Bronchitis is a respiratory infection that can be incredibly disruptive. Not only does it cause an intense cough, but it can also lead to wheezing and difficulty breathing. If left untreated, bronchitis can even lead to pneumonia. Luckily, there are many ways to fight this infection and improve your quality of life. One of the most effective methods is through the use of steam showers. Steam showers are known for their ability to help clear out your lungs and relieve congestion. Does this mean you should start taking steam showers every day? Not necessarily—but they can certainly help in the fight against bronchitis. Read on to learn more about the benefits of steam showers and how they can help you get relief from your respiratory infection.
What is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is an infection of the air passages that connect your lungs. Symptoms include a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. Bronchitis can be caused by a variety of infections, including the common cold, the flu, and pneumonia. Bronchitis is treated with antibiotics or over-the-counter cough medications. A steam shower may help relieve symptoms of bronchitis by opening up your airways and clearing congestion.
Causes of Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a respiratory infection that can be caused by a variety of virus, bacteria, and fungi. It is inflammation of the tubes that carry air from your lungs to your stomach and intestines. Bronchitis symptoms can vary, but may include coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. There are many possible causes of bronchitis, including the following:
Cold or flu: A cold or influenza virus can cause bronchitis if it spread from your nose or throat to your lungs.
Occupational exposure to dust, smoke, or chemicals: Exposure to these substances at work can increase your risk of developing bronchitis.
Allergies: Many people develop bronchitis after having an allergic reaction to something such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or latex products.
Pregnancy: Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to developing bronchitis because their immune system is weakened.
Some medical conditions also increase your risk of developing bronchitis, including diabetes mellitus, asthma, and cystic fibrosis.
Symptoms of Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, the tubes that carry air from your lungs to your heart. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, coughing, and feeling a tightening in your chest. Bronchitis can be caused by a number of things, including colds, the flu, or allergies. Treatment usually involves taking antibiotics and rest. If bronchitis is severe, you may need to go to the hospital.
How to Treat Bronchitis
If you have bronchitis, there are many ways to help treat it. The most important thing is to get rest and drink lots of fluids. To relieve your symptoms, try taking over the counter medications such as ibuprofen oracetaminophen. You can also take prescription antibiotics if the infection is severe. If you don’t feel better after taking these medications, you may need to see a doctor. Another option is a steam shower. A steam shower helps loosen mucus and reduce inflammation. It can also help to kill bacteria that is causing the bronchitis.
Steam Showers for Bronchitis
Steam showers have been shown to be beneficial for bronchitis patients in a number of studies. In one study, participants who took a steam shower three times a week for six weeks had greater improvement in their symptoms than those who did not take the shower. The steam may help loosen congestion and improve breathing.
Conclusion
Many people suffer from bronchitis at some point in their lives. Bronchitis is an infection of the bronchi, or tubes that carry air to and from your lungs. The most common cause of bronchitis is the common cold, but it can also be caused by other respiratory viruses, such as rhinovirus. Symptoms of bronchitis include a cough that doesn’t go away no matter how much you drink fluids, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, fever and fatigue. Although there are many treatments available for Bronchitis (including antibiotics), there is one very effective treatment that often goes overlooked: a steam shower! A steam shower helps open up the airways and remove bacteria and other toxins from the body. If you’re suffering from Bronchitis or think you might have contracted it recently, ask your doctor if a steam shower could be helpful in treating your condition.
