After my third round of bronchitis in four months, I have a few tips to share with you that may make help you get well faster. It took me less than 2 weeks to get over bronchitis this time and I was more comfortable (less waking up at night coughing).
These products are “over the counter” and should be available in most grocery or health food stores.
1. Advil (generic name ibuprofen) and plain Mucinex (generic name Guaifenesin) – the photo shows the generic versions I bought at Smiths (Kroger store). Advil is an anti-inflammatory and Mucinex dries up the mucus lurking in your lungs.
2. Get a humidifier and use it, especially at night when you’re trying to sleep. I bought the Now brand portable USB Ultrasonic Oil Diffuser, but it also adds a bit of humidity to the air. This one is cool, because you just use warm tap water. You can add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to help you breathe (Peppermint and Eucalyptus are good). If your car has a USB port and you are going to be driving for a long distance, this item fits into the cup holder. Your car’s heater puts out some really dry air, so this helps to add some moisture back into your lungs.
3. Stay away from all dairy products. You don’t need anything else to produce more mucus, you’ve got enough already!
4. Drink lots of water – flush out that mucus!
5. Get as much rest as you can. Take naps if possible.
6. Take zinc lozenges. Zinc is supposed to help shorten the duration of colds.
7. Emergen-C brand powder supplement gives you 1000 mg of vitamin C and a few other vitamins that can support your immune system. If you get the “Immune+” version, then you can skip the zinc lozenge, as it includes zinc.
8. DON’T take anything that says “cough suppressant” on the label. It just makes your cough stick around longer – trust me on this one!
I hope this helps a few people. I know some folks can’t take the over the counter meds I’ve listed above, but at least invest in a humidifier of some sort and drink water. The dry indoor air is tough on all of us!
P.S. I’m not a doctor, I don’t even play one on TV. I just wanted to share some tricks I’ve learned along the way. I am not being paid by any company to endorse their brands.
Stay well, everyone!