Acute bronchitis, aka chest cold, is a short term inflammation of the respiratory tract, specifically of the bronchial tree, the large and medium-sized airways of the lungs. The most common symptom is a cough. Other symptoms include coughing up mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath, fever, and chest discomfort. It is usually a complication of the common cold or flu. Acute bronchitis is usually resolved within 10 days to several weeks of onset. This distinguishes it from chronic bronchitis, which is an irreversible condition. Bronchitis massage is recommended after recovery.
Causative Agents:
- Viruses (cold, flu); bacteria; fungi
- Pollutants, fumes, gastric reflux
Signs and Symptoms:
- Persistent, productive cough
- Clear or opaque sputum
- Nasal congestion, headache, fever, chest pain
- Most symptoms subside within days
Bronchitis and Massage:
- NOT DURING ACUTE STAGE! Massage is not recommended during the acute stage of bronchitis but,
- Massage is appropriate after recovery
- After Recovery: General massage treatment to intercostals, diaphragm, trapezius, levator scapula, rhomboids, latissimus dorsi, serratus Anterior, erector spinae, deltoids and Rotator Cuff
- Fascial technique to neck, chest and shoulders
- Pectoralis major and deltoid treatment, grasp stretch / GTO to pectoralis major
- Pectoralis Minor, subclavius, biceps, triceps massage with Ischemic compressions, muscle stripping
- Mild joint play
- Pain free stretch to upper trapezius and levator scapula
Bronchitis / Chest Cold Treatment:
- Rest, fluid, warm, humid air
- Antibiotics only for bacterial infections
- Bronchodilators, cough suppressants can manage symptoms; do not speed recovery.
