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Natural Medicines - Acupuncture Acute Bronchitis By Banita Aggarwal, B.Sc, B.HSc, Hon. D. Ac Bronchitis is an inflammation of the breathing tubes (airways) that are called bronchi, which cause increased production of mucus and other changes. The two main types of bronchitis are acute, and chronic. Acute Bronchitis is the inflammation of mucus membranes of the bronchial tubes. CAUSES: -infectious diseases such as viruses and bacteria, although, bacterial cause is not common -more commonly it develops as a complication of an upper tract infection or as an exacerbation of acute infection in chronic bronchitis -other causes are physical agents such as dust, allergens and strong fumes -chemical agents such as cleaning compounds, tobacco smoke, and cannabis -vegetable substances like cotton, flax, hemp, paprika, and baggase SYMPTOMS: In the early stage: dry, non-productive cough; later stage: mucoid or purulent sputum (thick and yellow sputum); burning substernal pain; runny nose; malaise; chills; slight fever; back and muscle pain; sore throat; wheezing According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the lungs are the main organ involved in acute bronchitis, since they function to govern Qi (energy) and respiration, and are mainly in charge of inhaling air. Once exogenous pathogens enter the body through the pores, nose or mouth, they invade the lungs and impair the normal function of the lungs in dispersing and descending. The onset of the disease is sudden in the manner of acute bronchitis. TCM and Acupuncture categorizes acute bronchitis into 3 main syndromes: wind-heat; wind-cold and dryness-heat. Once the symptoms and signs are analyzed the treatment principle is formed with a prescription of acupuncture points according to which syndrome you fall in to. The effectiveness in treating acute bronchitis through acupuncture versus the use of other treatments is great because there are no side effects, and you can avoid re-occurrence of the condition. The problem can be relieved within one or two weeks as a treatment cycle. TIPS: If you encounter acute bronchitis some tips to keep in mind are avoid the wind and cold weather as much as possible; if you’re a smoker - stop smoking; avoid eating raw, cold, spicy or deep-fried food; try to remain in an easy and calm mood, rather than stressful or anxious; and most importantly increase your fluid intake.