What is the conventional treatment for bronchitis?
Conventional physicians immediately employ antibiotics to treat bronchitis, but that is not a good idea, unless there is proof or good reason to suspect that a bacterial infection is present. Bacterial bronchitis or a secondary bacterial infection following a cold or flu will generally cause a fever and produce a lot of phlegm and mucus that often is colored dark yellow, green, or rusty brown. A sputum culture will confirm the diagnosis. Other treatments are rest and fluids and, sometimes, non-absorbable steroid inhalers. What therapies does Dr. Weil recommend for bronchitis? • Inhalation of steam containing sage or eucalyptus. Warm steam soothes the irritated lining of the bronchial tubes, loosens secretions, promotes healing and, with aromatic herbs, discourages secondary bacterial growth. Use steam as often as possible during waking hours. • Treat unproductive bronchial coughs (those that do not cause you to bring up much phlegm) with a cough suppressant. Start with tincture of mull
