The elderly suffer from chronic bronchitis, and smoking is the most important cause of chronic bronchitis. Although quitting smoking cannot completely cure bronchitis, it can provide some relief. Here are some home remedies for treating bronchitis.
Common Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis in the Elderly
1. Cough
In the early stages, the elderly experience severe coughing in the morning, which becomes milder during the day. They often have coughing fits before sleep and produce phlegm. As the condition worsens, the cough persists throughout the year.
2. Phlegm
Phlegm is most commonly produced in the morning. The phlegm is usually white and sticky or foamy, and occasionally may contain blood. During acute episodes accompanied by bacterial infections, the amount of phlegm increases and becomes thicker or purulent.
3. Wheezing
During acute episodes of chronic bronchitis, elderly individuals often experience wheezing and a wheezing sound can be heard.
4. Recurrent Infections
During cold seasons or sudden changes in temperature, there is a higher risk of repeated respiratory tract infections. At this time, the elderly experience worsened wheezing, significantly increased phlegm that becomes purulent, and other symptoms such as general weakness, chills, and fever.
Home Remedies for Treating Chronic Bronchitis in the Elderly
1. Mulberry Porridge: Take 30g of mulberries (mashed), 10g of tangerine peel (chopped), and 50g of rice. Cook them together into porridge. Take warm porridge in the morning and evening. This remedy is suitable for patients with exacerbated symptoms during acute episodes and chronic persistent cough, wheezing, excessive phlegm, and poor appetite with constipation.
2. Sea Cucumber and Reed Root Soup: Take 100g of sea cucumber and 60g of fresh reed root. Clean them and cook them together to make soup. This remedy is suitable for patients with exacerbated symptoms during acute episodes and chronic persistent cough with yellow phlegm, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dry mouth, and constipation.
3. Lily and Ophiopogon japonicus Porridge: Take 30g of fresh lily, 9g of Ophiopogonis japonicus, and 50g of rice. Cook them together to make porridge, and add an appropriate amount of rock sugar. This remedy is suitable for patients with stable lung and kidney yin deficiency.
[Dietary Considerations for Chronic Bronchitis]
1. Eat a Light Diet
It is best to consume soft, easily digestible foods that are rich in vitamins A and C and high-quality protein. Foods such as cabbage, spinach, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, and winter melon not only provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, but also have the functions of clearing phlegm, reducing internal heat, and promoting bowel movements. Soybeans and soy products contain high-quality protein that can replenish the nutritional loss caused by chronic bronchitis without causing excessive phlegm production or internal heat.
2. Limit Dairy Products
Dairy products can thicken phlegm and worsen infections, so they should be avoided. Since dairy products are a major source of calcium, if they are not consumed, it is important to supplement calcium with 1000mg of calcium carbonate, which contains 1000mg of calcium.
3. Supplement Vitamins
To enhance immune function, alleviate respiratory tract infection symptoms, and promote bronchial mucosa repair, sufficient amounts of vitamin A and vitamin C should be supplemented. A daily intake of 100mg of vitamin C and 5000IU of vitamin A is sufficient to meet the body's needs.
4. Avoid Stimulating Foods
Foods that are too cold, too hot, or otherwise irritating can stimulate the bronchial mucosa and cause paroxysmal coughing. They should be avoided as much as possible.
5. Avoid Oily and Fishy Foods
Since "fish generates heat and meat generates phlegm," patients with chronic bronchitis should eat less yellow croaker, hairtail, shrimp, crab, fatty meats, etc., to avoid exacerbating internal heat and phlegm production.
