Chronic cough, pneumonia & bronchitis

Definition:

Pneumonia - an acute or chronic inflammation of the lungs caused by viruses, bacteria or other microorganisms, or sometimes by physical or chemical irritants.

Bronchitis - an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchial tubes, causing a persistent cough that produces considerable quantities of sputum (phlegm).

Mr Stefan Chmelik on Chronic cough, pneumonia, bronchitis

An acute chest infection caused by a bacteria or virus can lead to a cough, but this is seldom the explanation for a chronic, on-going or recurrent problem.

Where an infection is the actual direct cause, herbal formula with natural anti-biotic properties can be prescribed, and this is preferred by many people as an alternative to antibiotics.

Where the symptoms have been going on for more than a month, another explanation should be sought. Your GP may send you for an X-ray or blood test to eliminate some of the possibilities, but if these do not provide an answer the usual recourse is more antibiotics or anti-asthmatic medication.

Chronic cough-like symptoms may be a result of allergy, environmental issues, stress or Breathing Pattern Disorder (BPD), as well as food intolerance in some cases.

By taking a careful case-history and looking at all the signs and symptoms in a holistic way, it is possible to reach diagnostic conclusion about exactly what is the root cause of your problem. Only then can a course of treatment be suggested, which may include acupuncture, dietary therapy, herbal medicine, bodywork, or breathing and relaxation training.