Bronchitis is a condition where the bronchial tubes (the tubes that carry air to the lungs) become inflamed. When this occurs, the tubes swell and produce mucus (sputum). This in turn can result in coughing and cause difficulty breathing.

The two types of bronchitis are acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis typically develops rather fast and will usually last for a couple of weeks in people with no other health problems. For most healthy people, bronchitis diminishes with out any further complications.

Chronic bronchitis, which is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is recurring and becomes a condition that affects people on a long-term basis, particularly people who smoke. Chronic bronchitis is typically identified through symptoms such as a cough that produces excess mucus and is more present than not during a 3-month period for at least 2 consecutive years.

Lung infections are the most common cause of acute bronchitis and approximately 90% of these infections are viral in origin, 10% bacterial.

Several factors can contribute to the cause of chronic bronchitis such as repeated attacks of acute bronchitis, industrial pollution and especially long-term cigarette smoking, which irritates the bronchial tubes and causes them to produce excess mucus.

What to do when you have been diagnosed:

First, get your hands on some Vitamin C. Supplementing with ascorbic acid or vitamin C is very important because it is an effective anti-viral agent. This is especially true with regard to viruses that home in on the pulmonary processes. Pairing vitamin C with other compounds, such as flavonoids and the bioflavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants that arm the body with a double-edged sword, which consists of both an anti-viral system and an anti-oxidant complex. The antiviral system protects against viruses that may attack the respiratory system and anti-oxidants help reduce the chance of inflammation setting in the bronchi. Also effective antiviral agents in their own right, the flavanoids and the bio-flavanoids have a strong anti-inflammatory tendency as well, which makes them a great choice. I recommend taking Vitamin C plus bioflavonoids - 3,000 - 10,000 mg daily in divided doses.

Another great anti-viral supplement that is bactericidal and has been shown by studies to boost the immune system is Echinacea. When taken in sufficient doses, Echinacea has even been proved to be effective in reversing the effects of acute bronchitis, which results in rapid recovery. I personally use a combination of liquid Echinacea and Goldenseal by Zand Herbal Formulas during the cold winter months. Both herbs enhance immune function and goldenseal works to dry up mucus. Take 500 mg (capsules) or 2 ml (liquid) of this combination four times daily for acute bronchitis.

Garlic (Allium sativum) also has potent antimicrobial effects. I recommend taking 300 to 600 mg of garlic extract twice daily. I personally use the brand Kyolic by Wakunaga of Amercia, which is a great odorless organic garlic supplement.

Remember, chronic bronchitis can sometimes display a seasonal pattern and will recur over and over again. Therefore, it is essential to keep your immunity high.