Causes of Bronchitis

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Many of us have experienced the relentless cough and difficulty breathing that come with bronchitis. It is a condition where the bronchial tubes which bring air to your lungs get inflamed due to infection or other irritants. This inflammation causes respiratory symptoms in children as well as older people. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach by targeting the root cause of imbalances which result in bronchitis. Unlike modern medicinal techniques which handle the symptoms only, Ayurvedic remedy aims to restore health and balance through holistic methods, depending on the body type and environmental factors.

Ayurvedic Causes of Bronchitis

In Ayurveda, bronchitis is considered a disorder arising from disturbance in the body's normal balance of doshas. This is how these doshas impact bronchitis:

• Vata Dosha: Vata imbalance may cause a dry cough, wheezing and pain. This dryness could be caused by exposure to cold & dry weather.
• Pitta Dosha: An imbalance in Pitta might cause a cough that produces yellow sputum with accompanying fever. This condition is usually exacerbated by dietary triggers like consuming excessive spicy or sour food.
• Kapha Dosha: Excess Kapha might show up as a productive cough with thick, white mucus. This happens in cold, damp conditions or from consuming too many sweet, heavy meals.

Ayurveda defines the other causes as follows:

• Dietary Mismanagement: Excess cold, heavy or dry foods can worsen the doshas and also disrupt the digestive system - which is directly associated with respiratory health.
• Environmental Factors: Cold and humid conditions, smoke, dust, or other contaminants might cause bronchitis.
• Lifestyle Choices: Insufficient physical activity or even excess physical strain without sufficient rest might weaken the body’s defenses against dosha imbalances.

Modern Causes of Bronchitis

Many contemporary lifestyle and environmental triggers may lead to bronchitis. The following are common causes of bronchitis:

• Viruses & Bacteria: Nearly all acute bronchitis cases are the result of the same viruses which bring about colds and the flu - rhinovirus and influenza. Sometimes, bacteria like Mycoplasma pneumoniae may also trigger bronchitis.
• Smoking: Smoke from tobacco is a leading reason for chronic bronchitis, causing chronic inflammation and airway damage.
• Air Pollution: Inhaling polluted air from traffic, industrial gases or excessive dust levels may cause irritation of the bronchial tubes and bronchitis.
• Occupational Hazards: Working close to irritant particles like textiles, grains, or synthetic vapours raises the risk of bronchitis from persistent exposure to these toxins.
• Genetic Factors: Even though not a direct cause as environmental causes or lifestyle, genetic predispositions might influence susceptibility to respiratory problems including bronchitis.

Understanding these causes helps with preventive measures and timely treatments for bronchitis.

Conclusion

Bronchitis arises from both environmental factors like pollution and smoking, as well as imbalances in the body’s doshas as per Ayurveda. Understanding these triggers, from genetic predispositions to lifestyle choices can help you manage and prevent the condition. Ayurveda provides a healthier approach to wellness, where treatment focuses on correcting the root cause and not just the symptoms. The natural healing process starts with a clear understanding of the reasons for bronchitis. Explore your treatment options with an Ayurvedic doctor today.