What to do about bronchitis in winter?

Table of contents

• What to do for bronchitis? – Typical symptoms
• What helps with bronchitis? – First measures at home
• Which medications help with bronchitis
• Why does bronchitis occur more often in winter?
• Chronic bronchitis: When does it become dangerous?
• Home remedies for bronchitis: Traditional tips with a big impact
• Actively prevent bronchitis – here’s how
• Healthy through the winter with HLH BioPharma
  

What to do for bronchitis? – Typical symptoms

The symptoms of bronchitis often start gradually with a dry, irritating cough. As the condition progresses, mucus production in the bronchi increases and is cleared by a productive cough (i.e., coughing up phlegm). The mucus may be clear, yellowish, or greenish. Other signs include:

• An urge to cough that can be particularly disruptive at night
• A feeling of pressure in the chest
• Exhaustion and fatigue
• Fever or a slightly elevated temperature
• Wheezing or rattling breath sounds

These complaints are typical of acute bronchitis, which is often triggered by a viral infection. If symptoms persist or are unusually severe, such as shortness of breath or bloody sputum, you should definitely consult a doctor.

What helps with bronchitis? – First measures at home

If you notice the first signs of bronchitis, you can do a lot at home with simple measures to relieve symptoms. The following tips can help:

Fluids are essential

A sufficient fluid intake is crucial to thin the mucus in the bronchi. Drink at least two to three liters a day—ideally still water or warm herbal teas. Teas with thyme, marshmallow root, or ribwort plantain are especially soothing, as they can calm and relieve the urge to cough.

Inhalation: soothing vapors for the lungs

Inhaling hot water vapor is a proven home remedy for bronchitis. The steam moistens the mucous membranes of the airways and helps loosen mucus. For an additional effect, you can use essential oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint, or chamomile. These have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. However, make sure not to use temperatures that are too high so as not to irritate the mucous membranes.

Which medications help with bronchitis?

In addition to home remedies, medications can play an important role in relieving symptoms. Depending on the type and severity of bronchitis, different preparations may be used:

• Expectorants: These medicines contain active ingredients such as acetylcysteine or ambroxol that thin the mucus in the bronchi, making it easier to cough up.
• Cough suppressants: If the urge to cough, especially at night, is very distressing, cough suppressants with active ingredients such as dextromethorphan may be useful. However, these should only be used short-term and for a dry, irritating cough.
• Fever-reducing medicines: If you have a fever, antipyretics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help.

It is important that expectorants and cough suppressants should not be taken at the same time, as this can hinder the clearance of mucus.

Why does bronchitis occur more often in winter?

In winter, our bodies are exposed to particular stresses that increase the risk of bronchitis. Cold air causes the mucous membranes in the airways to be less well supplied with blood, making them more susceptible to infections. In addition, dry heated air dries out the mucous membranes and weakens the airways’ natural defense mechanisms.

Furthermore, during the cold season we spend more time indoors, where viruses and bacteria can spread more quickly. Influenza viruses in particular are active in winter and can promote an infection of the airways that then develops into bronchitis.

Bronchitis in children: what parents should know

Bronchitis occurs particularly often in children. Because their immune system is still developing, they are more susceptible to respiratory infections, such as throat and pharyngeal inflammations. The illness is usually triggered by viruses and manifests with symptoms such as coughing, increased mucus production, fever, and a general feeling of being unwell. The often distressing urge to cough at night can significantly impair recovery.

To relieve your child’s bronchitis, the following measures can help:

• Adequate fluid intake: Drinking plenty keeps the mucous membranes moist and helps loosen mucus in the bronchi.
• Inhalation with water vapor: Inhalations with warm water vapor, supplemented with chamomile or mild essential oils, can soothe the airways and loosen mucus.
• Warm chest compresses: Compresses with warm quark or potatoes promote circulation and relieve the urge to cough.
• Throat sprays: Mild throat sprays containing herbal active ingredients such as sage or chamomile can soothe irritated mucous membranes and protect the throat.
• Expectorants: In consultation with the doctor, mild expectorants can be used to make it easier to cough up mucus.

Throat spray and cough syrup from HLH BioPharma are particularly practical for children, as they work in a targeted way and are easy to use. They help soothe irritated areas in the throat and reduce the urge to cough, which can be a great relief especially at night.

If your child shows persistent high fever, shortness of breath, or bloody sputum, you should seek medical attention immediately. In most cases, however, bronchitis in children heals completely within two to three weeks if you support them with proper care and targeted measures.

Chronic bronchitis: When does it become dangerous?

While acute bronchitis is usually harmless, chronic bronchitis can be more serious. This form of the disease is present when coughing and sputum occur for at least three months a year over a period of two years. The cause is often persistent irritation of the bronchi, for example from cigarette smoke, pollutants, or repeated infections.

Chronic bronchitis can impair airway function in the long term and, in severe cases, lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If you notice a persistent cough or breathing problems, you should consult a doctor early.

