About Wheezy Chest:
Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound which happens while breathing in and out. It happens when a person is not able to breathe properly. Although, air passes into the lungs and also exhaled out of the lungs, the process does not take place efficiently. This happens due to some constriction in the lung passage through which air flows in and out. The patient experiences a lot of discomfort. The body exerts an amount of force to inhale causing it to be laborious task. It makes the person tired since, they do not receive an adequate oxygen supply.
Causes of Wheezy Chest
The common causes of wheezy chest are:
- Asthma
- Bronchiolitis
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Dysfunction of the vocal cord
- Constant severe cold and cough
- Dust or a kind of pollution
- Smoking
- Acidity and acid reflux
- Swallowing a strange object
- Anaphylaxis
- Heart failure
- Sleep apnea
- Lung cancer.
Symptoms of Wheezy Chest
The symptoms of wheezy chest are whistling sound along with labored breathing while exhaling. Sometimes, it is accompanied by a tightening feeling in the chest. The wheezing sound can be heard more clearly by using a stethoscope at the neck or the lungs.
Treatment for Wheezy Chest
The treatment for wheezy chest has two objectives.
- Firstly, the inflammation in the airways must be under control. Prescribed anti-inflammatory medications decrease inflammation and the excess mucus in the airways. They are available in inhaler form and tablets. For young children, syrups are recommended.
- Secondly, the breathing tubes are opened up with quick action medications. Bronchodilators are used for treatment of wheezy chest or wheezing and to relieve a cough. They work by relaxing the muscles that circle the breathing tubes. If the wheezing is related to asthma or a long-term illness, anti-inflammatory and rapid-acting medications are recommended.
Home Remedies for Wheezy Chest
The home remedies for wheezy chest are:
Steam Therapy: Steam therapy is the easiest as well as an effective home remedy to get rid of wheezy chest. The steam-air helps to eliminate the dust and mucus at the clogged throat. Infuse some essential oils to feel better. Inhale the hot water through nose and mouth for minimum 15 minutes. Repeat the step at least two times a day. Keep the steam pot at a suitable distance because hot steam can damage the skin if it is sensitive.
Hot Shower to Cure Wheezy Chest: The second step to stop wheezing is by using hot water. Just like the steam therapy, hot shower helps to reduce the dust and the mucus in the respiratory path. It eases out the tensed airways and unblocks the mucus ham. Open a hot shower and stand beneath it for 5 minutes. Practice it two or three times a day. This process also opens up the pores and relaxes the whole body by removing the dust from the body. The body feels stretched and the mind feels calm. It also helps in relieving body pain associated with flu or common cold.
Warm Fluids to Treat Wheezy Chest: Warm fluids soothe the stressed airways. Warm liquids not only stop wheezing but prevent it too. Frequent hydration clears the blocking that takes place in the respiratory paths. Warm water gets rid of the hard mucus and also prevents the formation of mucus in the airway tracts. Herbal teas can ease and soothe the injured and inflamed airway passages. Ginger, chamomile, and licorice root tea are highly recommended home remedies to stop wheezing. Stay away from the dairy products like milk and cream soup because they increase mucus production.
Gargle with Salt Water: Salt water has the anti-bacterial properties. Gargling using salt water is a simple yet an effective home remedy to stop wheeze by removing the mucus clinging to the airway passages. Add a teaspoon of salt in warm water till the salt dissolves. Gargle with the water every hour.
Garlic: Garlic has a lot of medicinal properties. It can enhance the immunity system that can combat sickness and other diseases. Garlic is a great remedy for eliminating bacteria that blocks the airway passages. It is also a good source of essential nutrients like Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and Manganese.
Ginger as a Home Remedy for Wheezy Chest: Ginger contains shogaols and gingerols that make it highly effective for treating various health diseases. It performs the best for the respirational problems such as a cough, wheezing, and asthma. It cleans the blockage in the breathing tubes and thereby reduces the inflammation in the respiratory tract. Drink ginger tea, drink ginger with walnut or honey tea, eat ginger directly or eat ginger with salt sprinkled on the top.
Nasal Drops to Cure Wheezy Chest: Nasal drops like the steam therapy can ease out the wheezy chest instantly. Just 2-3 drops can make the breathing easy. Do not use the treatment frequently because overuse may lead to inertia against the medicine. Ask for the doctor’s advice before using the nasal drop.
Conclusion
Wheezy chest occurs when the airways narrow in response to an illness or irritation. It is important to talk to the doctor if you are wheezing because it is a breathing problem which can turn out to be a serious problem. Once the treatment plan is worked out with the doctor, you can use the home remedies along with the prescribed medications to reduce wheezing.
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