What is the definition of acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes located at the lower respiratory tract that lead into the lungs, responsible for our breathing activities.

What is the symptom of acute bronchitis?

The most common symptom is cough accompanied with itching sensation or pain at the chest area. It develops rapidly and usually lasts about two weeks. The threat of reoccurrence and becoming chronic is possible if not treated properly.

Who are more susceptible of being attacked by acute bronchitis?

Elderly and children are more susceptible to acute bronchitis, but it can attack any age group. It is more common in people who smoke, who have chronic respiratory disease, or whose immunity is weak. More cases of acute bronchitis are reported during winter and after viral illnesses such as the flu.

What is the cause of acute bronchitis?

This is a disease that is more often associated with viruses, rather than bacteria. It can also be developed by the exposure to smoke, chemicals, dust, or air pollution, which can all irritate the bronchial tubes of the lungs.

What is the Traditional Chinese Medicine’s perspective on acute bronchitis?

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Qi (energy) from the Lungs spreads to the pores of the skin and reaches upward to the nose and mouth. When external pathogenic factors (such as Wind) enters the body via the pores, nose or mouth, the spreading and cleansing functions of the Lung Qi are affected, causing cough and accumulation of toxins in the body leading to inflammation.

How can acupuncture treat acute bronchitis?

Treatment principles include the correction of the spreading function of Lung Qi to be redirected downward to stop cough, and the elimination of toxins to reduce inflammation. Most important of all, the immune system must be strengthened to prevent attacks from the external pathogenic factors, the primary cause of acute bronchitis.

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