Acute bronchitis, commonly known as a chest cold, is a respiratory illness that can affect anyone, but it can be particularly challenging during cold weather. 

Acute bronchitis is often characterized by a cough that can persist for several weeks. While it's commonly mistaken for a typical cold, the cough associated with bronchitis can last much longer than people expect. 

Respiratory health

Cold air presents unique challenges to the respiratory system. Your body is designed to warm and humidify the air before it reaches the lungs. However, cold, dry air can cause irritation to the airways, leading to bronchospasm. This is a condition where the airways narrow and tighten, making it difficult to breathe and creating a feeling of shortness of breath.

Prevention 

Preventing chest colds is essential, and simple hygiene practices like frequent hand washing are helpful. Additionally, the CDC recommends getting the flu vaccine. The pneumococcal vaccine can help prevent pneumonia, a potential complication of a chest cold, but doctors only recommend it for certain groups. Avoiding smoking and second-hand in preventing chest colds.

Treatment

Ayurveda acupressure offers relief from winter-related breathing problems for those suffering from acute bronchitis. The treatment is simple: Take a jimmy or a probe to locate points CV 17 and Lu 7, as these points will be painful.

Stimulate these with a stretchable ting and the thumb pad for about 15 to 30 seconds each. At night paste fenugreek seeds on the points (see figure). Hold fenugreek in place with medical adhesive tape.

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