Bronchitis: Most Effective Supplements

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi that can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is often caused by viral or bacterial infections, leading to temporary inflammation of the airways. Chronic bronchitis is a persistent condition, generally due to prolonged exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke. It is a major factor of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a serious often irreversible lung disease that affects breathing. Acute bronchitis is very common, affecting millions of people every year, especially during the winter months, while chronic bronchitis is more common in smokers.

Pathophysiology

Acute bronchitis often occurs following a viral infection, particularly by viruses like rhinovirus or the flu virus. These pathogens destroy the ciliated cells lining the bronchial epithelium, resulting in hypersecretion of mucus. This excessive mucus production obstructs the bronchi, making breathing more difficult and causing symptoms like coughing. In some cases, a bacterial superinfection may worsen acute bronchitis, especially in some scenarios (elderly patient, smoker, COPD...). Chronic bronchitis is characterized by regular hypersecretion of mucus in the bronchi. It is generally caused by long-term exposure to irritants. This condition leads to continuous inflammation of the airways, with progressive destruction of bronchial tissues, which reduces lung capacity and increases the risk of complications. Without treatment, chronic bronchitis can progress to severe respiratory failure, requiring long-term management.

Symptoms

The symptoms of bronchitis differ depending on whether it is acute or chronic. In the case of acute bronchitis, persistent cough is often accompanied by mucus secretions that can be clear or colored. Patients may experience fatigue, moderate fever, sore throat, and chest pain. These symptoms are generally transient and improve after a few weeks, although they may persist longer in smokers or those with a history of lung diseases. In chronic bronchitis, productive cough is a key symptom, associated with excessive mucus production. This cough is often more pronounced in the morning and may be accompanied by shortness of breath and wheezing. Patients also report respiratory discomfort that aggravates progressively over time. For a diagnosis of chronic bronchitis to be made, these symptoms must persist for at least three months per year over two consecutive years.

Treatment

The treatment of acute bronchitis mainly involves supportive measures aimed at relieving symptoms. Rest is essential for the body to recover, while hydration helps liquefy mucus, making it easier to expel. The use of humidifiers can also soothe irritated airways. In some cases, cough medications are prescribed to reduce cough, although these treatments are rarely necessary. If a bacterial infection is suspected, antibiotics may be prescribed. The treatment of chronic bronchitis is more complex and involves a multidisciplinary approach. Smoking cessation is the first essential step to slow disease progression. Bronchodilators are often prescribed to dilate the airways and improve breathing. In some cases, corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation. Respiratory rehabilitation is also recommended to strengthen respiratory muscles and improve lung capacity. Finally, in severe forms of the disease, oxygen therapy may be necessary to maintain a sufficient level of oxygen in the blood. In addition to conventional treatments, trace elements may play a role in managing chronic bronchitis. Particularly, selenium is known for its antioxidant properties and can help reduce bronchial inflammation. It is often recommended at doses of 100 to 400 µg per day. Moreover, gold can also be used for its anti-inflammatory effects, with doses ranging from 100 to 200 µg per day. These natural approaches, in complement to medication, can help reduce symptoms and improve patients' quality of life.