Wheezing is a high pitch whistling sound produced during exhalation when your breath get obstructions in the respiratory path. Some home remedies can help, but you will have to treat the underlying cause to completely stop wheezing
Wheezing is not a disease it is a symptom produced by an underlying condition. Since there is an obstruction in the respiratory system, your breathing is not efficient. This causes lack of oxygen in the body leading to feelings of dizziness and lack of energy.
Get rid of wheezing as soon as you know it, otherwise inadequate oxygen will affect quality of life and cause further medical complexities.
What causes wheezing
Any obstruction in your respiratory system can potentially cause wheezing. Asthma is one of the leading causes of wheezing. But, there are so many other conditions that can obstruct your airways to produce wheezing sounds. Some of the most common causes are as under:
- Bronchitis
- Persistent cough and cold
- Inflammation of respiratory tract
- Gastroesophageal Reflux disease (GERD)
- Emphysema
- Anaphylaxis
- Pulmonary edema
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Sleep apnea
- Pneumonia
- Active and passive smoking
- Anxiety and stress
You cannot stop wheezing until the underlying conditions are fully addressed.
How to stop wheezing
There should always be two objectives to deal with wheezing. One is to stop wheezing by removing the obstruction in the respiratory tract. Second is to treat the underlying condition to permanently get rid of wheezing.
Following are some of the most common and effective ways to stop wheezing.
Persistence is the key to success. Many of us know what to do but we fail in execution. All these methods to get rid of wheezing are easily doable. Just do it.First 4 methods require only water in different forms.
1. Hot Shower to Stop Wheezing
Hot shower is one of the easiest ways to clear your Airways. In the enclosed environment of a hot shower process you inhale steam that moisturizes your throat and the airways which helps in loosening the mucus. Thinner mucus comes out easily and the airways open up. You will stop wheezing.
2. Inhale Steam to Get rid of Wheezing
Steam inhalation is the quickest method to get relief from wheezing. It is an excellent remedy to get rid of mucus and cough that are responsible for airways obstructions and resulting wheezing.
Fill a large bowl with boiling hot water and keep it on a table
- Sit comfortably on a chair.
- Keep your directly above the steam coming out of the bowl. Keep about 6-10 inches difference between your face the top rim of the bowl
- Drape a towel over your head to cover the bowl and trap the steam
- Inhale the steam through your nose and mouth alternatively
- Do it for 5 -10 minutes 2-3 times a day
3. Drink Warm Water and other Fluids to Soothe Your Throat
- Drink warm water every time when you drink water.
- Add lemon juice and/or honey to get even better effect of clearing airways.
- Drink warm herbal tea
- Drink hot soup
4. Warm Compress to Get relief from Wheezing
Giving a warm compress on your chest and the back release the muscle in your upper body. This improves breathing and wheezing stops.
You can use warm compress bottles or apply heat through electric warm compress.
5. Eat Spicy Foods to Clear Airways
This may not be for everyone, but if you can consume spicy food then you will find this is a very good remedy to instantly stop wheezing. Cayenne Pepper in spicy foods clear the congestion and open airways.
6. Eat Mores Fruits and Vegetables to Get Rid of Wheezing
Researchers have found that Vitamin C in various fruits and vegetables is very effective in treating respiratory problems. Other vitamins like that means D and he also seems to have a positive impact on the respiratory system.
Getting Vitamin C and E directly through food will be more effective than the supplements of these vitamins.
You can get vitamin D by exposing yourself to Sunshine for just 15 minutes everyday.
Following fruits and vegetables will give you Vitamin C.
- Bell pepper
- Broccoli
- Guava
- Kiwi
- Oranges
- Papaya
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
You can get Vitamin E from the following foods
- Almonds
- Avocado
- Spinach
- Sunflower seeds
- Sweet potato
- Wheat germ
You have many more food items rich in these vitamins to choose from. Daily consumption of these nutrients will help you to get rid of wheezing and other breathing problems.
