BRONCHITIS TREATMENT

Your goal is to loosen the phlegm in your chest and get it moving, so that you can cough it up and out.The most direct approach to your lungs is the air you breathe; therefore inhalation treatments are the first step.Think of them as a steam cleaning for your airways.The right food and drink can also help to keep mucus on the move. At the same time, you'll want to get some germ-fighters into your system so as to discourage the bacteria adhering to the mucus. Here's what to do.

Dissolve the cough with steam 

• Breathe steam.You can do that just by taking a hot shower, or pour steaming-hot water into a bowl and lean over it, draping a towel over your head to create a steam tent. If you use water from the kettle, wait for a minute or two before leaning over it, so as to avoid scalding your face. Inhaling the steam will help to loosen the secretions in your lungs. Many pharmacies sell a simple, cheap and safe steam inhaler — a two-handled beaker with a face mask attachment called Clearway.

• To make the steam treatment even more effective, add a few drops of eucalyptus or pine oil to the water. Eucalyptus helps to soften mucus in obstructed airways and has some antibacterial properties. (If you want to use eucalyptus leaves, simply boil them in a pot of water, then remove from the heat and inhale the steam.) Pine oil acts as an expectorant, so it will help you to 'bring up' phlegm from the bronchial tubes.

• Run a humidifier in your bedroom when you sleep to moisten the air you breathe. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions for cleaning the humidifier. Otherwise, bacteria and mould can accumulate in the works. If you have frequent bronchitis, consider an ultrasound, cool-mist humidifier (such as Bionaire, available for about J30 online). Let it run day and night when you are in the room.

      Foods and drinks that help and hinder 

• Eat chilli peppers, hot spicy salsa or dishes flavoured with cayenne pepper. Fiery foods thin the mucus in your lungs, helping you to cough more productively.

• To thin mucus and help you cough it up more easily, drink plenty of water — at least 8 large glasses a day. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which dehydrate your system and make the mucus tougher to dislodge. 

• Drink mullein tea. Mullein, also known as Aaron's rod, is a traditional remedy for respiratory ailments and is used to make expectorant cough syrups. It contains substances known as saponins, which help to loosen phlegm, along with a gelatinous mucilage that soothes raw mucous membranes. Boil a cup of water, remove from the heat, and drop in 2 teaspoons dried mullein flowers. Leave to steep for 10 minutes, then strain and drink the tea.You can drink up to 3 cups a day.

• To drink or not to drink milk? One school of thought claims that milk stimulates the production of mucus in the upper and lower respiratory tract and in the intestines. (The theory is that young calves, with four stomachs, need this extra mucus to help protect their intestinal tracts from strong stomach acids — but humans don't.) But other authorities say that there is almost no evidence of any link between milk and mucus, and that people actually do more harm than good by cutting out milk because they prejudice their calcium intake. 

     Supplement your efforts

• N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a form of the amino acid cysteine, has been found to help thin and loosen mucus and reduce the recurrence of bronchitis. Interestingly, it is also the antidote for paracetamol poisoning. NAC is available from health-food shops in 600mg capsules. Take one a day on an empty stomach. If treating short-lived bronchitis, continue taking NAC for a few weeks after the cough has cleared up. 

• Echinacea and astragalus are herbs that strengthen the immune system and help you to fight off bacteria and viruses. Take 200mg of either herb four times a day for acute bronchitis or twice a day for chronic bronchitis. 

• For an acute attack of bronchitis, drink thyme tea to thin mucus secretions. Use 1 or 2 teaspoons per 240m1 (8fl oz) boiling water and add honey to taste. Drink 3 or 4 cups a day. Other herbs that can be combined with thyme or used as alternatives are elecampane, hyssop, plantain and angelica. Use in the same way as thyme. 

The power of prevention

• If your job exposes you to lots of dust, fumes or pollutants —any of which can contribute to chronic bronchitis — be sure to wear an efficient mask or respirator to filter the impurities from the air you breathe. 

• To reduce your risk of getting viral bronchitis, wash your hands frequently and keep them away from your face, especially when you've been near someone who has a cold. 

• Clean your nose and sinuses with a saline solution (see Allergies, page 35) to help prevent allergens and infectious agents from getting into your lungs. 

• Vitamin C helps you to fight off respiratory viruses. It works well in conjunction with supplementary flavonoids.Take up to 500mg of vitamin C and 250mg flavonoids twice a day.