Not only in chronic diseases such as asthma, people suffer from shortness of breath. Especially in the cold season, these complaints increase sharply. Particularly popular with the affected people are small home remedies, which should bring rapid relief. But what home remedies are there for the treatment of shortness of breath and which ones work particularly quickly? In addition, in severe cases of shortness of breath, alternative remedies are increasingly used.
What helps against shortness of breath?
Lavender tea can relieve shortness of breath by helping to loosen mucus in the airways
There are many home remedies that can help with shortness of breath. The most common cause, besides an allergic reaction or chronic illness, is shortness of breath as a result of a cold. This is triggered by a stuffy nose or a cough. The main thing that helps here is drinking plenty of fluids. Teas are particularly helpful. These help the body to loosen the mucus and clear the airways again. Teas made from lavender, common horehound, mint leaves, Mexican tea herb, lemon balm, spotted St. John’s wort and goose cinquefoil help. A decoction of garlic, beech bark, asparagus or bogwort are also popular as home remedies for respiratory distress. Unusual combinations such as beef broth with mustard are also said to provide relief. In addition, boiled eggs with tea leaves are said to be a secret weapon against shortness of breath and respiratory problems. This involves boiling two eggs with about 15 grams of tea leaves in half a liter of water. Once these eggs are hard boiled, they are taken out of the water and peeled off. Then they are put back into the water until the water finally evaporates completely. Chamomile steam baths also provide a quick remedy. The chamomile steam thereby moistens the mucous membranes and relaxes the bronchial tubes. In addition, the steam disinfects the upper respiratory tract and thus facilitates breathing. The simultaneous use of a so-called nasal douche or cough expectorant, which can be obtained in any pharmacy, efficiently helps against respiratory distress. In addition, a moist warm compress can be helpful in the treatment of respiratory distress. This is done with a common towel soaked in very warm water. This is properly squeezed before being placed on the bare chest. It is important that the affected person lies in bed covered with this poultice for almost 30 minutes. Only in this way can the poultice achieve a good effect by relaxing the respiratory muscles. While such warm compresses expectorant and promote the expectoration of these, cold compresses can also help the affected person. These have an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. These compresses can also be used to good effect on patients suffering from asthma. Steam baths and the various types of tea can also help and provide relief.
Quick help
Especially in case of a bad shortness of breath, which is usually caused by allergic reactions, quick help is inevitable. First of all, you should try to stay calm and control your breathing by breathing long and slow. Often, breathing like a yawn is found to be particularly helpful. In addition, certain body positions can provide quick relief for the affected person. This is where the goalie or carriage positions come in handy. In the goalkeeper position, the person stands with his hands resting on his thighs. In the carriage position, on the other hand, the patient sits with his legs wide apart on a chair and supports himself with his forearms on his thighs. If this does not improve the shortness of breath, call an emergency physician urgently. A doctor should also be consulted if the shortness of breath is prolonged.
Alternative remedies
In addition to home remedies for a shortness of breath, there are still a variety of alternative remedies. Especially acupuncture inspires more and more affected persons. This is performed on patients at least once a week and even leads to success in respiratory problems caused by chronic pneumonia. Homeopathic remedies can also provide quick relief. In case of respiratory distress caused by severe cough, Drosera rotundifolia can help. But Ipecacuanha, Arsenicum album and Aconitum napellus are also frequently used in homeopathic treatment.
