Living with excess mucus in your lungs can be a source of ongoing discomfort and irritation. From persistent coughing to difficulty breathing, it is essential to take steps toward finding relief. The good news is that there are numerous natural solutions that you can turn to as an alternative form of treatment. Whether dealing with allergies or health conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), here’s how to find some much-needed relief and clear mucus from your lungs using simple at-home strategies.
What is Mucus, and Why does it Build Up in the Lungs?
According to Dr. Jasdeep Sidana, M.D., mucus is a thick fluid created and secreted by our bodies’ cells that coats tissue and helps keep it hydrated and functioning optimally. However, it can lead to chest congestion or difficulty breathing when it accumulates or builds up in the lungs due to an infection, environmental irritants, or other conditions such as asthma.
Dr. Jasdeep Sidana explains that this accumulation of mucus is usually treatable with medications, inhalation therapy, lifestyle changes, or other remedies, depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Dr. Sidana recommends engaging your healthcare provider if you notice any signs of chest congestion, such as coughing up thick secretions or experiencing shortness of breath, to explore treatment options and help ensure optimal respiratory health outcomes.
Common Causes of Mucus Buildup
Whether due to too much mucus production or poor clearing of the nasal cavities, mucus buildup can be an uncomfortable and even painful experience. While excess mucus is often blamed on allergies and/or viruses, this problem can occur for several other reasons.
The most common causes include the following:
- Asthma
- Sinus infections
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Bacterial infections
- Deviated septum or narrow nasal passages
Asthma can cause an increase in mucus production, leading to difficulty through accumulation in the airways. Similarly, when sinuses become blocked due to infection or inflammation, they cannot drain effectively, resulting in mucinous pools in the sinuses, which spill over into the nose and throat. GERD is another gastrointestinal disorder linked to sinus problems since it pushes acidic stomach contents into the esophagus, which can migrate further upstream toward the nose and throat.
Bacterial infections may also stimulate increased mucus production as part of your body’s immune response to pathogens. Finally, mechanical factors like structural deformities of your nasal cavity, such as a deviated septum or narrow nasal pathways, can cause mucous blockages resulting in accumulation and buildup around those areas. By understanding possible causes for mucus buildup, you can take proactive steps towards prevention via avoidance of triggers and proper treatment if symptoms persist.
How to Remove Mucus from Lungs Naturally?
Drink plenty of water to thin out mucus
Dr. Jasdeep Sidana, a family physician in New York, explains that water is essential for our bodies to function correctly. “Water makes up more than 60 percent of our body weight and plays a vital role in numerous bodily functions, including lubricating and cushioning joints, aiding in digestion, flushing out toxins and waste products, and carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells,” Dr. Sidana says. He recommends that people drink eight to 10 glasses of water a day, adding that “the more active you are, the more water you need to drink.” Dr. Sidana also says that water can help thin out mucus, making coughing up or blowing your nose easier.
Inhale steam from a hot shower or bath to loosen up mucus
Dr. Jasdeep Sidana believes inhaling steam from a hot shower, or bath effectively maintains good respiratory health. Doing so can help loosen up mucus and make it easier for your body to expel it, reducing the buildup of fluids in your lungs and throat that could lead to infections. In addition, the steam helps open up the airways, allowing more oxygen into circulation, so it’s good for bronchial health and can also improve overall well-being. And best of all, you can reap these benefits without leaving the comfort of your home. So the next time you need to lift stubborn congestion, Dr. Sidana’s suggestion is worth trying!
Utilize essential oils for vaporizing or diffusing
Dr. Jasdeep Sidana recommends using essential oils for vaporizing or diffusing as an excellent wellness practice. Diffusing essential oils can help reduce stress, increase energy, and improve environmental moods. Vaporizing is an excellent method for administering essential oils into your body to support physical and emotional health. Vaporizing essential oils can relieve physical symptoms and enhance mental clarity, focus, and concentration. It is best to utilize therapeutic-grade essential oil when diffusing or vaporizing; Dr. Sidana has researched the potency and efficacy of these premium-grade products, and they are highly recommended for achieving optimal health.
Eat foods high in vitamin C, like oranges, grapefruit, and mangos
Dr. Jasdeep Sidana strongly recommends eating foods high in Vitamin C, like oranges, grapefruits, and mangos. This is in support of a healthy lifestyle. Research shows that these foods can help with iron absorption – Iron being an essential mineral for overall health. What has been even more striking is how vitamin C helps fight off germs and other cold-related illnesses. Eating generous amounts of these nutritious fruits could provide vital nutrients to the body and protect from getting sick by providing added immunity against bacteria and viruses. Additionally, consuming these foods will energize you due to their low-calorie content and abundance of powerful antioxidants that assist in powering up your body’s natural defenses.
Conclusion
Coughing up mucus from your lungs can be difficult and uncomfortable, but with the right lifestyle changes, you can take proactive steps toward prevention. For example, drink plenty of water to thin out mucus, inhale steam from a hot shower or bath to loosen up mucus, utilize essential oils for vaporizing or diffusing, and eat foods high in vitamin C to provide your body with extra protection. By following these simple tips suggested by Dr. Jasdeep Sidana, you can breathe easier and enjoy more excellent overall health!