How to Support Lung Health and Clear Mucus Naturally
People with chronic respiratory illnesses and those exposed to tobacco smoke or air pollution may benefit from techniques that help cleanse the lungs.
The WHO reports that 4.2 million lives are lost yearly due to air pollution.
When exposure to pollutants ceases, the lungs can begin to naturally cleanse themselves and, over time, may be able to repair any damage that has been done.
This article explores various techniques people can utilise to improve their lungs' health.
Is It Possible To Cleanse Your Lungs?
People can improve their lung health by cleaning their lungs of pollutants and toxins. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as :
- Toxins such as smoke from cigarettes and pollution from the air should be avoided
- Exercise regularly, for example, as part of a healthy lifestyle
For instance, after quitting smoking, the circulation and functioning of a person's lungs can start to improve within a couple of weeks up to three months, according to a reliable source.
Some techniques may help relieve symptoms by:
- Reducing lung inflammation
- Opening up the airways
- Improving lung capacity
- Clearing the lungs of mucus and irritants
How To Clear Mucus From The Lungs Naturally
In the following section, we examine several strategies that may help to clear away excessive mucus from the lungs and thus facilitate breathing.
Steam Therapy
Inhaling steam is a form of treatment that is used to open the airways and help loosen and clear mucus. The steam helps to soothe inflammation and reduce congestion in the lungs and sinuses.
Individuals with COPD may experience worsening symptoms when exposed to cold or dry air. This climate can cause the airways to dry, dehydrating the mucous membranes and leading to decreased blood flow.
Adding steam to the air can help increase humidity and temperature levels, both of which can benefit those suffering from breathing difficulties. Inhaling the vapor of hot water can provide immediate relief and reduce congestion in the airways and lungs, allowing for easier breathing.
Drinking honey may relieve those who suffer from a sore or dry throat or have been exposed to environmental irritants.
Controlled Coughing
The act of coughing helps the body expel unwanted toxins and irritants collected in mucus. This process helps clear the airways and improves the body's breathing ability.
Controlled coughing is a technique for clearing mucus from the lungs. The excess mucus is loosened and expelled through the airways through repeated deep breaths and short, forceful exhalations.
The following methods can be used to cleanse the lungs of excess mucus:
- Sit comfortably in a chair with your shoulders relaxed, ensuring both feet are flat on the floor.
- Cross your arms over your stomach.
- Take a prolonged inhalation through your nose.
- Exhale gradually as you lean forward, gently pressing your arms against your stomach.
- Cough two or three times with your mouth slightly open while continuing to exhale.
- Slowly inhale again through your nose.
- Rest and repeat as needed.
Draining Mucus From The Lungs
By changing one's body position to encourage gravity, postural drainage helps move mucus from the lungs, potentially enhancing breathing and reducing the risk of lung infections.
Depending on the position, different techniques for postural drainage are used:
1. On Your Back
- Lie down comfortably on the floor or on a bed.
- Position pillows under your hips to ensure that your chest is lower than your hips.
- Take long breaths through your nose, then exhale through your mouth. During the exhale, make it twice as long as the inhale, known as 1:2 breathing.
- Continue this rhythmic breathing pattern for a few minutes.
2. On Your Side
- Begin by lying on one side, with your head resting on an arm or pillow for support.
- Use pillows to elevate your hips slightly.
- Engage in the 1:2 breathing pattern, inhaling through your nose and releasing through your mouth, lasting twice as long as the inhale.
- Maintain this breathing pattern for a few minutes.
- Afterward, switch to the other side and repeat the same process.
3. On Your Stomach
- Arrange a stack of pillows on the floor.
- Lay down with your stomach over the pillows, ensuring your hips are positioned above your chest.
- Fold your arms under your head to provide support.
- Engage in the 1:2 breathing pattern, inhaling through your nose and releasing through your mouth, lasting twice as long as the inhale.
- Maintain this breathing pattern for a few minutes to promote relaxation and deep breathing.
Exercise
There are many benefits to exercising, including:
- Enhancing both physical and mental well-being,
- Reducing the likelihood of various health issues,
- Promoting optimal lung health,
When exercising, the muscles work harder, increasing the breathing rate. This, in turn, leads to a more excellent oxygen supply to the muscles. Exercise also boosts circulation, making the body more effective in eliminating the excessive carbon dioxide produced during physical activity.
People with chronic lung conditions should not be discouraged from exercising; instead, they should be encouraged to exercise regularly as it can provide various health benefits.
Speaking with a healthcare provider before beginning a new exercise program is important if you have COPD or asthma.
Green Tea
The antioxidants in green tea help reduce lung inflammation and protect from smoke inhalation that can damage lung tissue.
A study in Korea involving more than 1,000 adults revealed that those who drank at least two cups of green tea per day had improved lung function compared to those who abstained from the beverage.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Consuming foods with anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce inflammation of the airways, thus relieving the difficult breathing and heavy and congested feeling in the chest.
Among the foods that help fight inflammation are:
- Beans
- Turmeric
- Walnuts
- Leafy greens
- Olives
- Lentils
- Blueberries
- Cherries
Chest Percussion
A percussion technique can be used to assist in the removal of mucus that is stuck in the lungs. This method involves a medical professional or respiratory therapist using a cupped hand to rhythmically tap the chest wall, which can help to break up and release the mucus.
Percussing the chest and using postural drainage techniques can help eliminate mucus.
Cautions
To improve lung health, it is vital to avoid environmental pollutants that can cause damage to the lungs. Currently, no medications or treatments can specifically clear the lungs, so avoiding pollutants is the best way to protect them.
To help improve lung health, one should consider making behavioral modifications like stopping smoking, changing eating habits, and engaging in regular physical activity.
If someone wishes to improve their respiratory system, they should consult a doctor.
Summary
Inhaled toxins from cigarette smoke or air pollution can travel through the lungs and become trapped in mucus, making it difficult for air to move freely through the lungs. This can harm the entire body, leading to respiratory complications.
The ability of the body to expel mucus from the lungs and airways is essential for maintaining good respiratory health. However, this can be difficult for individuals with chronic diseases like asthma and COPD, who may experience increased mucus production or abnormally thick mucus, leading to airway obstruction.
Modifying one's lifestyle and certain lung-clearing practices may help remove mucus from the lungs and respiratory tract.
Connect with one of our doctors at Mobi Doctor with the click of a button and receive the care you require.
