Spring may officially be upon us, but the weather here in Ontario, Canada, isn’t exactly reflective of this as of late. In fact, I’m pretty sure this period of time is when a lot of us fall victim to the cold, miserable grasp of a variety of delightful colds and viruses, and chest infections are no exception to the rule.
There are plenty of us who prefer to refrain from taking drugs to alleviate the symptoms of a given cold or flu, myself included, which is why I thought I would be helpful and share some information regarding natural ways to calm down a chest cold or infection. This information, again, comes from respiratorytherapyzone.com.
“6. Drain Mucus With Postural Drainage
Postural drainage is a simple and effective technique that helps clear mucus from the lungs. This technique involves changing your position to allow gravity to help move mucus from the lungs and into the airways, where it can be coughed up and cleared more easily
Postural drainage can be performed in various positions, depending on the location of mucus in certain lung segments.
For example, lying on your back with your head down can help to clear mucus from the upper lungs, while lying on your side with your head down can help to clear mucus from the lower lungs.
This technique is best performed under the medical supervision of a doctor or respiratory therapist, so please use caution, especially if you have an underlying condition.
7. Avoid Inflammatory Foods
Eating a healthy diet and avoiding inflammatory foods is crucial for supporting the body’s natural healing processes and reducing symptoms of a chest infection. When you have a chest infection, your body is working hard to fight off the infection and repair any damage, and it needs the right nutrients to do so.
A diet that is rich in nutrients and low in inflammatory foods can help to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
Some of the best foods to eat when you have a chest infection include:
- Leafy greens
- Lean protein
- High-antioxidant fruits and vegetables
On the other hand, foods to avoid include processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats, as these can increase inflammation in the body and make it harder for the immune system to do its job.
So, next time you’re feeling under the weather, focus on nourishing your body with healthy, nutrient-rich foods, and give your immune system the support it needs to help you recover from a chest infection.
8. Use Chest Percussion
Chest percussion is an airway clearance technique that applies mechanical energy to the chest wall to help loosen up secretions for easier clearance. This is often performed by respiratory therapists on patients with conditions such as cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis.
However, it’s also a powerful method that you can try at home to clear mucus caused by a chest infection.
The technique involves cupping your hands and striking the chest wall with rhythmic percussions. Perform a circular pattern back and forth over a targetted area for 3–5 minutes.
These vibration and percussions loosen mucus from the airway walls so that they’re easier to cough up for removal. This helps keep your airways clear, making breathing much easier.
9. Take the Essential Vitamins for Lung Health
Vitamins play a crucial role in maintaining good health and supporting the immune system, and when you’re sick with a chest infection, getting enough of the right vitamins can make a big difference.
Some examples include the following:
- Vitamin C
- Zinc
- Vitamin A
- Beta-carotene
- Vitamin D
- Resveratrol
- Vitamin E
- Selenium
- Omega-3
- Magnesium
For instance, vitamin C and zinc help boost the immune system, keeping harmful infections from reaching the lungs. Vitamins A and D play a role in lung development, while beta-carotene and selenium can help prevent lung cancer.
Incorporating these vitamins into your diet through foods or supplements can help boost lung function and ward off lung-related illnesses. Read our full guide on this topic to learn more.
10. Utilize Humidity and Steam Inhalation
Using humidity and steam inhalation can be a highly effective way to treat a chest infection, offering fast and soothing relief for symptoms such as cough, congestion, and shortness of breath.
The warmth and moisture from the steam can help to break up mucus and clear congested airways, making it easier to breathe. Humidity can also help to soothe a sore throat and reduce symptoms of congestion.
Therefore, this method is highly recommended for individuals who persistently accumulate mucus and phlegm.
Bonus tip: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to maximize airway clearance. Not only will you feel the refreshing, cleansing effects on your lungs, but the aromas can also help calm your mind, making steam therapy a great addition to your wellness routine,” the website states.
I am sincerely hoping some of these remedies can help someone out that currently has their hands full with a chest cold out for vegenance.
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ontheedgeofeverything 
