (from pineapple) to decrease airway inflammation and act as a mucolytic and anti-viral agent.
Q: How do expectorants help in bronchitis?
A: Expectorants facilitate the removal of phlegm from the airways, helping to clear mucus and ease breathing.
Q: What is acute bronchitis typically associated with?
A: Acute bronchitis is most commonly linked to a weak immune system or terrain and a subsequent infection.
Q: How is the onion, thyme, and Manuka honey combo used to treat bronchitis?
A:
Finely chop 1 onion and 2–3 sprigs of fresh thyme, then cover with Manuka honey and let sit for at least 1 hour.
Take 1 tsp every hour until symptoms subside.
Onions: Phytonutrients and vitamin C support immunity; sulphur compounds are mucolytic.
Thyme: Antimicrobial and expectorant.
Manuka honey: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing.
Q: What role does Vitamin A play in bronchitis?
A:
Vitamin A maintains mucous membrane integrity, promotes mucin secretion, and enhances T-cell function.
It reduces lung inflammation, and suboptimal levels are linked to increased risk of chronic bronchitis.
Q: How much Vitamin C should be taken for bronchitis?
A:
3–10 g per day in small, frequent doses.
It boosts immune function (T-cells, interferons) and reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in the airways.
Q: How does Vitamin D support bronchitis treatment?
A:
Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of respiratory infections.
It moderates pulmonary inflammation and enhances innate immune responses to pathogens.
Q: How does Zinc support bronchitis treatment?
A:
Zinc modulates antiviral and antibacterial immunity and regulates the inflammatory response.
It helps maintain mucous membrane integrity and supports phagocytic and NK cell function.
Q: What is the recommended dosage of Zinc for bronchitis?
A:
15–30 mg per day, which supports immune function and inflammation regulation.
