Breathing
The importance of breathing is obvious but like most bodilyf unctions is taken for granted. We can survive weeks without food, days without water but only minutes without breathing. Our lungs provide oxygen to the blood to feed our cells and tissues, they also release carbon dioxide, that is a metabolic waste from our body.
When breathing is shallow (as in the case of asthma, COPD,upper respiratory infections, coughs, colds etc), the elimination of contaminated mucus and the exchange ofmetabolic gases and stagnant air in the lungs for fresh air are not as efficient as it should be. When the sinuses are blocked (as in the case of sinusitis or allergies) habitual mouth breathing is the result, this prevents the filtration, warming and moistening of the air. This leads to infections of the lungs. When sinuses are occluded severe infections can develop.
Using humidifiers or vaporizers to add moisture to the air is an important measure to prevent the mucus from drying and adhering to the membranes. Its expulsion can be improved by regular nasal douching with tepid salt water (1/4 tsp table salt per cup ofwater) or mild herbal tea such as eyebright. Adding bicarbonate of soda(1/4 tsp baking soda) to the tepid salt water makes an even better nonirritating, alkaline solution for dissolving mucus. These solutions can be snuffed into the nose then blown out through the nose and the passage is cleansed and open for easy breathing. Hot compresses over the nose and sinuses will help promote drainage between douches.
Air filters in the home can remove many respiratory allergens. Asthma, the narrowing of the bronchial tubes that channel air into the lungs, is often a reaction to allergens or irritants such as secondary tobacco smoke, pollens, mold spores,and dander that cause respiratory distress. This requires the use of antispasmodic bronchodilators (substances that open the air passages in the lungs wider) to improve the ventilation of the lungs. Avoiding the allergens and irritants and normalizing immune function and reducing the lungs sensitivity helps to prevent these attacks.
Infections are the most common acute cause of breathing difficulties. Viral infections are particularly problematic since they cannot be eliminated by antibiotics and often lead to serious secondary bacterial infections. In natural medicine there are many antiviral and antimicrobial agents readily available to help fight and control infections. Aromatic vapors in steam provide some antiseptic activity that is directed at the respiratory passages. Besides inhibiting the growth of the germs, both viral and bacterial infections are also controlled by enhancing immune function.
Coughing can be helpful when it clears excessive mucus from the lungs. This is called a productive cough. Excessive mucus production can be addressed with herbal expectorants and antispasmodic bronchodilators. Obtaining relief from the cough at night is especially important so it does not interfere with necessary sleep.
Anyone suffering from pneumonia or expelling green, red, or yellow mucus should be under the care of a physician. Chest x-rays, spirometers, blood labs and cultures are especially important for proper diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of lung conditions.