and other toxins, they can become inflamed and congested. In fact, the mucus collects inside them to capture microbes and pathogens, triggering this feeling of "heaviness". To improve the situation, specific techniques can be used that help clear the lungs of mucus and irritants, relieve chest congestion and improve other bothersome symptoms. Some of these methods can also open the airways, improve lung capacity, and reduce inflammation, which can help mitigate the effects of pollution and smoke on the lungs and breathe better.
and lifestyle changes that can help remove excess mucus from the lungs and breathe better. they may notice a worsening of symptoms when they breathe cold or dry air: both can dry out the mucous membranes of the airways and restrict blood flow. Conversely, the vapor adds heat and moisture to the air, which can improve breathing and help loosen mucus within the airways and lungs. Inhalation of water vapor can provide immediate relief and help people breathe more easily.
A small study of 16 males with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a lung condition that makes it harder to breathe, found that steam mask therapy resulted in significantly lower heart and respiratory rates than no steam mask therapy. However, the participants did not report lasting improvements in their respiratory function.
This therapy can be an effective temporary solution, but more research is needed before its full lung health benefits are understood.
it is the mechanism by which the body naturally excretes the toxins it has trapped in the mucus. Controlled coughing loosens excess mucus in the lungs, causing it to rise up through the airways. Doctors recommend that COPD sufferers do it to help clear the lungs.
People can follow the steps below to clear the lungs of excess mucus and breathe better:
- sit on a chair with your shoulders relaxed, keeping both feet flat on the ground;
- cross your arms over your stomach;
- breathe in slowly through the nose;
- exhale slowly as you lean forward;
- pushing the arms against the stomach cough 2 or 3 times exhaling;
- keeping the mouth slightly open, slowly inhale through the nose;
- rest and repeat if necessary.
Postural drainage techniques differ depending on the position:
- lie down on the floor or on a bed. Place pillows under your hips to make sure your chest is lower than your hips. Slowly inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Each exhalation should last twice as long as the inhalation: this exercise is called 1: 2 breathing. Continue for a few minutes;
- Lie on your side, resting your head on an arm or a pillow. Place pillows under your hips. Practice the 1: 2 breathing pattern. Continue for a few minutes. Repeat on the other side;
-Put a stack of pillows on the floor. Lie down with your stomach on top of the pillows. Remember to keep your hips higher than your chest. Fold your arms under your head for support. Practice the 1: 2 breathing pattern. Continue for a few minutes.
regular can improve people's physical and mental health and reduce the risk of many medical conditions, including stroke and heart disease. Exercise forces the muscles to work harder, which increases the body's breathing rate, resulting in more oxygen supply to the muscles. It also improves circulation, making the body more efficient at removing excess carbon dioxide.
Although exercise may be more difficult for people with chronic lung disease, these individuals can benefit from regular exercise. People who have COPD, cystic fibrosis, or asthma should consult a health care practitioner before starting a new exercise regimen. .
contains many antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the lungs and breathe better. These compounds can even protect lung tissue from the harmful effects of smoke inhalation.
A recent study involving more than 1,000 adults in Korea reported that people who drank at least 2 cups of green tea a day had better lung function than those who did not.
These are foods that help fight inflammation. Inflammation of the airways can make breathing difficult and make your chest feel heavy and congested. Eating anti-inflammatory foods can reduce inflammation and relieve these symptoms.
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