200
8 Further Indications
8.2.2 Bronchitis
Description
Inflammation of the bronchial mucosa of mainly the larger bronchi, accompanied by cough
and expectoration of phlegm
■ Acute bronchitis: caused mostly by viral infections
■ Chronic bronchitis: episodes of cough and expectoration of phlegm for at least 3
months and within 2 consecutive years
– primary cause: nicotine abuse, air pollution, or infections
– secondary to bronchial asthma, emphysema, lung fibrosis, tuberculosis etc.
■ Chronic bronchitis in conjunction with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder
(COPD)
Point Prescription
The point prescription is determined by RAC-palpation (
›
3.1.4), not the type of bronchitis.
French points
■ Stabilising points:
Laterality Point
(
›
6.8.6),
Bronchopulmonary Plexus
(
›
6.10.1),
Point Zero
(
›
6.10.3)
■ Defense against infection:
Infection Axis
(
›
6.12.4)
Chinese points
■ Local points:
Dyspnoea (60)
(
›
6.4.7),
Lung (101)
,
Bronchi (102)
(
›
6.4.1)
Treatment Intervals
■
Acute bronchitis:
– Initially every 2–3 days until both cough and phlegm have decreased
– Then once weekly until symptoms have disappeared
■
Chronic bronchitis:
– initially twice weekly
– once the cough and phlegm subside (after approximately 4 weeks) once weekly
■
Chronic bronchitis with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD):
– initially once weekly until shortness of breath has improved and there is less phlegm,
then 1–twice/month
Treatment Course and Prognosis
■
Acute bronchitis:
approximately 2–4 weeks until symptoms disappear
■
Chronic bronchitis:
approximately 6 months, minor residual complaints may persist
■
Chronic bronchitis with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD):
a com-
plete cure is not possible due to damage to the lung tissue; shortness of breath will im-
prove with long-term treatments only.
If there is nicotine abuse auricular acupuncture will not result in any significant improve-
ment. It is essential that this is explained to the patient. Stopping smoking is a require-
ment for achieving any therapeutic results.
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