Psychosomatics of bronchitis
Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in the lungs, usually caused by an infection. According to the NHS, it often clears up by itself in around 3 weeks: rest, plenty of fluids and not smoking help. See a doctor if the cough lasts more than 3 weeks, you cough up blood, or you get chest pain or shortness of breath. The Ladder method helps you notice how you are ill: on your feet, or giving yourself rest. It does not replace a doctor.
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When to see a doctor
A general doctor. They will listen to your lungs and, if needed, order an X-ray or tests. Do not put it off if the cough lasts longer than 3 weeks, you cough up blood, chest pain comes and goes, or you feel short of breath. Go sooner if you are pregnant, over 65 or have a long-term condition such as diabetes or a heart, lung or kidney condition.
In the Ladder method
In the Ladder method, bronchitis is not explained as "you did not speak out" or "you do not let yourself breathe". It is not your fault: bronchitis is usually started by an infection, and a doctor treats it. Questions to yourself belong next to treatment and rest, not instead of them.
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In the method, a cough and breathing suit the image of air and space: where you have enough room, where you hold your words back and where you stay ill on your feet because you cannot stop. It is an image, not the cause of the illness.
On the ladder this shows up as the steps "I am not allowed to be ill" and "everyone needs me, this is no time to rest". You can work through them while your body rests.
These are questions for reflection, not an explanation of what causes the condition and not a treatment.
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How it shows up
Book a doctor’s appointment if you notice:
- A cough, sometimes with mucus
- Chest pain or heaviness when coughing
- Shortness of breath
- A sore throat and a runny nose
- A raised temperature and weakness
- The urge to "wait it out on your feet" instead of lying down
What medicine knows
In bronchitis the airways in the lungs become inflamed. The cause is usually an infection, and the symptoms look like a cold or flu: a cough, sometimes with mucus, chest pain when coughing, shortness of breath, a sore throat, a runny nose and a high temperature (NHS).
Bronchitis usually clears up by itself in around 3 weeks. The NHS advises rest, plenty of fluids, paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain and fever, and a warm drink with honey for the throat (no honey for babies under 1). Do not smoke. Antibiotics are offered only if the infection is more serious, and that is the doctor's decision.
Acute bronchitis can spread when an infection causes it: cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap and, if you can, stay at home while you have a high temperature or feel too unwell for your usual activities.
There is also chronic bronchitis: long-term inflammation of the airways, which is counted as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A doctor makes that diagnosis, and it is not confused with acute bronchitis. So a cough that does not go away after 3 weeks should be shown to a doctor.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does bronchitis last?
According to the NHS, bronchitis usually clears up by itself in around 3 weeks. If the cough lasts longer than 3 weeks and is not getting better, see a doctor.
Do I need antibiotics for bronchitis?
Most often no: the NHS writes that bronchitis usually clears up without treatment, and antibiotics are offered if the infection is more serious. A doctor decides this, so do not start them on your own.
Can bronchitis come from nerves?
Bronchitis is usually caused by an infection, and it has no proven "meaning". In the Ladder method, bronchitis becomes a reason to ask yourself whether you let yourself rest while you are ill. It is a question to yourself, not a diagnosis, and it does not replace a doctor.
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Answers to common questions
Psychosomatics does not replace tests and treatment. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.