Last Updated on April 26, 2024 by Partha Protim Choudhury
Bronchitis by definition, is a bronchial passage’s infection and inflammation, which affect the airways that link the lungs and windpipe. Upper respiratory infections frequently cause them to flare up. Usually, a virus is the root cause, and antibiotics won’t do much good. Having bronchitis can be frustrating, as even if you’re free of a runny nose and body aches, the cough seems to last longer. In this article, we will find out how Vicks VapoRub helps with bronchitis, chronic cough and chest congestion.
What is Vicks VapoRub and its uses?
Vicks VapoRub is a mentholated topical ointment intended for use on the chest, back, and throat for chronic cough suppression or on muscles and joints for minor aches and pains. Vicks VapoRub contains a powerful blend of ingredients: camphor, menthol, eucalyptus, cedar leaf oil, nutmeg oil, petrolatum, thymol, and turpentine oil. Together, these help to release mucus, allowing your airways to clear more quickly and efficiently.
Conventionally, Vicks VapoRub is available over the counter (OTC) and should only be used on the skin. Vicks VapoRub is good for relieving minor throat irritation and cough. They also have a cooling effect, which can bring relief to a sore nose.
Some unconventional uses of Vicks VapoRub may cure insect bites and soothe cracked heels. It’s usage also lies in treat minor muscle and joint pain and a number of other conditions, such as nail fungus and dry skin. As menthol has strong anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that make it effective at killing fungus and preventing new fungus from growing, stopping your cat from scratching walls, relieving headaches, mitigating sore muscles, improving skin conditions like eczema, moisturising dry skin, reducing stretch marks, helping to dry up pimples overnight, fading bruises, healing minor cuts, and relieving earache.
What are the benefits and cautions for applying Vicks VapoRub?
You might use vapour rubs, like Vicks VapoRub salve, for anything that ails you and wonder if they work for bronchitis. Such rubs contain ingredients that are meant to relieve coughing; thus, they might alleviate the symptoms of bronchitis. Vicks VapoRub can help you feel like you can breathe easier if you’re constantly troubled by a stuffy nose. If you have a blocked nose, it is preferable to apply the formulation to your chest or throat. It’s safe for children two and up, so you can use it without having to worry about irritating your skin. It is a travel-friendly formulation and quick in action.
In spite of the numerous benefits of using Vicks VapoRub, there is a word of caution. One should apply it only to the chest or throat. Don’t use vapour rubs on children under two without asking your paediatrician first. While Vicks VapoRub is safe when used on the skin and for short durations of time, using too much or eating it can lead to severe toxicity.
Never put it on or in the nose where mucus membranes can absorb camphor. In smaller children, inhaling too much carbon dioxide can also lead to breathing difficulty. In fact, application to the face and around the eye can result in eyelid swelling, blisters, and damage to the outer layer of the eyeball.
How does Vicks VapoRub help with bronchitis treatment?
The term ‘bronchitis’ refers to inflammation and mucus buildup in the trachea and bronchi, the airways that lead to the lungs. As your body attempts to eliminate the mucus, you get a persistent cough. You may experience a two-week or longer cough. Most often, a virus causes acute bronchitis, which resolves on its own. While treatable, chronic bronchitis never truly goes away.
Vicks VapoRub is a popular over-the-counter topical ointment used to relieve cough and congestion associated with bronchitis temporarily. While it doesn’t directly treat bronchitis itself, it can help alleviate some of the symptoms.
Here’s how Vicks VapoRub may help in bronchitis treatment: when applied to the chest and throat, the menthol in Vicks VapoRub can provide a cooling sensation and help open up nasal passages, making it easier to breathe. This can provide temporary relief from congestion and help ease breathing difficulties associated with bronchitis.
Vicks VapoRub contains ingredients like camphor and eucalyptus oil, which have mild cough-suppressant properties. When applied topically, it can soothe the throat and chest, providing relief from coughing associated with bronchitis.
Rubbing Vicks VapoRub onto the chest can create a warming sensation that may help soothe discomfort and promote relaxation. This can be especially comforting when dealing with the symptoms of bronchitis.
It’s important to note that while Vicks VapoRub can provide symptomatic relief like chronic cough, it is not a cure for bronchitis. Bronchitis often requires medical treatment, especially if a bacterial infection is behind it. If you suspect you have bronchitis or are experiencing severe symptoms, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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