Bronchitis Symptoms and Home Remedies

Are you feeling the telltale signs of bronchitis creeping in? The coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath can be troublesome. But fear not, there are effective home remedies that can help combat bronchitis symptoms and get you back on your feet in no time.

Symptoms & Home Remedies from My Personal Experience

I had a runny nose and a cough. My nose didn’t run as much with this as it usually did with a severe cold. This turned into a terrible, constant cough. The cough was a little productive, but mainly dry. My chest felt inflamed. I felt like I had mucus sitting in my chest that I just couldn’t get to come up. My chest felt tight inside, and it was harder to breathe. I communicated a lot by text so I could focus on making sure I was getting enough air. I also didn’t blow my nose hard to prevent any more built-up sinus pressure and a stuffy nose.

I blew my nose lightly or a little firmly, but not with ‘The Hulk’ force. I used soft Kleenex and threw them away immediately. I also used a pea-size amount of Vaseline to gently rub over my nose, under my nose, and over my lips. This helped reduce irritation to the skin from blowing my nose and also protected it. I used Chapstick to keep my lips from getting chapped. I also had chills that felt like I was running a low fever.

I made sure I ate, slept, and drank plenty of fluids to help fight the feverish symptoms. I ate meals with a healthy amount of protein. (My mom always says, “Feed a cold, starve a fever.”) I also put a cool fan angled away from me but close enough that I could feel a slight breeze. I had an overall body ache that’s hard to describe and a general weakness that overtook my body. For about two to three nights, I experienced night sweats.

I also had a sore throat, and tea with honey really helped with that. (My mom swears by green tea. She likes to make it with milk, honey, and sugar—I like that too, honestly. It’s a smooth, warm, velvety mixture that’s both soothing and delicious.) Warm soup also helped soothe my sore throat.

Pepper seems to also help cut through mucus and open blocked nasal passages. I used black pepper. I sprinkled it in my chicken noodle soup. Though, I do believe any spicy pepper is sufficient. When I'm out of pepper, I'll use any hot sauce. Anything spicy helps open my nostrils, even if it’s as small as hot sauce, spicy noodles, spicy chicken, etc. I’ve also combined them, putting black pepper and hot sauce in my chicken noodle soup in the past. I didn’t this time.

Steam from soup. Steam from shower. Steam from running hot water on a washcloth, wringing it, and inhaling the steam.

Sitting upright during the day to prevent ear infection. Moving about during the day, such as walking to the bathroom or kitchen, to use gravity and momentum to move mucus down and out of my nose. Sitting upright and moving around also encourage urination and bowel movements, allowing germs to be released from the body. Going for a walk once feeling well enough. Stepping outside before feeling well enough to get sunshine, vitamin D, and fresh air.

If I felt ear pain on one side, I’d lay on the opposite side for a while or lie on my back (head level at least 30 degrees, never flat) to allow drainage to occur inside of the ear. I also did my best to keep my head elevated to prevent a stuffy nose, earache, or ear infection. I don't know the medical mechanics of this, but I do know that the ear, nose, and throat are connected. As to why, I couldn't tell you, but this works for me.

General Home Remedies for Bronchitis

One of the most important things you can do when battling bronchitis is to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids like water, herbal teas, and clear broths can help loosen mucus and make it easier to cough up. This can provide much-needed relief from chest congestion and help clear your airways. Another powerful home remedy for bronchitis is steam therapy. Simply inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water or taking a hot shower can help soothe irritated airways and loosen phlegm. Adding a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint can enhance the steam's healing properties. Gargling with salt water is another effective way to alleviate sore throat symptoms that often accompany bronchitis. (Be careful not to add too much salt. Add salt with a light hand as too much salt can dry out your throat.) Salt has natural antibacterial properties that can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the throat. Resting is crucial when fighting bronchitis, as your body needs time to heal. Make sure to get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities that can exacerbate your symptoms.

By incorporating these effective home remedies and products into your bronchitis-fighting arsenal, you can speed up your recovery and get back to feeling like yourself in no time. Stay hydrated, rest up, and give your body the care it needs to overcome bronchitis and bounce back stronger than ever

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