Natural Remedies for Respiratory Diseases

Respiratory problems consist of a wide range of ailments and disorders affecting the lungs and respiratory system. Therefore, any condition that affects the lungs, bronchial tubes, upper respiratory tract, trachea, pleural cavity or the nerves and muscles use for breathing can be termed as a respiratory disease.  It is very important to consult a health care provider if you develop any of the respiratory diseases to know the severity and ensure that the condition is nothing major. Your age, family history and overall medical health play an important role factors in your respiratory health.

Some of the respiratory diseases last for few days and do not require medical treatment. However, other diseases could last for a longer period of time and may not get better, without proper medical treatment.

Types of Respiratory Diseases

There are several types of respiratory diseases and the severity varies depending on how strong your immune system is. Each of the above respiratory diseases are further divided into sub-conditions, which can affect one or more part of the respiratory system.

Let’s check out some common respiratory diseases and the severity:

• Obstructive lung disease: This consists of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Asthma, Bronchiectasis, and Cystic Fibrosis.
• Restrictive lung disease: These are interstitial lung disease, Sarcoidosis, neuromuscular disease, pulmonary fibrosis, Asbestosis, Silicosis
• Respiratory tract infections: These are the infections of the sinuses, throat, airways or lungs; it consists of the upper respiratory tract infections and lower respiratory tract infections.
• Pleural diseases: Pleurisy, Pleural effusion, Pneumothorax, Hemothorax are categorised as Pleural diseases.
• Pulmonary vascular diseases: These are diseases affecting the blood vessels leading to or from the lungs and they are pulmonary arterial hypertension, pulmonary venous hypertension, pulmonary embolism, and chronic thromboembolic disease.

Symptoms of Respiratory Diseases

The symptoms for respiratory diseases are bound to change vary; based on the type of condition you are suffering from. Here are some of the most common symptoms that can occur with different types of respiratory diseases:

• Breathing Problems: Respiratory problems can lead to shortness of breath or wheezing problems when engaged in strenuous exercises. The wheezing sound is a sign that the airways have become narrower.
• Coughing: Respiratory problems can cause intermittent cough accompanied by mucus or sputum.
• Uneasiness: One of the most common symptoms of respiratory disease is feeling of tightness in the chest area.
• Swelling: This is an uncommon symptom and it can affect the toes and fingers. If you notice swelling in your fingers and toes accompanied by a cough, consult your doctor.
• Blood: Respiratory disease may cause you to cough out blood, if you notice blood while coughing; it may be a major respiratory problem and should not be ignored.
• Throat Ache: Due to excessive coughing, it is possible to suffer from pain and soreness in the throat, which can cause a bit of changes in the voice or become hoarse.

Causes of Respiratory Diseases

Here are some of the causes of respiratory diseases

• Climatic conditions and air pollution
• Exposure to the following: chemical, smoke and other toxic material such as dust, pollen fibres and asbestos.
• Inadequate development of the lungs
• Allergies and low immune system
• Bacteria, viral or fungal infections

Home Remedies for Respiratory Diseases

Medical attention and diagnosis is absolutely important for any respiratory ailment that is severe or persistent, but mild conditions can be cured with the help of natural and simple home remedies. There are many home remedies that can be effective in dealing with respiratory illnesses. Below are some of the most common remedies for respiratory diseases:

Gargle twice a day: Warm water and salt can help to ease the symptoms. It can also helps in clearing out the respiratory passages for quick recovery.

Mixture of honey and ginger: By having a mixture of equal parts of honey and ginger can soothe some of your breathing problems, thereby giving you faster relief from respiratory diseases.

Sterilise: By sterilising your environment (home and workplace) and everything around you will eradicate any bacteria, viruses, fungi or other harmful germs. Furthermore ensure to have fresh air each day.

Glass of warm milk: By having a glass of warm milk, add half a teaspoon of fresh black pepper powder and a teaspoon of turmeric powder will be helpful. This is one of the best remedies for common cold and it soothes the respiratory tract.

Steaming: This is an excellent remedy for the symptoms of respiratory problems. By inhaling the steam from some freshly boiled water for about 15 minutes or allow your bathroom to be filled with steam and indulge in a nice hot shower.

Herbal Remedies 

Also there are some herbal remedies aside the natural remedies explained above; some of the most herbal remedies for respiratory disease are Licorice, Thyme, peppermint, and oregano; let’s check how they are helpful to the respiratory system:

Licorice: The root contains antibacterial, antiviral, expectorant, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which prevents oxidative stress in the blood vessels and reduce inflammation of the airways to improve breathing.

Thyme: Thyme contains antibiotic, antiviral and anti-fungal properties, by adding thyme to your food can clear up the infections. Furthermore the thyme essential oil is very powerful and it can aid your breathing.

Peppermint: The most active ingredient in peppermint is Menthol, which can help to clear the breathing passageways, soothe inflammation. It also helps to neutralize harmful effect of free radicals.

Oregano: Oregano has essential oils and acids that help and very effective for respiratory problems. It also contains antihistamine, decongestant and antibacterial properties, which can be helpful to treat respiratory problems.

Diet for Respiratory Diseases

The main aim of any diet for respiratory ailments is to boost immunity for the body to fight off infections. Here are a few diet tips to combat respiratory diseases more effectively:

Chicken soup (homemade) can improve many health conditions overcome respiratory problems. This has actually been found to be quite effective as a remedy for sore throats because of its anti-inflammatory effect.

Drink plenty of water during the day, to dilute the mucus and flush out the toxins in the body. Warm water is more beneficial, as it improves the symptoms.

Green tea contains antioxidants, which are good for your health, it can help to improve and clear your throat. Furthermore, eat foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, protein and other essential nutrients can also help to combat respiratory problems.                   

Advice

Before treating respiratory diseases, it is important for you to consider several factors like the type of ailment, the stage, as well as its severity, some respiratory diseases are mild, like the common cold but, several forms of respiratory diseases like pulmonary embolism or bacterial pneumonia could be life threatening, ensure you know the severity because if not checked and controlled properly can lead to major condition.

Respiratory ailments in children can be particularly problematic because they severely restrict the ability of the child to participate in various activities that most kids do. Parents need to take extra care and ensure that the child is provided with best possible treatment to overcome the condition. While caution is essential it’s important not to be overprotective as this could severely affect the growth and development of your child.

Ensure to have foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, protein and other essential nutrients including, fresh fruits and veggies. Reduce the amount of saturated fats that you consume in a day.

Limit salt intake, as it affects the functioning of the lungs. Processed foods, chips and crackers should be avoided.

In winter, be endeavour to wrap yourself properly to avoid being catch up by respiratory problems, as it’s most common during the winter.

Seek medical help if symptoms persist or remedies and dietary changes don’t help your conditions.