Respiratory Issues Related With Seasonal Changes

"Breath is life", without which one cannot survive. We are all aware that the lungs are the most pivotal organ of the respiratory system that constantly works and protects us from environmental pollutants. Unfortunately, respiratory problems have become very common because of environmental as well as lifestyle factors. Respiratory issues develop when our body reacts to specific pollutants, irritants, disease-causing pathogens or other factors in the air. However, everyone does not react the same way to these substances. Some common triggers for breathing-related issues include mould, dust, mites, pollen, microbes and changing weather. Respiratory allergies may develop in the presence of these triggers. On the other hand, seasonal allergies develop in spring, while some may experience them throughout the year. The symptoms might exist at a consistently low level throughout the day or may get worse upon exposure, depending on the particular allergen or specific factor setting off a reaction.

Common Early Symptoms

Abnormal breathing may sometimes start with minor symptoms when the allergen or any other causative factor moves from the nose and throat down the lungs, setting an inflammatory response. The initial signs of a breathing issue may include a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion or cough. Due to this, mucus is formed in the airways, blocking the passage, and associated bronchospasm makes it harder to breathe. In few cases, subtle symptoms occur at first which may resolve gradually but it can worsen over time accompanied by other non–breathing–related symptoms.

Allergies might also be associated with either asthma or other breathing disorders. The symptoms of asthma and breathing allergies often overlap, as allergens are also a common trigger for asthmatic episodes. Some of the common respiratory tract issues include sore throat, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightening and wheezing, characterized by a whistling sound during breathing.

Treatment

Pharmacological management of respiratory issues includes the use of anti-allergic, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, mucokinetic, mucolytic and immunomodulatory formulations with soothing action. All these actions can be effectively achieved with the proper usage of herbs or herbal preparations. Ayurveda offers us a rich array of herbs that are beneficial in battling harmful pollutants, promoting the health of the lungs at the same time.

• Amla (Phyllanthus Emblica): Amla possess potent anti-oxidant and anti-viral properties that can alleviate asthma, chronic cough, along with boosting the immune system.
• Vasa (Adhatoda vasica): The relief in cough and bronchitis can be attributed to the bronchodilatory effect and increase in the ciliary movements by the alkaloid vasicine in Vasa. It also possesses expectorant action and facilitates the expulsion of thick and tenacious bronchial secretions in chest affections.
• Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): Tulsi contains camphene, cinchonine and eugenol that reduce cold and liquefy phlegm. In addition to that, it relieves chest congestion, allergic bronchitis, asthma and eosinophilic lung disease.
• Jufa (Hyssopus officinalis): Scientific studies have established the role of Jufa in bronchitis, respiratory tract infections, cough and congestion. It shows anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory activity by relieving spasms in the respiratory system.
• Sheetal Chini (Piper cubeba): Sheetal Chini promotes sputum secretion from the airways due to its expectorant property, thus further promoting ease of breathing.
• Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Glycyrrhizin, a major constituent of Mulethi, alleviates asthmatic symptoms by inhibiting immediate airway constriction and infiltration of eosinophils in the peribronchial and perivascular areas.

Generally, these herbs are effective against respiratory diseases during seasonal changes. AIMIL PHARMACEUTICALS has developed an effective and unique medication – JUFEX FORTE.

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