Joy Onuorah
Steam therapy
Steam therapy, or steam inhalation, involves inhaling water vapor to open the airways and help the lungs drain mucus.
People with lung conditions may notice their symptoms worsening in cold or dry air. This climate can dry out the mucous membranes in the airways and restrict blood flow.
Conversely, steam adds warmth and moisture to the air, which may improve breathing and help loosen mucus inside the airways and lungs. Inhaling water vapor can provide immediate relief and help people breathe more easily.
Controlled coughing
Coughing is the body’s way of naturally expelling toxins that it has trapped in mucus. Controlled coughing loosens excess mucus in the lungs, sending it up through the airways.
Doctors recommend that people with COPD perform this exercise to help clear their lungs.
People can follow the steps below to cleanse their lungs of excess mucus:
- sit down on a chair with the shoulders relaxed, keeping both feet flat on the floor
- fold the arms over the stomach
- slowly inhale through the nose
- slowly exhale while leaning forward, pushing the arms against the stomach
- cough 2 or 3 times while exhaling, keeping the mouth slightly open
- slowly inhale through the nose
- rest and repeat as necessary
Drain mucus from the lungs
Postural drainage involves lying in different positions to use gravity to remove mucus from the lungs. This practice may improve breathing and help treat or prevent lung infections.
On your back
- Lie down on the floor or a bed.
- Place pillows under the hips to ensure that the chest is lower than the hips.
- Slowly inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Each exhale should take twice as long as the inhale, which is called 1:2 breathing.
- Continue for a few minutes.
On your side
- Lie on one side, resting the head on an arm or pillow.
- Place pillows under the hips.
- Practice the 1:2 breathing pattern.
- Continue for a few minutes.
- Repeat on the other side.
On your stomach
- Place a stack of pillows on the floor.
- Lie down with the stomach over the pillows. Remember to keep the hips above the chest.
- Fold the arms under the head for support.
- Practice the 1:2 breathing pattern.
- Continue for a few minutes.
Exercise
Exercise forces the muscles to work harder, which increases the body’s breathing rate, resulting in a greater supply of oxygen to the muscles. It also improves circulation, making the body more efficient in removing the excess carbon dioxide that the body produces when exercising.
The body will start to adapt to meet the demands of regular exercise. The muscles will learn to use oxygen more efficiently and produce less carbon dioxide.
Green tea
Green tea contains many antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation in the lungs. These compounds may even protect lung tissue from the harmful effects of smoke inhalation.
Anti-inflammatory foods
Inflammation of the airways can make breathing difficult and cause the chest to feel heavy and congested. Eating anti-inflammatory foods can reduce inflammation to relieve these symptoms.
Foods that help fight inflammation include:
- turmeric
- leafy greens
- cherries
- blueberries
- olives
- walnuts
- beans
- lentils
Chest percussion
Percussion is another effective way to remove excess mucus from the lungs. A healthcare professional or respiratory therapist will use a cupped hand to rhythmically tap the chest wall to dislodge trapped mucus in the lungs.
Combining chest percussion and postural drainage can help clear the airways of excess mucus.