How to manage your Chronic Bronchitis

Over 3.49% of adults in India are diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. (Source: NCBI) It’s an inflammation of your bronchial tubes which results in persistent cough, cold and breathing problems too.

If you’re a chronic bronchitis patient, then you might be familiar with the discomfort this disease can cause. Other than disturbing your quality of life, it’s likely to make you anxious and depressed. So, how do you manage your chronic bronchitis symptoms? Here are some tips.

• Exercises:

  When you exercise, you stimulate your muscles used for breathing. Additionally, it also helps you keep your weight in check. Exercises like cycling, walking, swimming and yoga are ideal for chronic bronchitis patients. You can also try some breathing exercises as well. Pursed lip breathing is one such exercise which can help you slow down your worked-up breath. Take a deep breath through your nose, purse your lips and then exhale through your mouth.

   

• Wear a mask:

  Wearing a mask over your nose can help you manage your chronic bronchitis symptoms. People with normally functioning lungs can tolerate small amounts of irritants. But when chronic bronchitis patients inhale the same irritants, it can aggravate their symptoms. Wearing a mask when you are likely to come in contact with the irritants helps you breathe normally.

   

• Stop smoking:

  Smoking is considered as one of the most common chronic bronchitis causes. It damages your air sacs, airways and the inner lining of your lungs. It also invites other grievous complications such as lung cancer.  In India, lung cancer is 6 times more common in smokers than in non-smokers. (Source: NCBI) So, it’s recommended to avoid smoking.

   

• Avoid mosquito coils

  : Avoid using mosquito coils as their smoke can irritate your lungs. Burning one mosquito coil is as good as inhaling 75-137 cigarettes. (Mosquito Coil Emissions and Health Implications by NCBI). Use natural mosquito repellents like applying eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, neem oil or lavender oil on your body.

   

• Maintain a healthy weight:

  Being overweight stresses your lungs and makes it more challenging for you to exercise. The more weight you have, the more effort you’ll have to take with every step. Consult your treatment expert and ask them to guide you on maintaining a healthy weight according to your BMI.

   

• Eat healthy:

  Some chronic bronchitis patients may constantly worry about their breathing problems which makes them lose their appetite. This leads to the inability in gaining weight. With your treatment expert’s advice, ensure that you drink enough fluids and have a nutritious diet. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and wholegrains. You can also eat meats like chicken or fish along with low or non-fat dairy.

   

• Resting:

  Know when you need to rest. As a chronic bronchitis patient, you’re more likely to get tired easily. So, know when you need to recharge during the day. Besides, having difficulty in breathing can frighten you. Anxiety can worsen your symptoms making your breathing shallow and rapid. When you realise panic creeping up, take a moment to rest. Practise deep breathing and yoga, whichever soothes you.

   

• Install a humidifier:

  If you live in industrial areas or highly polluted areas, it’s wise to install a humidifier in your home. Certain irritants and pollutants can inflame your airways and worsen your symptoms. Additionally, stay away from aerosol products such as deodorants, hairsprays or spray paints which can irritate your lungs.