Bronchitis is a disease that can be tenacious as a stubborn dog. It is caused by a severe inflammation or the blocking of the air tubes in the lungs. Bronchitis generally occurs in two forms: acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is the lesser condition of the two but it can still last for several weeks and may result in pneumonia if it is not taken care of right away. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, can eventually lead to more serious heart problems.

Bronchitis can be recognized by the following symptoms: frequent and painful cough with phlegm, high fever, sore throat, chest pain, harsh sounds when breathing and chills. Acute bronchitis is the common result of an infection like the flu or an untreated cold. Chronic bronchitis is usually caused by a lung irritant like cigarette smoke, allergies, dust and all other forms of air pollution.

You can take a number of vitamins to promote healing of bronchitis as well as preventing it. Vitamin A in large doses taken daily for up to 30 days can promote faster healing of irritated mucus membranes and strengthens the whole immune system. Vitamin C taken along with it can boost your immunity also and helps build up better collagen and mucus linings in the lungs. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects your lungs from air pollution. Zinc works with vitamin A to heal lung membranes and other tissues. An herb called astragalus taken daily in small doses can also help reduce symptoms associated with chronic bronchitis.

There are many things you can do to prevent the onset of bronchitis in any form. The most important thing to do is to stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Avoid pollution by staying indoors during smog alerts and refrain from using sprays for cleaning, insect repelling, or deodorizing. These contain a large number of potentially harmful ingredients that can weaken your lung tissues if used too often. If you are sensitive to dairy products, avoid them because they can increase mucus formation. When you notice the beginning of a cough, get plenty of rest and apply mild heat on your chest and back before going to bed. Drink at least eight to 10 glasses of clear water every day and eat foods that are high in vitamin A, C, E and zinc. Foods that are high in these nutrients including eggs, chicken, pecans, citrus fruits, sunflower seeds, broccoli, sardines and avocados.

It is a common mistake to take antihistamines, antibiotics, or decongestants for bronchitis. These drugs do not relieve inflamed windpipes and can even dry the mucus linings of the lungs. They can also make the mucus so thick that coughing can be very difficult and painful. Antibiotics don't usually help because most bronchitis is not caused by bacterial infections. Antibiotics hurt your chances of getting better by killing off friendly micro-organisms and making certain bacteria strains more antibiotic-resistant. A common herbal antidote for bronchitis is to try drinking half a cup of horehound tea three times a day. This can help to thin and release mucus that accumulates in the lungs of bronchitis patients.