bronchitis remedies?

[tschock]

Youngest son and I both have bronchitis...that's what you get for kissing your kids I guess. lol

Anyway, I can't take the garlic pills as I have issues with it. I have a bottle of Eucalyptus essential oil, but not sure of how to use it safely. Should I fill the sink with hot water and add a few drops? I was told that it could seriously harm my little guy.
Oldest son picked me up a bottle of expectorant, but I have high blood pressure...so no go.
Have been drinking every herbal tea in my cupboard for the past few days...lemon balm and honey seems to help the throat a bit, but nothing seems to be breaking up the "guck" in my lungs. Peppermint isn't too helpful as I have GERD...ouch.
Been doing the nasal rinse bit, but it seems to be getting worse, not better.
The worst part is the burning sensation in my chest when I cough...the "elephant sitting on my chest" isn't as bad.
Anyone have any ideas?
Heard that gargling with cinnamon is better than salt water...true?
Can anything be added to the nasal rinse to help out? It already contains salt/soda...but I think I've built up an immunity to it over the years. I'm up to 3 packs per bottle now...compared to the single pack that they recommend.
Would like to try things in my cupboard as I have no one who can run to the store for me at this point.
Thanks for any ideas.

[tschock]

Thank you for that bit of info...now can you come and tell my doctor that? lol
I get so annoyed being told that I "must be" allergic to the same things as my kids or mother. I tried to tell him that my mom and 4 sons all have different allergies...the only ones that seem to remain constant in our family is penicillin and mold.

I added the oregano oil to some V8 juice...tasted like pizza sauce. lol

[Paxiled]

Oregano oil under the tongue?  That's too hot!  Better to put in water and swallow it.  After all, it's not sublingual, tinctures are meant to be digested.  But it's mainly antifungal, not for allergies.  As for allergies, since it's an immune system disorder, it's not dependent on your family history -- it's very individual.  People are exposed to different immune system disrupters and diets, and so they will have different immune system problems.

[tschock]

Wow! Thanks for all the responses. Have been too ill to even check on here for a couple of days. No energy whatsoever.
Coughed up tons of junk...it's yellow...same color as always...year after year...same time of year.
Have been told it's anything from asthma due to allergies, bronchitis, pneumonia, and all other sorts of things over the years.
I mostly wheeze and become short of breath at night and first thing in morning.
I believe the doctors that said it was allergies to snow mold, simply because it starts the same time of year...spring and fall.
My sinuses are hit first, then the lungs. Eyes are dry, itchy, burn, and then water.
If it's allergies though, then that means my youngest and hubby also have the same allergy...so that makes me unsure...however this has been happening to me my entire life. Doctors won't send me to an allergist because they just tell me to go by what my other family members are allergic to...ugh.
Talked to the fella at Sangsters Health Store and he said to just take the oregano oil under the tongue...yet again...I think he must tell everyone to use that stuff for every problem.lol
So I really appreciate all the help you've all given.
I'm going to start with the tea, and vit B as it's difficult to chew with these new teeth. lol
Unless it's okay to grind the almonds and pepper first.
Thanks again to everyone!

[hava]

Remedy from the cupboard:
Eat 3 almonds and 3 whole black pepper - chew slowly, let it mix with saliva and let the juice go down the throat slowly. 
You may increase the dose to 5 almonds and 5 whole black pepper for very bad cough/cold/cattarrh. 

Add one teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glassfull of milk. Boil this milk and drink at night.
April 4 ,2012

[Paxiled]

Planetary Formulas makes some good mullein formulas.  I like herbatussin, a tea made by Traditional Medicinals, based on slippery elm and other herbs.  Eucalyptus oil is generally thought to work best when breathed in over a pot of boiling water with a towel over your head -- old fashioned.  The oil is very strong, so don't know about using it with your child.

[allmymarbles]

The best natural mucus thinner I can think of is vitamin B5. Take 1000 mg a day. Give your son a dose proportionate to his weight. There are no side effects and no toxicity. And it works for both infectious and non-infectious bronchitis. Also great for post-nasal drip and sinus congestion. (This is something your pharmaceutical company will not tell you. I wonder why.)

[gymdandee]

You could try  Mucinex DM it won't effect blood pressure!
Mucinex also makes a product for children

[caregiver222]

You are using the term bronchitis, however the symptoms you describe are characteristic of pneumonia. I am not a happy camper with antibiotic use, however in some cases this is necessary. On the other hand the infection may be viral and not due to bacteria. Unfortunately, many viral infections end up with a bacterial infection piggybacking. Lung infections can result min death. When you cough up the sputem examine it to determine the color. If it is yellowish or greenish the liklihood is the problem is bacterial. Expectorants do not raise blood pressure significantly, and it is a matter of risk benefit. Bear in mind that when the alveoli are covered in mucus, air exchange decreases and the blood pressure automatically increases. Thus, mucus on the lung increases blood pressure ()2 decreases and a signal is made to the heart to increase the number of beats per minute) and use of an expectorant may in fact decrease the blood pressure. Things are not as simple as they appear. You may need an expectorant to cough up enough sputem to examine. If the problem is viral, it will resolve within a few days and will be self-limiting. An ultrasonic mister will provide relief from mucus build-up.

[gymdandee]

Consider taking mullein. It's safe and effective in addressing many seasonal respiratory concerns. Products are available as tinctures, oils, powders, lozenges, capsules, extracts  select reliable brands that are 100 percent pure mullein. For congestion and dry cough, try a dropperful of tincture in a little warm water every four hours. Mullein is safe for adults, but do not give mullein to young children for coughs. As with any supplement, pregnant women should discuss mullein with their doctor before use. I will try to find something for children!