Home remedies for bronchitis: Traditional tips with a big impact

Home remedies have a long tradition in the treatment of bronchitis and can support recovery in a natural way. Here are some tried-and-tested tips:

• Onion syrup: Onions contain natural anti-inflammatory substances and can be prepared as a syrup. Chop an onion into small pieces, sprinkle it with sugar, and let the mixture sit for a few hours. The resulting syrup has an expectorant effect and soothes the urge to cough.
• Warm chest compresses: Compresses with warm quark or potatoes can promote blood circulation and relieve symptoms.
• Honey: A teaspoon of honey before bedtime soothes an irritated throat and can improve sleep quality.

These home remedies are gentle and effective complements to other treatment methods, especially for mild symptoms.

Actively prevent bronchitis – here’s how

The best strategy against bronchitis is to prevent the illness from developing in the first place. Prevention starts with a strong immune system, because it protects your airways from infections. A balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables provides the body with important vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C and zinc in particular are considered immune-boosting and can strengthen defenses. Foods such as citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, nuts, and whole grain products are excellent sources.

Regular exercise in the fresh air also helps strengthen the immune system and improves circulation, including in the mucous membranes. Even on cold days, try to be active outdoors for at least 30 minutes—often a walk is enough. However, make sure to keep your body warm and dress appropriately for the weather to avoid getting chilled.

Protective measures in everyday life

Restful sleep also makes an equally important contribution to prevention. While you sleep, your immune system regenerates, and the body becomes more resistant to infections. Try to sleep 7 to 8 hours a day and establish a relaxing evening routine to wind down more easily.

In winter, when the risk of infection from viruses is particularly high, you should integrate targeted protective measures into your daily routine:

1. Avoid contact with sick people: People with colds or coughs often transmit viruses that can cause bronchitis. Keep your distance if possible and avoid shaking hands.
2. Wash your hands regularly: Wash your hands several times a day with soap, especially after using public transport or before meals. This removes pathogens before they can enter the body via the mucous membranes.
3. Optimize the indoor climate: In winter, heated air quickly dries out the mucous membranes, making them more susceptible to infections. Use humidifiers or place bowls of water on radiators to increase humidity. Alternatively, you can use houseplants that improve indoor air quality.
4. Ventilate regularly: Shock ventilation ensures regular exchange of indoor air and removes viruses and bacteria from enclosed spaces. At the same time, the oxygen content in the air is increased, which relieves the respiratory tract.

Vitamins and immune defenses: What really helps?

A strong immune system is based on a balanced nutrient supply. In addition to vitamin C and zinc, vitamin D is also crucial, because in winter, due to low sunlight, it is often present in the body in insufficient amounts. Vitamin D contributes to the activation of immune cells and can help prevent infections. Ask your doctor whether additional supplementation in winter makes sense.

Herbal preparations such as echinacea or extracts of elderberry and sea buckthorn can also contribute to strengthening the immune system. These natural active ingredients have been used in herbal medicine for centuries and are known for their supportive properties in defending against respiratory infections.

Probiotics: Support for the immune system and protection against bronchitis

A strong immune system begins in the gut—about 70 percent of immune cells are located there. Probiotics, i.e., live microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria, can positively influence the intestinal flora and thus strengthen the immune system. A healthy and balanced gut flora is essential for warding off pathogens and activating the body’s defenses.

Probiotics offer numerous benefits for immune support:

• Strengthening the gut barrier: Probiotics support the mucous membranes in the gut, which fend off pathogens and activate the immune system.
• Reducing inflammation: Probiotic bacteria can regulate inflammatory processes in the body and thus reduce chronic strain on the immune system.
• Supporting the airways: A healthy gut flora has a positive effect on mucous membranes, strengthening defenses against viruses and bacteria.
• Preventing infections: Regular intake of probiotics can reduce the frequency and severity of respiratory infections.

These positive effects make probiotics an important means of strengthening the immune system, especially during the cold season. You can find probiotics in foods such as yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut. In addition, high-quality probiotic preparations are available that, with scientifically tested bacterial strains, can specifically support the immune system and reduce the risk of illnesses such as bronchitis.

Flu vaccination and other preventive measures

Since many cases of bronchitis are based on an influenza infection, an annual flu vaccination is a sensible preventive measure. People with weakened immune systems, older adults, or those with chronic illnesses benefit in particular, because influenza viruses not only directly attack the airways but can also promote a subsequent bacterial infection.

You should also avoid smoking or, if possible, avoid staying in rooms where people smoke. Tobacco smoke irritates the mucous membranes and weakens their natural defenses, significantly increasing the risk of bronchitis.

With these simple but effective measures, you can protect your airways effectively and significantly reduce the likelihood of developing bronchitis. Rely on a combination of a healthy lifestyle, protection from infections, and immune-supporting preparations—so you can get through the winter feeling vital and healthy.

Healthy through the winter with HLH BioPharma

Bronchitis is an unpleasant but usually treatable illness. With the right combination of rest, warmth, fluids, and targeted measures, you can relieve symptoms and support recovery. Remember to protect your airways especially in winter and seek medical help early if you have severe symptoms.

HLH BioPharma offers scientifically developed products that are specifically designed to support your child’s health. Our innovative probiotics can help strengthen the immune system and promote recovery after infections—for a long-term improvement in health and vitality. Discover our high-quality product range in the areas of:

• Children’s health.
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Discover our innovative product world now and support your child’s health in a targeted way—for more vitality in the cold season!