Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, the main air passages from the throat to the lungs. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Sometimes, it is due to allergies.

Acute bronchitis usually follows a cold or flu and can linger for weeks, but in most cases ultimately goes away on its own.

Chronic bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a respiratory disorder, and typically occurs among people who smoke cigarettes (or are former smokers) or who have long-term exposure to dust or to fumes from ammonia, strong acids, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide or bromine. Chronic bronchitis is a serious condition that may come and go but never disappears completely.

What Are The Symptoms Of Bronchitis?

The usual symptoms are a deep, raspy, painful cough, shortness of breath and chest tightness. You may also cough up yellow or greenish mucus. Acute bronchitis usually starts with a sore throat, runny nose or sinus infection and then spreads to the airways. Acute bronchitis can last for weeks and may leave you with a lingering dry cough. However, the inflammation usually goes away on its own. If the bronchitis is being caused by bacterial infection (which often follows a viral cold or flu) – it generally produces a lot of phlegm and mucus, often dark yellow, green, or rusty brown in color. You’ll also have a fever. Your physician can confirm the diagnosis with a sputum culture.

With chronic bronchitis, the inflamed bronchi produce mucus, leading to a cough. You may have trouble getting air in and out of your lungs. The prolonged coughing can be extremely debilitating, causing exhaustion, insomnia, loss of appetite and in severe cases, even broken ribs.

What Are The Causes Of Bronchitis?

The same viruses that cause colds usually are to blame for acute bronchitis, which is why bronchitis so often develops as a complication of the flu.

The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is inflammation brought on by cigarette smoking, but breathing in dust or fumes for long periods of time can also be to blame.

What Is The Conventional Treatment?

Conventional physicians immediately employ antibiotics to treat bronchitis, but that is not a good idea, unless there is proof or good reason to suspect that a bacterial infection is present. Bacterial bronchitis or a secondary bacterial infection following a cold or flu will generally cause a fever and produce a lot of phlegm and mucus that often is colored dark yellow, green, or rusty brown. A sputum culture will confirm the diagnosis. Other treatments are rest and fluids and, sometimes, non-absorbable steroid inhalers.

Dr. Weil’s Recommendations For Bronchitis

• Inhalation of steam containing sage or eucalyptus. Warm steam soothes the irritated lining of the bronchial tubes, loosens secretions, promotes healing and, with aromatic herbs, discourages secondary bacterial growth. Use steam as often as possible during waking hours.
• Treat unproductive bronchial coughs (those that do not cause you to bring up much phlegm) with a cough suppressant. Start with tincture of mullein (Verbascum thapsus). Take a teaspoon in a little warm water every four hours. If that doesn’t help, take an over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine containing dextromethorphan, a safe and effective drug. If this doesn’t work either, ask your doctor to prescribe a narcotic-based cough suppressant such as codeine or Hycodan. Narcotics are very effective for this purpose and quite safe if used as directed for a week or 10 days. They may cause drowsiness and constipation.
• Don’t suppress productive coughs, because they are helping to expel products of inflammation from the bronchial system. Treat them with steam, tincture of mullein and OTC expectorant cough medications containing guaifenesin. Prescription expectorants contain potassium iodide, which is even more effective (A good brand is Pima Syrup). Some individuals have allergic reactions to iodides, so use them cautiously the first time. Freshly prepared horseradish, hot mustard and wasabi (Japanese horseradish) all help liquefy bronchial secretions. Eat as much of these as you can tolerate.
• If you smoke, stop. Avoid secondhand smoke as well.
• With chronic bronchitis, eliminate milk and milk products. The milk protein, casein, can irritate the immune system and stimulate mucus production.
• Take astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous), a Chinese tonic herb that enhances immune function.It is available as a tincture, capsule and tablets and you can get whole dried slices of root that can be added to soups. Look for products standardized to 16 percent polysaccarides. The usual dose is two capsules or tablets twice a day, unless the label on the product directs otherwise.

