The Respiratory system is basically a piping system that filters, humidifies and transports air into the alveoli (lung sacs) for oxygen and carbon dioxide to be exchanged with the blood.  

Air is breathed in through the nose to the nasal cavity, where a layer of nasal mucosa acts as a filter and traps pollutants and other harmful substances found in the air. The air moves into the pharynx, a passage that contains the intersection between the esophagus and the larynx. The opening of the larynx has a special flap of cartilage, the epiglottis, that opens to allow air to pass through but closes to prevent food from moving into the airway. 

From the larynx, air moves into the trachea and down to the intersection that branches to form the right and left primary bronchi. Each of these bronchi branches into secondary (lobar) and tertiary (segmental) bronchi, that branch into bronchioles that eventually connect with tiny specialized structures called alveoli that function in gas exchange. 

The respiratory system has several ways to protect itself. The epithelial cells of the upper respiratory tract secrete a protective mucus. This helps to filter waste. The respiratory tract lining is covered in small hairs called cilia. These beat rhythmically out from the lungs, moving secreted mucus foreign particles upwards and outwards. Macrophages in the alveoli are part of the immune system which engulf and digest any inhaled harmful agents. The cough reflex expels all irritants within the mucous membrane to the outside.  

The Gut-Lung Axis 

The gut-lung axis highlights the connection between gut health and lung health, suggesting that maintaining a healthy gut microbiota can positively impact respiratory health.  

Herbal treatments can play a role in supporting this axis by promoting a balanced gut microbiota and reducing inflammation. 

Here are some herbs that might be beneficial for the gut-lung axis: 

  1. Elderberry: Known for its immune-boosting properties, elderberry can help support overall health and reduce inflammation. 
  1. Echinacea: Often used to enhance the immune system, echinacea may help reduce the severity of respiratory infections. 
  1. Ginger: With its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, ginger can help reduce inflammation and support overall health. 
  1. Turmeric: Contains curcumin, which has strong anti-inflammatory effects and may help reduce symptoms associated with respiratory infections. 
  1. Licorice Root: Has antiviral properties and may help soothe sore throats and reduce coughing. 
  1. Probiotics: Consuming probiotics, such as those found in yogurt, can help restore gut flora and improve overall gut health, which in turn can benefit lung health. 

Strain-specific probiotics may modify allergic asthma’s immune and inflammatory drivers and COPD. The precise mechanisms by which gut-located probiotics can cause immunomodulation in the airway are unclear but may reflect changes in blood and local immune cells, including T-cell subsets. Mominur Rahmana 2022  

Upper respiratory infection 

The respiratory system is very prone to developing infections in the lungs. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop infections in their lungs because their lungs are not as strong in fighting off these infections. The common cold, and flu are the most common causes of an upper respiratory tract infection.  

Symptoms may include:  

  • fever or feeling feverish/chills 
  • cough 
  • sore throat 
  • runny or stuffy nose 
  • muscle or body aches 

Most people who get flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some people will develop complications (such as pneumonia) as a result of flu, some of which can be life-threatening. 

Sinus and ear infections are examples of moderate complications from flu, while pneumonia is a serious flu complication that can result from either flu virus infection alone or from co-infection of flu virus and bacteria. Other possible serious complications triggered by flu can include inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), brain (encephalitis) or muscle tissues (myositis, rhabdomyolysis), and multi-organ failure (for example, respiratory and kidney failure).  

Flu virus infection of the respiratory tract can trigger an extreme inflammatory response in the body and can lead to sepsis, the body’s life-threatening response to infection. Flu also can make chronic medical problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have flu, and people with chronic heart disease may experience a worsening of this condition triggered by flu. 

Several natural remedies that might help alleviate symptoms and support recovery: 

  1. Elderberry: Known for its immune-boosting properties, elderberry can help reduce the duration and severity of flu symptoms. 
  1. Echinacea: Often used to enhance the immune system, echinacea may help reduce the severity of respiratory infections. 
  1. Ginger: With its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, ginger can help reduce inflammation and support overall health. 
  1. Zinc: This mineral is important for the immune system and may help ease flu symptoms. You can take a zinc supplement or consume zinc-rich foods like nuts, seeds, and legumes2. 
  1. Garlic: Garlic has antiviral, antibiotic, and antiseptic properties that can help fight off infections. 
  1. Honey: Raw, local honey has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties that can soothe a sore throat and cough. 
  1. Lemon: High in vitamin C, lemon can help boost the immune system and reduce phlegm. 
  1. Turmeric: Contains curcumin, which has strong anti-inflammatory effects and may help reduce symptoms associated with respiratory infections. 
  1. Licorice Root: Has antiviral properties and may help soothe sore throats and reduce coughing. 
  1. Bone Broth: Drinking warm chicken or beef bone broth can help keep you hydrated and provide essential nutrients to support your immune system. 

