Wheezing is a consequence of accumulation of mucous on the inside of your bronchial tubes or it may also result from an allergy or a combination of allergies acting up. It announces itself through the sound of whistle made upon breathing. It hampers the breathing process and can be quite discomforting for the patient. Delay in its treatment may result in fatal diseases such as pneumonia and bronchitis. However, in this article, we’ll walk you through several remedies that you can try at home to rid yourself of the pain and discomfort resulting from this affliction
Before moving on to the home remedies, allow us to elucidate what wheezing really is and what are the root causes of its affliction. Wheezing is characterized by the whistling sound produced when an individual suffering from this disease breathes. It can occur both on breathing in and breathing out, but mostly it occurs on exhalation. It may also be accompanied with cough.
Wheezing can result as a consequence of narrow air passages. The passages can get narrowed owing to inflammation resulting from any allergies, infections, asthma or some other physical objects obstructing the airflow through the air passages consequently hampering the breathing process. One of the leading causes of wheezing is asthma. However, it may also result as a consequence of several other ailments, such as:
- Failure of heart
- Cancer of lungs
- Chain Smoking
Some of the most often experienced symptoms of wheezing include difficulty in breathing, change in skin color and rapidness of breath. Use of an inhaler is one of the quickest and effective relief provider for majority of the patients suffering from wheezing. However, some patients are known to be more responsive to a breathing tube advanced down into their throats. There are also several home remedies that you can try at home for provision of relief from pain and getting rid of the disease altogether.
Owing to the muscle relaxing properties of ginger, it has long been utilized for treatment of wheezing. Intake of ginger is effective in reducing the contraction of air passage, thereby making it easier for the recipient to breathe in and breathe out and is also helpful in alleviation the inflammation of air passage.
Ginger can be utilized in any one of the following manner for treatment of wheezing:
- Prepare a solution of ginger juice, pomegranate juice and honey mixed in equal proportions. Drink this solution twice or thrice daily for treatment of wheezing
- Mixing a teaspoon of ground ginger into a cup of water and consuming it before bed time is known to provide relief from wheezing and is helpful in ensuring a sound night’s sleep.
- Put cut pieces of ginger into a bowl of boiling water. Allow the mixture to cool down and then consume it for alleviating the inflammation and contraction of the air passage.
- You can also eat ginger with salt sprinkled over it. This has been known to be quite effective in treatment of wheezing.
2: Mustard Oil
Mustard oil is held in great regard in some regions of the world owing to its medicinal and healing properties while in other parts of the world, it is deemed harmful and dangerous. The antifungal and antibacterial properties of mustard oil cannot be disputed and it is for this very reason that Mustard oil massage is recommended for providing relief from the pain resulting from wheezing.
For its application, follow these steps:
- Heat a small quantity of mustard oil
- Allow it to cool down to a bearable level for using it to massage your upper back and chest
- Continue massaging the aforementioned areas of your body in the manner explained several times a day for quicker recovery from this ailment.
3: Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil derives its name from eucalyptus which is renowned for its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and decongestant properties. Eucalyptus oil is regarded as one of the most potent and effective ingredients when it comes to treatment of wheezing and has been utilized since ages in different regions of the world to provide relief from the inflammation and contraction of air passage. Eucalyptus, owing to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, dilutes the mucus and eliminates the congestion of chest and sinus.
For its application, following set of ingredients is required:
- A bowl of water
- Eucalyptus oil itself
- A towel or a wash cloth
Boil the water in a pot containing approximately 15-20 drops of eucalyptus oil. Place the boiled water on a flat surface. Take in the steam from the boiled mixture with the towel or wash cloth placed over your head. Inhale as much of steam as you comfortably can.
If wheezing has disturbed your night sleep and is hampering your productivity, you can also pour a few drops of eucalyptus oil on a towel placed by your bedside to allow for a sound night’s sleep.
Onions are readily available in households and are very often utilized in different cuisines. Onions are recommended for treatment of wheezing owing to their anti-inflammatory properties that are helpful in reducing the chest congestion. You can either intake onion in raw form or eat different cuisines with onions if you do not like the taste of raw onions.
5: Flax seeds
Flax seeds are very potent in their anti-inflammatory properties and are also rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. Their regular consumption is recommended and encourage for provision of quicker relief from wheezing. The recommended dosage is usually a tea spoon of flax seeds for direct consumption or a half tea spoon for chewing. Their consumption is effective in treatment of both cough and wheezing.
6: Red Chili
Red chili is renowned for its innate richness in Vitamin B6, Vitamin A & C, Copper, Iron, Potassium among other beneficial ingredients. Consumption of Red chili is recommended owing to its anti-bacterial and anti-cardiogenic properties. Its intake is known to be conducive to reduce the congestion of chest and contraction of the air passage thereby making it easier for you to breathe.
7: Eating Yogurt
Yogurt is naturally rich in Vitamin B 12 that strengthens the ability of body to ward off infections and other diseases. Moreover, it also helps in effective functioning of lungs. Intake of two cups of yogurt daily is recommended for keeping your lungs and the rest of your body healthy enough to prevent or recover from wheezing, cough and other infections.
8: Orange Juice
Vitamin C is renowned for its effectiveness in combating wheezing, so naturally, we recommend fruits rich in vitamin C. Some of those fruits include; papaya, chili, lime, orange. Drinking 3 glasses of orange juice daily is known to provide instant relief from the pain resulting from wheezing. Vitamin C can also be consumed in the form of a supplement or can be consumed through foods rich in vitamin C.