The post Bronchitis appeared first on DrWeil.com.

What are the signs and symptoms?
The main symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath, which typically worsens over time as the disease progresses. Other signs and symptoms can include:

• Chronic cough, typically occurring in the morning after waking
• Decreased appetite and weight loss
• Decreased tolerance for exercise
• Fatigue
• “Barrel Chest” appearance
• Unusual breathing patterns

What are the causes of emphysema?
Emphysema occurs when the small air sacs in the lungs are damaged. Small airways (known as bronchioles) in the lungs depend on attachments to the small air sacs to remain open, and the loss of these attachments impedes airflow, especially when a person exhales. This obstruction allows air to be trapped in the lungs, and increases the effort needed to breathe. The number of tiny blood vessels found in the sac walls also decreases, which makes it harder to get oxygen into the bloodstream, causing fatigue and other problems.

Cigarette smoking is the most common, and most preventable, risk factor for emphysema: Smoking sets off a chain of events which destroys the walls of the air sacs, which ultimately causes airway obstruction, and worsens the disease by irritating and inflaming the airways. Emphysema may have other causes, such as exposure to extreme levels of air pollution, bronchial asthma, and a hereditary deficiency of a protein called alpha-1-antitripsin.

Who is likely to develop emphysema?
People who smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke are at higher risk for emphysema, as are those with a genetic predisposition to the disease. The condition is also more common in men (possibly because of hormonal reasons) and older people (lung function naturally declines with age).

How is emphysema diagnosed?
Emphysema is diagnosed on physical findings during an exam and pulmonary function. Physicians may recommend several different tests to help diagnose emphysema. These include:

• Blood tests, which may show changes in the number of red blood cells as the body tries harder to get oxygen from the lungs.
• Chest X-ray or CT scans to identify changes to the lungs
• Physical examination that involves listening to the heart and lungs
• Pulmonary function tests that assess lung function

What is the conventional treatment?
Conventional treatment depends on the cause and the severity of emphysema. The first, and absolutely essential step for smokers with the condition is to quit. This can prevent further damage to the lungs and may slow the progression of the disease. Other treatments include:

Avoidance of pollutants, lung irritants, and secondhand smoke.Try to avoid exposure to air pollution, which can worsen emphysema symptoms. Stay indoors when ozone levels are unhealthy and pollution levels are high. However, when indoors, avoid secondhand smoke, smoke from faulty wood-burning appliances and any other source of indoor air pollution.

Yearly influenza vaccination and vaccination against pnuemonia (usually every five years).Getting the flu or pneumonia may worsen emphysema and its symptoms.

Bronchodilators.These medications help open constricted airways and are best for mild emphysema. They include the inhalers albuterol and Atrovent and the drug theophylline.

Steroids. These drugs can be delivered via inhaler or pill form and reduce inflammation; however, they can have side effects – such as weakened bones and increased risk of high blood pressure and diabetes – when used for long periods of time.

Antibiotics. Antibiotics can relieve the increased shortness of breath that can occur with respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia but can increase antibiotic resistance when used continually.

Supplemental oxygen. Additional oxygen may help people who have severe emphysema with lowered oxygen levels. Supplemental oxygen is an entirely symptomatic treatment, and will not affect the progression of the disease.

Surgery. In a procedure called lung volume reduction surgery, physicians remove small portions of diseased lung tissue, which may help remaining lung tissue work more efficiently. In extremely severe cases, people with emphysema may require a lung transplant.

Pulmonary rehabilitation.This type of rehabilitation program helps people with emphysema learn how to cope with the disease with a combination of education, exercise, breathing techniques, and behavioral intervention.