7. Use Inhalers and Nasal Drops for Quick Relief from Wheezing
Your wheezing generally stops when airways are clear. Inhalers and Nasal Drops are very useful. Use them occasionally for quick relief.
Don't make it a habit. This the last resort when you really are at some important occasion and you have to stop your wheezing.
Children and elderly people should only use them under medical supervision.
Other Wheezing Home Remedies
Different home remedies are used all around the world for almost every condition. Following are some of those remedies to stop wheezing which may have in your case too.
- Garlic - Roast a garlic clove end crush it to add to a glass of hot water. Drink it after 2 minutes
- Apple Cider Vinegar- It is an excellent home remedy for many common conditions like wheezing. Add a tablespoon of raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar with mother to a glass of warm water. Add a teaspoon of honey to mix everything well. Drink it twice daily.
- Turmeric - Add one teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm water. Mix well and drink it.
- Ginger - Make ginger tea by adding one teaspoon of shredded or finely sliced ginger in a glass of water and put it to boil. Let it cool for some time. Drink it by straining after the temperature is palatable.
- Licorice - Drink licorice tea. You can add half teaspoon of licorice powder in a glass of water and brew your tea.
- Clove - Cloves are great to get rid of wheezing. Make a clear soup adding ½ teaspoons of clove pods.
How to Prevent Future Incidents of Wheezing
If you are able to identify the triggers of wheezing in your case then some of the wheezing can be prevented.
1. Improve your immunity
This is the first and foremost important aspect to keep yourself healthy and free from most infections such as common cold which causes wheezing.
2. Eat healthy and balanced diet
Include fruits, vegetables and nuts in your daily food intake.
3. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily
Start with drinking 2 glasses of warm water immediately after getting up from the bed.
4. Exercise regularly
A 45 minutes of brisk walk daily or its equivalent physical activity will go a long way in keeping you fit and healthy.
5.Follow good breathing practices - Learn deep breathing exercises to make your lungs stronger to prevent wheezing.
6. Get enough sunshine
A15 minutes exposure to the sun is good enough to keep healthy vitamin D content in your body. Lack of vitamin D is a common problem which impacts your immunity.
7. Reduce stress
Use all possible methods to calm yourself down.
8. Sleep well and sleep enough
Do not miss out the deep sleeping period between 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.
9. Keep Environment around You Clean
Keep your house clean from dust, moles, pollen and other potential allergens. These things can cause allergic reactions leading to wheezing problems. Use a mask if you have to regularly pass through an air polluted area by chemicals, extreme auto exhaust and other pollutants. Pet dander and firm can also cause allergic reactions. Regularly sweep your house to keep clean of these allergens.Certain perfumes, scents and air fresheners can cause allergic reactions. Avoid their uses.
10. Avoid exposure to extreme climate conditions
If you are prone to wheezing then you should be careful in very cold and dry climatic conditions. Windy and cold conditions also will be as bad. If you have been exposed to the adverse climatic conditions then wear protective clothing around your body. Wearing masks to cover your nose and mouth can help to reduce the impact of dry and cold weather.
11. Avoid Tobacco Smoke
Smoking is one of the leading avoidable causes of wheezing problems. If you are a smoker then quit smoking. It is not good for your lungs anyway. Avoid all kinds of passive smoking as it is as dangerous as active smoking for wheezing and other health problems.
12. Avoid Allergy Causing foods
If you already know what kind of foods cause allergic reactions in you then avoid those foods. Food allergies sometimes can be much more difficult to deal with than just dealing with wheezing so take medical help if you get food allergy or food poisoning.
Other Tips and Precautions
- Long term wheezing is usually caused by an underlying condition therefore treatment of underlying condition is extremely important.
- Chronic asthma and COPD requires long term treatment. Continue treatment was prescribed and do not stop it without referring to a doctor.
- Wheezing associated with short term illnesses such as Inflammations of respiratory tract, cough and cold usually stops with the condition. If such wheezing continues even after it then contact your doctor.
- Do not take wheezing lightly. It should be addressed quickly so that you do not suffer breathing problems and any other long term complications.