Bronchitis is inflammation of the larger airways or bronchi in the lungs. It may be caused by a cough or cold which causes the airways to become inflamed and swell, filling with phlegm. Although usually a viral condition, in which case treatment is not needed, it may be a bacterial infection. Your child may be taking rapid breaths which sound wheezy, have a dry cough, which as the chest becomes more congested, produces yellow or green phlegm, and may cause vomiting. They may feel worse at night. Other symptoms may include headache, loss of appetite, raised temperature and the lips and tongue may turn blueish.
What you can do
Encourage your child to cough up and spit out phlegm. Keep an eye on their temperature and sponge them down with tepid water (not cold) if it is high. Keep them quiet and warm and give them plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Putting your child across your lap, face down and patting them on the back may help during an attack of coughing.
Treatment
Homoeopathy
The earlier the homoeopath can see your child, the quicker the treatment can start. At the first stage they may recommend Aconite, if the child has been exposed to cold, dry weather and biting wind. Bryonia will help with the dry, painful cough after onset and if the child feels worse for movement. If the child has a hot, flushed face and dry hot skin and finds coughing is worse at night, Belladonna may be advised. When the phlegm is loosening up, but not being brought up by coughing, Ant. tart, may be used.
Acupuncture
An acupuncturist may look for signs of ‘cold’ or ‘hot’ bronchitis. Cold bronchitis signs will be a child who is maybe already weak and the cold has gone to the lungs, which are not strong enough to expectorate the white-looking phlegm, while hot signs will be green or yellowy-green phlegm. If the phlegm is not properly cleared, it can recur weeks later. An acupuncturist will use various acupuncture points to clear the phlegm and strengthen the child so that in the future their body will be able to deal with it.
Reflexology
A reflexologist may gently massage the foot before really going to work on it. The whole foot would be treated as the whole body will need to be brought back into balance to help the immune system fight infection. Particular attention would be paid to the throat, sinuses, eyes, ears and the lungs, as well as the solar plexus to include the diaphragm, small intestine, colon, spleen and spine to relax the chest muscles.
Caution
If you notice a blueish tinge around the hps or mouth, or if breathing is becoming more difficult, take them immediately to the doctor or hospital, as oxygen treatment may be needed. Other therapies that may be beneficial: aromatherapy, naturopathy, osteopathy.