Lower respiratory tract infections 

Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes. There are two forms of this infection: acute bronchitis, which is treatable and can go away without treatment, or chronic bronchitis, which comes and goes, but will always affect one’s lungs. Bronchitis increases the amount of mucus that is natural in your respiratory tract. Chronic bronchitis is common in smokers, because the tar from smoking accumulates over time, causing the lungs to work harder to repair themselves.  

Pneumonia can be either viral, bacterial, or fungal. This infection develops in the lower part of the lung and fills the lung with fluid, and excess mucus. This causes difficulty in breathing and coughing as the lower respiratory tract tries to get rid of the fluid in the lungs. You can be more prone to developing this infection if you have asthma, flu, heart disease, or cancer.  

Tuberculosis is one of many other infections that occurs in the lower respiratory tract. The infection can be contracted from airborne droplets. This is a bacterial infection that deteriorates the lung tissue resulting in coughing up blood. This infection is deadly if not treated. 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. 

Some Chest Infections Home Remedies: 

  1. Stay hydrated  

By drinking plenty of fluids, you can help to keep the mucus thin and fluid, making it easier to cough up and clear from the respiratory tract. Additionally, hydration can also help to relieve a sore throat and reduce other symptoms associated with a chest infection. 

  1. Try the classic lemon and honey solution 

Mix a teaspoon of honey with the juice of half a lemon in a cup of warm water. Sip the mixture slowly, allowing the honey and lemon to coat the throat and provide soothing relief. This combination is believed to have antibacterial and antiviral properties, boosting the immune system and fighting off infections.  

  1. Drink herbal tea  

Herbal teas offer a warm and soothing way to reduce symptoms and support the body’s natural healing processes. Some of the most popular herbal teas for treating chest infections include ginger tea, eucalyptus tea, and green tea. 

  1. Use natural essential oils 

The powerful aromatic compounds in essential oils can help to open up the airways, reduce congestion, and improve breathing. Examples of the best essential oils for lung health include: Black seed, Eucalyptus, Bergamot, Ginger, Mullein, Peppermint, Tea tree, Rosemary, Lavender and Nettle leaf oil. Essential oils can be used topically, inhaled through a diffuser, or added to bathwater. 

  1. Eat spicy foods 

The heat from spicy foods can help to clear congested airways and relieve symptoms of cough, congestion, and difficulty breathing. Spicy foods contain capsaicin, a compound that can help to reduce mucus production and improve breathing by clearing the airways. Additionally, spicy foods can also help to boost the immune system, fight off infections, and reduce inflammation in the body 

  1. Avoid inflammatory foods 

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 are: Leafy greens, Lean protein and High-antioxidant fruits and vegetables  

Foods to avoid include processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats. 

  1. Take the essential vitamins for lung health 

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.  

  1. Utilize humidity and steam inhalation 

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. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to maximize airway clearance. 

Other Conditions of the Respiratory Tract 

COPD 

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lower respiratory disease that can be caused by exposure to harmful chemicals, or prolonged use of tobacco. This disease is chronic and progressive, the damage to the lungs is irreversible and eventually fatal. COPD destroys the alveoli, and lung tissue which makes breathing very difficult, causing shortness of breath, hyperventilation, and raised chest. The decreased number of alveoli causes loss of oxygen supply to the lungs and an increased accumulation of carbon dioxide. There are two types of COPD: primary and secondary. Primary COPD can be found in younger adults. This type of COPD deteriorates the air sacs, and lung mass. Secondary COPD can be found in older adults who smoke or have smoked and have a history of bronchitis. COPD includes symptoms of emphysema and chronic bronchitis.  

Asthma 

Inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles can cause them to swell up, which could lead to an asthma attack. This results in wheezing, tightness of the chest, and severe difficulty in breathing. There are different types of asthma that affect the functions of the bronchial tubes. Allergies can also set off an allergic reaction, causing swelling of the bronchial tubes; as a result, the air passage will swell up, or close up completely. 

Cancer 

Some of these cancers have environmental causes such as smoking. When a tobacco product is inhaled, the smoke paralyzes the cilia, causing mucus to enter the lungs. Frequent smoking, over time, causes the cilia hairs to die and can no longer filter mucus. Tar from the smoke inhaled enters the lungs, turning the pink-coloured lungs black. The accumulation of this tar could eventually lead to lung cancer, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.  

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