Breathing is supposed to be effortless and silent for any healthily functioning body. Wheezing is the unusual whistling sound one experiences while inhaling and exhaling air. It generally occurs when there is a tightening in the respiratory tracts which could also pose as a symptom to numerous respiratory disorders.
When the air passage in a person’s respiratory system suffers any kind of change, swelling, blockage, tightening etc it produces a high pitched whistle. Generally a symptom of cold, asthma and other respiratory related diseases it can cause discomfort and embarrassment. Here are a few home remedies which could help you get rid of wheezing:
How to cure wheezing permanently
1. Steam Therapy
A sore throat and blocked noses have been cured by steam since time immemorial. The moisture in the steam accompanied with the warmth can do wonders on the blocked or pinched respiratory tract. It can unblock sinuses and hence help in better breathing.
Here is how you can take some steam – Take a big bowl of hot steaming water and add a little menthol or peppermint extract oil. Cover your head with a towel making a tent like structure around the bowl, all while taking deep breaths and inhaling the steam.
Peppermint is famous for its cold and blocked nose relieving properties and can also help get rid of inflammation and soreness.
2. Drink sufficient warm drinks
Warm water can help in getting rid of congestion. Congestion is one of the most common causes of wheezing as residual mucus can block respiratory passages. It can also help soothe soreness and pain in the throat. As we have discussed earlier, peppermint can help with such disorders, one can have some peppermint or eucalyptus infused tea and other herbal tea for some relief.
Adding honey to warm water can help as it is antimicrobial and helps reduce inflammation. So taking a teaspoon of honey twice a day can help get rid of cold-related viruses.
3. Fruits and vegetables filled with vitamin C, A, D and E.
They can help prevent various ailments by building a stronger immunity. Respiratory tract disorder patients are often suggested to have a higher and regular intake of vitamin C which helps protect and heal faster. Here are a few foods that you should definitely include in your diet if you suffer from wheezing:
Foods containing high amounts of vitamin C like lemons, oranges, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, potatoes etc
Foods containing vitamin D like fatty fish, beef liver, cheese, egg yolks, orange juice, soy milk etc
You can also opt for supplements if availability to these foods is not possible for you.
4. Pursed lip breathing technique
Instead of breathing the regular way it is advisable for people with wheezing problems to breathe slowly and with pursed lips which make sure that your breathing is slow and more with ease. With this exercise, one can make sure that the breathing becomes relaxed and shortness of breath can be avoided.
To do this exercise you just have relaxed, inhale slowly through nostrils and then count to two. Then purse your lips like you would while whistling and then exhale through the mouth and count to four simultaneously. This will eventually help you calm wheezing.
5. Avoid staying out or working out in cold weather
This is for all the asthma patients out there. If you generally have a lighter case of wheezing but it deteriorates once you are exposed to harsh cold weather then it is probably because cold can cause inflammation and blockage leading to further wheezing. Hence, try avoiding working out in cold weathers and in case you do need to go out wear enough warm clothes to save yourself.
6. Humidity
If you are someone who lives in colder regions then it could get very difficult for you to manage during winters. Room warmers work fine but they only bring up the temperature and cannot cure the dryness in the winter air. A humidifier would make a great investment as they can help with wheezing by providing moisture which helps keep the air passage clear and moist.
Wheezing is generally found in patients suffering from asthma and other respiratory diseases and can cause a lot of discomfort making daily activities tough. It is best to use these natural remedies as they can relieve the pain naturally without any side effects or chemicals entering your body. In case your wheezing still does not go away then make sure to book an appointment with your doctor.
