Bronchitis is a condition in which the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs, become inflamed. This inflammation causes coughing, with mucus production, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and discomfort. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis often occurs after an upper respiratory infection and typically improves within a few weeks. Chronic bronchitis is defined as a productive cough that lasts for at least three months, for two consecutive years.
While bronchitis often resolves on its own, there are some things you can avoid to prevent worsening symptoms and complications. This article will discuss what should be avoided during bronchitis to promote recovery and prevent further problems.
Avoid Irritants to the Lungs
When you have bronchitis, the linings of your airways are already inflamed and irritated. Exposing your lungs to additional irritants can worsen inflammation, narrow the airways, produce more mucus, and prolong symptoms. Things to avoid include:
Cigarette Smoke
Cigarette smoking is strongly linked to chronic bronchitis. The chemicals and particles in cigarette smoke irritate the airways. Smoking damages the cilia, which are the natural sweeping hairs in the airways that help clear mucus and debris. This leads to increased mucus production. Smoking also causes swelling in the airways, further narrowing them.
Avoid both firsthand and secondhand cigarette smoke when you have bronchitis. If you do smoke, talk to your doctor about smoking cessation programs and products that can help you quit. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve bronchitis symptoms and prevent recurrence.
Air Pollution
Air pollution, both outdoor and indoor, contains various particles and gases that can irritate the airways. Avoid breathing in pollution as much as possible when you have bronchitis.
If you exercise outdoors, do so away from busy roadways and industrial areas that have more vehicle exhaust fumes and other pollutants. Consider exercising indoors on a stationary bike or treadmill until your bronchitis symptoms improve.
Indoor air pollution can come from sources like cookstoves, space heaters, fireplaces, and candles. Properly ventilate your home and avoid these triggers in poorly ventilated areas. Household cleaners, paint fumes, dust, and perfumes can also irritate the airways. Use cleaning products sparingly and open windows when painting or spraying chemicals. Consider using a face mask when exposures are unavoidable.
Cold, Dry Air
Inhaling cold, dry air can irritate inflamed airways. When going outside in cold weather, cover your nose and mouth with a scarf to warm and humidify the air before you breathe it into your lungs.
Keep humidity levels around 40-50% in your home by using a humidifier or vaporizer, especially in winter months when heating systems can dry out indoor air. Proper humidity can help ease bronchial congestion.
Airborne Irritants
Things like smoke, strong fumes, and airborne chemicals act as lung irritants and can worsen bronchitis symptoms. Avoid secondhand smoke, strong-smelling cleaners, paints, perfumes, scented candles, and other sources of chemical fumes.
If you work with lung-irritating chemicals on the job, talk to your employer about adequate ventilation, proper protective equipment like masks, and avoiding exposure if possible until your bronchitis improves.
Avoid Extremes in Temperature
Extreme cold or hot air can irritate the bronchial tubes. When bronchial tubes are already inflamed from bronchitis, exposure to temperature extremes can further exacerbate symptoms. Things to avoid include:
Spending Time Outside in Very Cold Weather
Breathing in icy, cold air can cause bronchial tubes to constrict and produce excess mucus. This leads to more coughing and congestion. Until your bronchitis improves, limit the time you spend outdoors in very cold weather as much as possible. Keep your chest, neck, and face covered when you go outside in winter temperatures.
Very Hot Showers or Baths
While the steam from a hot shower can sometimes help loosen mucus, water that is too hot can actually further inflame the bronchial airways. Stick to warm showers and avoid scorching hot baths until your bronchitis has cleared.
Heating Systems
Blasts of hot, dry air from heating systems can dehydrate bronchial passages and exacerbate symptoms. Don’t sit directly in front of heat vents, maintain humidity between 40-50%, and use a humidifier to ease congestion. Keep bedroom windows cracked at night.
Saunas and Hot Tubs
Avoid using saunas or hot tubs until your bronchitis has gone away. The hot steam and air can irritate the lungs. Overheating your body can also impair your immune system and make it harder for your body to fight off the bronchial infection.
Avoid Inhaled Allergens
Allergens like pollen, mold, pet dander, and dust mites can trigger allergic rhinitis and exacerbate bronchitis symptoms. Rhinitis refers to nasal inflammation that can also irritate and restrict airflow to the bronchial tubes. Things to avoid include:
Going Outside on High Pollen Count Days
When the pollen count is high, limit your time outdoors as much as possible to avoid breathing in allergy-causing particles. Check the pollen forecast before going outside and avoid doing activities outdoors on high pollen days. Keep windows closed at home and in your vehicle.
