It’s important for the respiratory system to be in the best shape for the human body to reap the benefits of breathing. Everything from how much air we breathe in and out to how much oxygen reaches all the tissues in the body need to be within optimum levels to prevent the onset of respiratory health issues.
Bronchiectasis is one such condition where the bronchi of your lungs, the tubes that allow airflow from the nose or mouth to each lung, get permanently damaged. The tubes lose their elasticity, get widened and thickened thereby causing mucus to build up and harmful bacteria to breed within.
Symptoms Of Bronchiectasis
Following are the characteristic symptoms of bronchiectasis and often they develop due to inadequate oxygen, mucus and bacterial buildup as the disease progresses.
- A chronic cough with profuse yellow or green mucus
- Breathlessness that worsens with physical activity
- Severe fatigue and persistent chest pain
- Fever
- A distinct wheezing or whistling sound during breathing
- Appearance of blood in sputum in severe cases
- Recurrent respiratory infections
Causes Of Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis can develop in association with a genetic condition like cystic fibrosis (CF) or due to non-CF related causes which are many.
- Autoimmune diseases
- Inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn’s disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency which is the genetic cause of COPD
- HIV
- Allergic aspergillosis that’s caused by fungus allergies (an allergic lung reaction to fungus)
- As a result if of untreated pneumonia, tuberculosis, and other lung infections
Diagnosis Of Bronchiectasis
If you are experiencing the symptoms above, consult a doctor immediately. Doctors will analyze your breathing sound, get your blood and sputum samples tested in order to arrive at a diagnosis. Even a chest X-ray or CT scan can give a clear-cut image of the state of your bronchi.1
Treatment Options For Bronchiectasis
Western Medicine
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for the condition in Western medicine. However, medications that relieve the symptoms and help you cope with the breathing issues are often administered.
These are usually antibiotics, steroid inhalers, nasal sprays and mucus-thinning medications to keep the infection under control and get rid of the excess mucus. You would be advised to wear a mask to avoid exposure to smoke and pollutants or quit smoking if you are a smoker.
Alternative Medicine For Bronchiectasis
On the bright side, many people have found life-changing results with alternative schools of medicine. Usually, the time it takes to work is longer but the results are worth it in the long run.
- Scientific studies have proved that traditional Chinese medicine is effective in treating chronic lung conditions like bronchiectasis through acupuncture.2 You are also advised to follow a diet devoid of spicy, irritant or fatty foods to prevent exacerbation of the symptoms.
- Salt therapy or halotherapy has also been supported by scientific evidence for its efficacy in treating bronchiectasis. It is based on the principle that inhalation of microscopic salt particles has the ability to reduce inflammation, clear congestion, mucus and kill harmful microbes.3
- Ayurvedic formulations can also help in treating the conditions and improving your overall health.4
- As an adjuvant to any therapy practicing deep breathing exercises and yoga asanas to clear chest congestion have also found to be very beneficial.
There is a solution for almost every issue in life. Some may appear soon while others take a bit longer. If the diagnosis has been confirmed, inquire about your condition and find out treatment methods that will enhance your vitality in the long run. Regardless of whatever treatment option you choose for bronchiectasis, make sure to receive it from a certified and trusted practitioner.
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