Using herbs, eating foods rich in vitamin C, and getting enough sleep helps improve respiratory health and limit the onset of chronic diseases.
Master and doctor Than Thi Ngoc Lan, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi, said air pollution and cigarette smoke can make respiratory diseases worse. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pulmonary fibrosis… need to periodically monitor and evaluate their health. But applying some easy methods to do at home also supports the function of the respiratory system.
Use herbal therapy
Some spices such as ginger and garlic support respiratory health. Ginger with its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can soothe coughs and relieve sore throats. Garlic has the ability to strengthen the immune system and reduce symptoms of respiratory diseases. Everyone should add these spices to their daily diet.
Some essential oils such as eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint… help reduce symptoms such as wheezing, stuffy nose and difficulty breathing. However, inhaling some essential oils can trigger asthma symptoms in susceptible people or trigger an exacerbation in people with COPD.
Drink enough water
Drinking enough water every day helps eliminate toxins, dilute mucus on the lining of the airways, prevent the risk of infection, and make your lungs stronger. The recommended daily amount of water for healthy adults is about 6-8 cups (1.5 liters) and should be divided evenly throughout the day.
Supplementing adequate water helps improve the respiratory system. Image: Khue Lam
Add nutritious foods
Foods rich in vitamin C such as oranges, lemons, kiwis… strengthen the immune system, while salmon and mackerel contain omega-3s that reduce inflammation in the body. Spinach and broccoli provide antioxidants and many essential nutrients for the lungs. A balanced, nutritious diet contributes to maintaining respiratory function and supporting overall health.
Sauna
Typically, symptoms in people with lung or respiratory diseases are worse when the weather is cold or dry because the mucus layer in the airways is drier. Steam baths increase warmth and moisture in the airways, thinning mucus inside the airways and lungs. This is an effective way to relieve pain immediately and clear the airways.
You should not take a sauna when your body is weak, just got sick, drank alcohol, just had a full meal, is pregnant, is in your menstrual cycle, or has a high fever. Elderly people and people with underlying medical conditions need to pay attention to sauna time.
Practice yoga and breathing exercises
Deep breathing exercises combined with yoga help enhance respiratory ability and improve air circulation in the airways. Besides yoga, patients can refer to light-intensity sports such as walking, cycling… Patients should exercise appropriately according to their health condition, warm up carefully, and pay attention to monitoring breathing during exercise. training process.
Improve sleep quality
Good sleep also greatly affects respiratory health, regeneration and recovery of the body. Lack of sleep can reduce immunity and make you susceptible to respiratory diseases. You should create a quiet, comfortable environment, practice healthy sleep habits, and go to bed at a fixed time of day.
People with respiratory diseases need to limit exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, pollution, and allergies. Wear a mask when going out and you can use an air purifier in your home to clean the air, reducing the risk of allergies and other respiratory problems. Vaccination also reduces the risk of respiratory infections. People with chronic respiratory diseases need to have regular check-ups and follow treatment according to the doctor’s instructions.