Tracheomalacia refers to non-specific inflammatory changes in the mucous membrane of the trachea, the right and left main bronchi and the following bronchi, caused by various infectious or non-infectious factors, resulting in symptoms such as coughing, sputum production and, in a few cases, wheezing.
Tracheitis is a non-specific inflammatory change in the mucous membrane of the trachea, the right and left main bronchi and the following bronchi, caused by various infectious or non-infectious factors, resulting in symptoms such as coughing, sputum and, in a few cases, wheezing. The direct or external causes of bronchitis are various exogenous physical, chemical, biological and climatic damages, which can be collectively referred to as external invasion, such as air pollution, occupational pollution, smoking or passive smoking, various microbial infections, and environmental changes. Indirect or internal causes are decreased immunity of the trachea or the respiratory system as a whole, including damage to the tracheal lining, cilia damage and decreased pendulum dynamics, damage to the tracheal biological immune barrier, decreased tracheal chemical immunity, and airway hyperreactivity, which can be collectively referred to as positive deficiency. Bronchitis is often triggered or exacerbated by cold, indicating that the patient's Zheng deficiency is predominantly Wei-Yang deficiency (that is, Qi deficiency in the trachea and body surface). If the patient is guided by the TCM philosophy of treatment to support the positive and dispel the evil, and if the patient actively cooperates to effectively avoid the damaging factors, and works together to maintain health and exercise, both chronic and acute bronchitis can be treated with good results. The prevention and treatment of bronchitis, especially chronic bronchitis, can be approached from the following aspects.
1, Avoidance of damaging factors
Smoking has many harmful effects and can continue to damage the lining of the trachea and exacerbate the symptoms of bronchitis, so it is important for people with bronchitis to stop smoking and avoid second-hand smoke. Wearing a mask in a highly polluted environment can reduce a lot of respiratory damage. People who work in jobs with high levels of occupational pollution should take precautions and change jobs if necessary.
2,Eat a sensible diet
Eat a diet rich in grains and cereals, with a good mix of meat and vegetables and fruits, so as to ensure the intake of all the vitamins needed by the body. Do not crave fatty meat, sweet and salty food, cold drinks, cola, western fast food, etc. Too much of these diets will lower the body's immunity. Eating almonds, lilies, red dates, walnuts and pork lung soup in moderation will improve the respiratory system's resistance to damage.
3, Adhere to moderate exercise
Moderate, gradual exercise can improve systemic microcirculation, strengthen the heart and lungs and enhance the body's immunity (including resistance to injury). Walking, dancing, taijiquan and various ball games are all acceptable, and are more effective when done outdoors in fresh air.
4, Seek Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment
The basic idea of Chinese medicine in treating bronchitis is to help the righteous and dispel the evil. Proper TCM treatment can, on the one hand, remove the damaging external evil and purify the microenvironment of the trachea; on the other hand, it can improve the resistance of the trachea to damage and repair. By treating both the disease and the person, chronic bronchitis can be cured. TCM treatment does not exclude Western medicine. Antibiotics should be used decisively if anti-infection is needed; cough suppressants can also be used temporarily if necessary if the cough is too strong. The important thing is that the treatment principle of supporting the righteous and dispelling the evil should be adhered to and used wisely.
