Are you chronically experiencing coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, excessive mucus, or chest tightness?
Reactive Airways, means the bronchial tubes are more sensitive and react strongly to irritants. This sensitivity causes inflammation, leading to excess mucus, swelling, and tightening of muscles in the airways, which makes them narrower.
Possible causes and triggers include respiratory infections, acid reflux, stress, exercise, cold air, air pollution, allergens, irritants, and hormonal changes.
Natural ways to help the symptoms
- Avoid exposure to airborne allergens.
- Identify food allergies using an elimination diet.
- Choose a plant-based diet.
- Reduce or eliminate alcohol, coffee, tobacco, sugar and table salt.
- Drink 1.5 liters of filtered water daily and avoid chlorinated water.
- Stay away from artificial additives, preservatives, flavorings, and colourings in food.
- Consider digestive enzymes.
- Low stomach acid may be a contributing factor. Check Sodium Bicarb Stomach Acid Home Test
- Consider quercetin, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), beta carotene, vitamins E and C, B complex, zinc, magnesium and selenium. Talk to your healthcare provider about a correct dosage for you.
- Hot foot baths.
Herbal support
Herbs can help manage chronic respiratory issues and strengthen pulmonary health. Tonics, relaxing expectorants, anticatarrhal herbs and demulcents may reduce mucus buildup and soothe irritation. Antimicrobial herbs can help prevent secondary infections.
Some specific herbs would include Verbascum thapsus (Mullein), Thyme, Tussilago farfara (Coltsfoot) (prescription only), Coleus forskohlii, Grindelia camporum, Liquorice, Pimpinella anisum, Cleavers, Red clover, Stinging nettle etc.
It is highly advised to see a qualified herbalist for a personal assessment and the best herbs for you.