Wheezing refers to a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs when air flows through narrowed or constricted airways in the lungs. One can experience wheezing when they suffer from asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, or pneumonia. Wheezing is often accompanied by cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing. Its treatment depends on the underlying cause, but it can include options like bronchodilators, antibiotics, and lifestyle changes such as avoiding triggers and managing stress.

Common causes of wheezing

• Narrowing or blockage of the airways in the lungs
• Inflammation and swelling of the air passage
• Tightening of the smooth muscles that surround the airways
• Excessive production of mucus or other secretions in the airways
• Allergic reactions that cause swelling and constriction of the air passage
• Infections of the respiratory tract that causes inflammation and obstruction of the airways
• Exposure to irritants such as strong odors, dust, or toxic chemicals
• Chronic lung diseases like asthma, COPD, or bronchiectasis cause persistent airway narrowing or obstruction.
• Pulmonary embolism, a blockage of the blood vessels in the lungs, can also lead to wheezing.

Natural remedies to prevent wheezing

Drink warm liquids
Wheezing typically occurs when mucus builds up in your windpipe. Warm liquids can be beneficial here. Drinking hot water helps break down mucus and keeps the airways open. After roughly an hour, the wheezing should subside. You can also drink herbal tea to get relief.

Inhale steam
Take a hot shower or use a vaporizer in your room. The warmth and moisture from the steam will relax constricted airways and loosen mucus that is obstructing your lungs’ air passage. Steam therapy also helps relieve a blocked windpipe. You can breathe more easily by humidifying your respiratory tracts and dissolving phlegm by inhaling steam.

Honey
Honey has a natural soothing effect on the throat. It can help reduce irritation and inflammation that can lead to wheezing. It is also a good remedy to prevent cough, which is usually accompanied by wheezing. Honey contains compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, it alleviates wheezing as inflammation in the airways is a common cause.

Warm the chest and upper back area
Wheezing can be managed by dampening a hand towel under the kitchen sink and then microwaving it for two minutes. Once warm, place the hot towel on your neck, shoulders, upper back, and chest for around ten minutes. The warmth can be therapeutic for the skin, and your lungs will unwind consequently.

Warm oil massage
Any type of hot oil massage can provide relief from wheezing. Such a massage breaks down the mucus buildup in the airways. Warm oil applied to the nostrils can instantly provide comfort and help you breathe better. Completely dissolve camphor in oil, then massage your chest with it thrice a day for 15 minutes each time. This facilitates breathing, enhances blood circulation, and clears the respiratory system.

Keep your home clean and free of irritants
One should vacuum regularly with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter vacuum cleaner to remove dust, pet dander, and other allergens from carpets, rugs, and furniture. Doing so helps in tackling allergens. One can also wash bedsheets in hot water to get rid of dust mites.

Garlic
Another great remedy for wheezing is garlic. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds. Since inflammation is a common cause of wheezing, reducing it may help alleviate the symptoms. It is also known that garlic has vasodilatory properties. It can help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. This can help improve oxygen supply to the lungs and reduce wheezing.