By Bretton Love
Do you wake up with sinus and chest congestion frequently? If so, you are not alone. These conditions can alter your natural sleep pattern by causing you to exhibit shortness of breath. There is nothing more frustrating than dealing with upper respiratory congestion on a daily basis. Fortunately, you have multiple treatment options to choose from. You can opt for prescription medicines, such as expectorants, natural remedies, and invasive therapies. The option is yours to make but if you do not want to be burdened down with expensive health care bills and hours at the doctor’s office, you should opt for natural remedies. Below, you will discover a few tips to help treat these conditions naturally.
Consume Warm Liquids Often
You do not need an over-the-counter cough syrup or prescription medication to treat your chest congestion or cough. All you need is some warm beverages with a bit of honey. Warm liquids, such as tea and apple cider, will help loosen the phlegm in your chest. Before retiring for the night and as soon as you get out of bed, have a cup of warm tea. By combining the tea with honey, you will be improving your condition even more. Honey offers several health benefits, including protection against damage related to bacteria, improved cell and tissue repair, and anti-inflammatory action.
You can also consume these beverages throughout the day. Or, as often as needed to prevent your congestion from returning. Within a few days, you will see a major improvement in your breathing. You will wake up feeling refreshed and less congested.
Steam Therapy
Steam therapy is a great option for people with sinus and/or chest congestion. It only takes about 15 minutes to complete. And, it works marvelously in loosening mucus in the upper respiratory tract. It is recommended to utilize boiled water for this therapy. Just fill a cooker of tap water, put it on the stove burner, and let it come to a boil. Remove the pot and set it on a safe plate, which will protect the surfaces of your countertop or kitchen table.
The maximize the benefits of steam therapy, utilize a towel to cover your head. The towel will capture the steam, so you get the most out of the treatment. Inhale and exhale normally until you see improvement. Your nose should start to run and you will start coughing up the phlegm. You can perform this treatment as often as necessary at home.
45-Degree Sleeping Position
Maintaining a 45-degree sleeping position will improve your breathing throughout the night. To obtain this position, known as Fowler’s, you will need a memory foam wedge cushion. The cushion will help you maintain an upright position throughout the night. For people with respiratory conditions, such as asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), find it easier to breathe in Fowler’s position.
Place the cushion where your pillow normally rests in the bed. Lay back and enjoy the comforts of breathing naturally. Your head will remain upright, as well as your chest, so you should see a major improvement in your old breathing patterns.
Hot Showers
Hot showers can offer the same benefits as steam therapy. However, it offers more benefits for people with chest and sinus congestion. The heat from the hot water will help loosen the mucus in your nasal passages and lungs. It will also help reduce inflammation and pain caused by the tightness in your chest. A 10- or 15-minute shower will do the trick. For those who do not have a shower installed in their homes, a bath with hot water will offer some of the same benefits. In this case, you will need to try to contain the steam inside your bathroom. Close the door and place a towel underneath it to capture the steam inside the bathroom.
Saltwater Gargles
Saltwater gargles are also effective in breaking up mucus in the upper respiratory tract. It is recommended to utilize warm water and a teaspoon of regular table salt. This is a natural therapy that can be performed with medical professional oversight. It can be done at any time of the night or night within a few minutes. Just be sure to keep table salt and glass on hand just in case you begin to experience chest and/or sinus congestion.
If problems persist please see your doctor.
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