Are you unable to breathe properly? Is there a high-pitched whistling sound when you breathe? You are probably suffering from a breathing disorder called wheezing. But don’t worry. You have several easy home remedies that if you adopt, will give you respite from this discomfort and help you with proper breathing.
Respiration is one of the basic processes of the human body. Oxygen is the most important energy source for the cells. The oxygen required for metabolism is absorbed by the lungs when you inhale, and carbon dioxide is exhaled. Metabolism produces energy in the body. This process is continuous and you will feel uncomfortable if you are unable to breathe for a few seconds or if you hold your breath for long.
The process of breathing is when the air enters the nasal passages depending on how you inhale. Air enters the throat through the windpipe located at the front of the throat. It then passes the vocal chords entering the lungs. The small sac-like structures in the lungs fill with oxygen laden air when you inhale. These sacs release air when you exhale.
Wheezing is when you are unable to breathe properly. Air is passing into the lungs and is being exhaled as well, but the process is not smooth and efficient. Wheezing happens when there is a blockage that impedes the flow of air in and out of the lungs. When you wheeze, it is accompanied by a high pitched whistling sound as you breathe. This is because as you inhale, the air moves through constricted narrowed breathing tubes and gives off a distinct raspy sound.
Wheezing normally emanates from the small bronchial tubes which are situated deep within the chest. Wheezing will tire you out as more effort is needed to carry out the simple process of breathing, and since you already are suffering from receiving less oxygen, then situation might only get worse.
Wheezing occurs because there is an ineffective inhalation of air. So, the first symptoms of wheezing you will experience will be shortness of breath. Other symptoms include a sensation of giddiness and lethargy. This is because you lack adequate oxygen. These two symptoms are experienced when you suffer from a severe attack of wheezing, rather than just impaired breathing. You could also experience some pain in the chest. This is because the pectoral muscles may be stressed out. Overall, there is uneasiness and a feeling of unrest.
A number of various medical conditions can cause wheezing. The most common, however, is asthma. It is a breathing condition where your body’s immune system reacts unusually to the presence of some foreign object or substance in your air passage. An allergen such as dust or pollen can trigger an asthma attack. Your airways become inflamed and emergency medical intervention is needed. A nasal spray can be used to soothe the airways reducing inflammation, allowing them to open and ease breathing.
Other causes for wheezing are bronchitis or bronchiolitis, pneumonia, smoking, certain medications and viral infections. Many people who have allergies and suffer from hay fever also have bouts of wheezing.
While mild symptoms of wheezing can be treated at home and you can get relief to a certain extent, if your condition worsens, you may need immediate hospitalization. Try some of the remedies given below and see how they help you treat wheezing.
Garlic is very useful in treating breathing difficulties and removing the wheezing sound. It has amazing anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its antibiotic action takes care of the viral infection, reducing the inflammation and clearing the congestion in the lungs. A cup of raw garlic constitutes close to 30% of the dosage recommended by health experts.
You can boil a few garlic cloves in half a cup of milk. Drink this once a day.