I am in my 70s, and every October I develop bronchitis for the winter. What can I do?
Conventional remedy
Chronic bronchitis is a very common chest condition, affecting 20 per cent of men and 5 per cent of women over the age of 40. It tends to affect those who smoke, live in cities or have family histories of the condition. The medical definition of a person with chronic bronchitis is someone who regularly brings up sputum for at least three months of the year and who has done this for at least two years.
Basically, the lungs produce too much sticky mucus, which leads to an impaired flow of air in and out of the chest. The mucus encourages the growth of bacteria. Finger-like projections called cilia are also damaged, so the expulsion of bacteria from the breathing tubes is less efficient.
Treatment involves a combined approach. Physiotherapy helps to bring up the excess mucus. Certain drugs and inhalers help to widen the airways, which improves airflow. Some people benefit from steroids. Those with severe chronic bronchitis may also require oxygen.
It is very important to have a yearly flu vaccination when you have this condition. You should also discuss with your GP the possibility of pneumococcal vaccination, which helps to prevent problems from a bug called Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Finally, if you still smoke or live with someone who does, you should stop, and encourage those around you to cease also.
Dr Muiris Houston
Alternative remedy
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi - the principal air passages of the lungs - the usual cause being a viral or bacterial infection. Cold and damp conditions also affect the bronchi adversely, so "chest infection" is a very common presentation in the winter months. The sufferer may have a sore chest, will usually have a cough and may experience breathlessness.
At the first hint of any respiratory infection, cut down on heavy dairy foods and take lighter soups and broths, with plenty of garlic. Eating raw garlic is one of the best things you can do, as its powerful antibiotic principle is excreted via the lungs. Rubbing the soles of children's feet with raw garlic can be done to treat chestiness without their having to ingest it. The odour of garlic is apparent on the breath an hour after this application.
An excellent remedy for bronchitis, whether acute or chronic, is elecampane. This herb, which features in Irish folklore, is a very effective antimicrobial. Combining it with thyme can make a hard cough more productive while enhancing its antibiotic properties. Anticatarrhal herbs such as plantain combine well with the above. The juice of plantain is particularly soothing for inflamed mucous membranes.
A cough bottle is a must for the winter medicine chest. Many herbalists still like to make them to old recipes and will choose from a combination of stimulating expectorants and soothing demulcent herbs. Carrageen is another native remedy for an inflamed respiratory tract. It should be simmered in water and taken with honey.
The value of tried-and-trusted inhalations should not be overlooked, as they provide some relief for congested airways. One or two drops of essential oils of eucalyptus, pine or chamomile can alleviate a throbbing head and help to bring up phlegm. A chest rub was traditionally used at night-time and might contain similar oils in an easily absorbed base.
Many people visit the doctor's surgery at the first sign of an infection. There is currently a serious problem with antibiotic-resistant organisms in both hospital and community settings. Bronchitis will usually respond well to self-treatment, but persistent application is important.
Care is advised with children, older people and those who suffer from asthma. A greater level of vigilance in these groups is recommended, and if symptoms do not improve after five days, you should consult a trained herbalist or your doctor.
By Helen McCormack,
medical herbalist
The Irish Association of Medical Herbalists is at 046-78148