Areas with Mold Growth
Inhaling mold spores can cause bronchial irritation and make bronchitis worse. Avoid areas with visible mold growth, like wet basements or bathrooms. Use a dehumidifier, exhaust fans, and proper ventilation to reduce indoor moisture that allows mold to grow. Clean existing mold properly with diluted bleach.
Places with Dust Buildup
Dust contains microscopic particles that can worsen airway inflammation when bronchitis is present. Avoid dusty attics, basements, and rooms in the home. Wear an N95 mask if you must enter a very dusty area. Use a wet mop or cloth to dust instead of feather dusters.
Going Near Animals with Fur/Feathers
Proteins found in pet dander, saliva, and urine or bird feathers/droppings can trigger bronchial irritation. Avoid prolonged exposure to pets or birds with feathers/dander until your bronchitis improves. Wear an N95 mask when cleaning bird cages or cat litter boxes.
Avoid Overexertion and Get Plenty of Rest
Getting adequate rest allows your body to devote its energy towards fighting off the bronchial infection. Doing strenuous activities can worsen symptoms. Things to avoid include:
High-Intensity Exercise
While light activity like walking is fine, strenuous exercise can further irritate the lungs and increase coughing. Avoid high intensity activities like running, weight lifting, competitive sports, or heavy yardwork until your bronchitis has cleared. Don’t exercise outdoors on poor air quality days.
Very Long Workdays
Working long hours can run down your immune system and make you more susceptible to developing complications related to bronchitis like pneumonia. Avoid overdoing it at work until you have fully recovered. If possible, see if you can work from home or take sick days to rest.
Busy Social Calendars
Frequently going out to crowded social events can prolong bronchitis symptoms. Limit social interactions and avoid crowded enclosed spaces where germs spread more easily in the air. Get extra sleep and take time to recover.
Stressful Situations
High stress levels raise cortisol, which can suppress immune function. Avoid emotionally stressful situations as much as possible. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or listening to music to keep stress in check.
Avoid Pollutants that Worsen Bronchitis Symptoms
Certain chemicals and substances are known to worsen bronchial inflammation when inhaled. These include air pollution, cigarette smoke, chemical fumes, and cold dry air. Avoid exposure to these lung irritants as much as possible until your bronchitis improves.
Additional things to avoid:
Foods that Worsen Mucus Production
Dairy products and foods high in sugar can increase mucus production and coughing. Avoid milk, cheese, ice cream, processed snacks, and desserts high in sugar until your bronchitis symptoms clear.
Medications that Cause Bronchoconstriction
Beta blockers and ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure can potentially cause bronchoconstriction and worsen shortness of breath. Talk to your doctor about alternative medication options if you take these.
NSAID Pain Relievers
Medications like ibuprofen and aspirin can worsen symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath in some people with bronchitis. Use alternative pain relievers like acetaminophen until you recover.
Alcohol
Alcohol consumption can dehydrate the body and worsen cough. Avoid drinking alcohol until your bronchitis goes away. Alcohol also impairs immune function, so it may prolong how long you stay sick.
Avoid Spreading Bronchitis to Others
Bronchitis often follows a cold or flu virus. The best way to avoid spreading bronchitis is to limit contact with others when sick. Recommendations include:
Staying Home from Work and School
Avoid close contact with coworkers and classmates by staying home until your cough resolves. Adults should stay home for at least 5 days past the start of bronchitis symptoms. Returning too soon risks spreading the infection.
Avoiding Public Transport
Reduce spread of germs by avoiding buses, subways, and airplanes. These enclosed spaces facilitate transmission of viruses from coughing and close proximity to others. Avoid public transportation until no longer contagious.
Not Sharing Drinks or Utensils
Do not share food or drinks. Wash dishes thoroughly with soap and hot water after use to avoid transmission from saliva. Avoid kissing others on the mouth or face and refrain from intimate contact.
Wearing a Face Mask
Wear a surgical mask when around others at home to help block spread of droplets from coughs and sneezes. This can help protect family members from catching your illness.
Conclusion
The best recovery from bronchitis involves avoiding anything that irritates or restricts already inflamed airways. Pollutants, allergens, temperature extremes, overexertion, stressors and spreading the infection to others should all be avoided. Taking proper precautions can help prevent worsening of bronchitis symptoms and development of complications like pneumonia in those affected. Talk to your doctor if symptoms do not improve within 10 days to two weeks or if they suddenly worsen at any point during bronchitis. Prompt medical treatment can help shorten the duration and severity of the illness.