What therapies does Dr. Weil recommend for emphysema?
Dr. Weil agrees with conventional physicians that quitting smoking is vital. He also recommends trying the following approaches to protect the lungs from further damage:

• Take 60 mg twice a day of the softgel form of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which can improve use of oxygen at the cellular level. CoQ10 is best absorbed when taken with a meal containing some fat.
• Take the Chinese medicinal mushroom cordyceps, which is nontoxic and may be useful in slowing the progression of chronic lung disease. Cordyceps has also been studied for improving lung efficiency in athletes, and might offer benefits for those with compromised function. Look for capsules of cordyceps extract and follow the dosage directions on the label.
• Increase dietary sources of carotenes, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, yellow squash and leafy green vegetables.
• Exercise to build stamina, with a doctor’s approval.
• Maintain normal weight. Extra pounds cause the heart to work harder, which increases shortness of breath. People who are underweight have lower energy stores from which to draw.
• Practice the 4-7-8 Breathing Exercise. It can improve efficiency of breathing and allay anxiety associated with shortness of breath.

The post Emphysema And COPD appeared first on DrWeil.com.

Laryngitis is an inflammation or irritation of the voice box (larynx) and vocal cords, two folds of mucous membrane covering the muscle and cartilage located inside the larynx.

What are some laryngitis symptoms?

When the vocal cords become inflamed or irritated, they swell, which causes a distortion of the sounds produced by air passing over them. As a result, your voice becomes hoarse and sometimes so faint that you don’t seem to make any sound at all. Your throat may feel raw, sore or dry and you may notice a tickling sensation. You may also have a dry cough with laryngitis. Laryngitis rarely lasts long, although some cases can become chronic. Children with laryngitis may have trouble breathing.

What are the causes of laryngitis?

The same viral infections that cause colds or sore throats can sometimes lead to laryngitis. So can overuse of your voice – this happens most often among singers and others who have to use their voices constantly – teachers, lecturers, or politicians, for example. In addition to illness or overuse, both drinking alcohol and smoking can also irritate the vocal cords and larynx – if so, laryngitis may be your body’s way of telling you to cut back on drinking and to stop smoking.

Another common cause of laryngitis is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Occasionally, acid can get into the back of the throat and irritate or even damage the surface tissue of the vocal cords. In addition to these causes, viral infections such as measles or mumps cause laryngitis. And in extremely rare cases, laryngitis may be due to diphtheria, a bacterial infection.

Hoarseness or loss of voice also can indicate an underactive thyroid. Blood tests can diagnose this condition. In a very small percentage of patients, persistent hoarseness can be a sign of laryngeal cancer.

What is the conventional treatment of laryngitis?

Most cases can be treated at home – by resting your voice, drinking lots of liquids (avoid caffeine and alcohol, which are irritating), sucking on lozenges and breathing humidified air. Avoid decongestants, which can dry out the throat, and don’t whisper – it puts more strain on the voice than normal speech. Don’t smoke and avoid areas where others are smoking. Taking ibuprofen can help address inflammation and pain.

Because the cause of laryngitis is typically a viral infection, and not bacterial, antibiotics usually won’t help. If there’s an urgent need for immediate treatment (if, for example, you need to sing in a performance or give a speech) corticosteroids may be prescribed to help reduce the inflammation of the vocal cords. If laryngitis is due to GERD, acid reflux medications may be recommended.

If laryngitis lasts for more than two weeks, see your doctor. You should also call a doctor right away for a child who has airway obstruction caused by croup. Look for these symptoms:

• Noisy, high-pitched breathing sounds when inhaling
• Drooling more than usual
• Trouble swallowing
• Trouble breathing
• A fever higher than 103 F (39 C)

What therapies does Dr. Weil recommend for laryngitis?

In addition to the self-care measures described above, try not to clear your throat – it can increase the swelling of the vocal cords. If your laryngitis is due to GERD, avoid foods that trigger your reflux (spicy or fatty foods, acidic juices, caffeinated beverages). Practice relaxation techniques daily (stress can increase reflux); stop smoking. To help soothe the esophageal lining, try DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) sold at health food stores. Chew two tablets slowly or mix a half-teaspoon of powder with water and drink it before or between meals and at bedtime. Taper your dose down slowly after your symptoms are under control.

The post Laryngitis appeared first on DrWeil.com.