Ease The Symptoms of Respiratory Ailments

Respiratory disorders range from colds and flu, which are usually minor infections, to chronic diseases, such as asthma, which are much more problematic. Any condition that affects the passage of air to and from the lungs should be taken seriously.

Four of the more common respiratory disorders are: bronchitis, an inflammation of the tubes that carry air to and from the lungs, which is marked by a relentless cough and thick phlegm; emphysema, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which causes shortness of breath and is usually a consequence of smoking; pneumonia, caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, or toxic substances, which leads to a cough, fever, chills, and chest pain; and sinusitis, an inflammation of the membranes lining the sinus cavities, which results in a stuffed-up feeling and a deep, dull headache.

Nutrition Connection
A nutritious and well-balanced diet can help prevent or reduce the severity of bronchitis, pneumonia, and other lung infections. Follow these guidelines:
-Drink plenty of fluids. Adequate fluid intake, particularly of warm liquids like chicken broth or hot tea, helps to thin mucus and make breathing easier. Hot tea contains theophylline, a compound believed to ease breathing by relaxing the smooth muscles in the walls of the airways.
-Fill your plate with antioxidant foods. Vitamins A, and C, beta-carotene, and other antioxidants help protect lung tissue from the cellular damage caused by free radicals; build and repair epithelial tissues, which protect the respiratory system from bacteria; and help build immunity against lung disease. Tomatoes, cantaloupes, and green leafy vegetables are great sources of these vitamins.
-Balance zinc content. Zinc, found in lean meat, oysters, yogurt, and whole grain products, is important for boosting immunity, especially against upper respiratory infections. But consuming more than 40 mg per day can depress your immune system, making you more susceptible to infection.
-Spice it up. Some foods, herbs, and spices, are natural decongestants. These include garlic, onions, chiles, horseradish, ginger, thyme, cumin, cloves, and cinnamon.
-Limit milk. In one study, patients with chronic sinusitis reported improvement after eliminating milk products from their diets.
-5+ apples a week was strongly associated with increased lung function, according to researchers.
-Reduce fatty, fried food. Fats, like those in fried food remain in the stomach longer because they require more time to digest and may crowd the lungs longer than other types of foods, making those with emphysema feel uncomfortable.
-Pass on the gas. Anything that causes gas and bloating should also be limited because it may make breathing difficult. common offenders include beans and other legumes, cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, and onions.
-Eat small, frequent meals. People with emphysema generally feel better if they eat smaller, more frequent meals. Consuming too much at one time can increase the volume in the stomach and crowd the already distended lungs.
-Slow down. To further avoid gas and ease digestion, don’t rush; have small servings and eat slowly.
-Avoid alcohol. Alcohol lowers immunity and should be avoided during any infection. Because chronic bronchitis and emphysema predispose a person to develop lung infections, it’s a good idea to abstain from all alcoholic beverages.

Beyond the Diet
Here are some tips that can help ease the symptoms of respiratory ailments:
-Quit smoking. Smoking is by far the leading cause of chronic respiratory disorders, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer. Also try to avoid secondhand smoke and air pollutants.
-Try aromatherapy. A soothing means of relieving lung problems is to inhale the steam from a bowl of hot water that contains a few drops of highly concentrated essential oils. A combination of eucalyptus, thyme, pine, and lavender oils is often recommended to ease bronchitis. Eucalyptus oil is particularly good for relieving the feeling of congestion and may be helpful to people with emphysema.
-Humidify. Heat and dry air can produce swollen, dry nasal membranes that are predisposed to sinusitis. A humidifier may be a simple solution.