Do you get respiratory problems often? Respiratory infections can come from bacteria, viruses or even environmental irritants. These infections vary from one individual to another. The most common ones include flu, sinusitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, tonsillitis, and ear infections.
Most of these infections affect areas such as the throat, lungs, airways, and sinuses. They are divided into upper and lower infections. Each of these categories may exhibit different symptoms. We will look at the symptoms of both upper and lower respiratory infections before discussing how you can keep yourself safe from them. Read on!
How can you tell that your respiratory tract is infected?
In the cases of upper respiratory infection, you may experience coughing, sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, and muscle aches. Lower respiratory infection may be more severe than upper since it is accompanied by symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness, fever, sinuses and pain.
How can you prevent yourself from respiratory infections?
Watch your environment
Get someone to help you clean the house regularly to prevent . The carpet is prone to attracting a lot of breathable dust so wash it often. Ensure that areas such as the sinks and bathroom do not accumulate mildew and mold since they can encourage the growth of bacteria.
Stay away from air pollution
Environmental pollutants can affect your lungs. Stay away from fumes and smoke such as wood smoke and exhaust fumes from cars. If you work in an industry that emits gases, always wear facial masks to work.
Avoid working at construction sites if your immune system is not strong since a lot of dust can expose you to respiratory infections. Let home warranty providers service your cooking vent so that it does not emit dangerous fumes in the house. Servicing it also ensures that it works correctly.
Use breathing equipment
Anyone running short of breath should always make use of equipment such as inhalers. MDI spacers and oxygen cannula. Ensure that your breathing equipment is also clean and safe from dust. Do not share your breathing equipment with anyone to avoid spreading viruses.
Watch your diet
Increase your intake of minerals. This boosts your immunity and prevents you from respiratory diseases. Your diet should always be balanced as you include different food groups. Ensure you take a lot of fluids especially water.
You can also use natural juices from fruits and vegetables. Look for cruciferous vegetables since they can strengthen your immunity. They balance the lymphocytes which are responsible for defending your body from foreign compounds. Such vegetables also contain healing properties to repair wounds caused by respiratory infections.
Avoid drug abuse
Some people snort drugs such as OxyContin. This affects the mucous membranes in the throat and nose and causes respiratory infections. You may develop bronchitis or pneumonia from such drugs. OxyContin addiction can also come as a result of such habits.
Remember that smoke from cigarettes is also unhealthy to your lungs. Chemicals in tobacco inflame the lining of the throat and nose. This makes the body generate excess mucus which can harbor viruses and bacteria making you prone to respiratory infections. Avoiding the use of drugs will keep you healthy and safe from diseases.
Wash your hands
Clean your hands with good soap and warm water before preparing meals, eating, visiting the bathroom or taking medications. If you are sneezing or coughing, you should also clean your hands to avoid spreading germs to anyone you are in contact with.
Hand sanitizers also keep you safe from viruses that cause respiratory infections. Other forms of disinfectants can also prevent the spread of germs. Ensure that you clean your hands if you touch doorknobs or objects such as the telephone.
Remain indoors when sick
The weather can also worsen a respiratory infection. You can take sick leaves from work if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. Minimal contact with people will make you recover fast and prevent the spread of air-borne diseases. Maintain clean handkerchiefs and always cover your nose when you have flu. Wear warm clothes when stepping out to avoid worsening your condition.
Get an air conditioner to regulate the temperature in your home when there is extreme humidity. A humidifier ensures that the membranes inside your throat and nose are moist so that you don’t develop a respiratory infection.
Do not share items
Sharing items with others even if they are not infected can cause the transfer of viruses. People who have an immune system that is weak are prone to getting respiratory infections from shared items. You should always have your own towel, toothbrush, bottles, and other utensils.
Avoid crowds
Overcrowded places do not have proper air circulation. Spending time in such areas exposes you to the risk of getting respiratory infections easily. Do not attend concert venues or community meetings if you are infected. If you have to attend, always bring along a face mask to keep your nose from germs.
Gargle using water
Your oral mucosa can remain moist from gargling water. This method prevents you from respiratory infections since it eliminates any bacteria and viruses that may be in your throat. You should gargle at least thrice in a day using some salt, warm water.
Consider vaccination
Vaccines exist to prevent you from respiratory infections. One of the most common vaccine used widely is the flu vaccine. You can get them at a health center or a pharmacy. If your condition is severe, a doctor can prescribe the right form of treatment to help you reverse the situation.
Participate in exercises
Remaining active boosts the functioning of neutrophil in white blood cells. This element fights off different forms of respiratory infections. You can participate in practices such as swimming, biking, jogging, and brisk walking.
Use supplements
Your body needs Vitamin C tablets to make your immunity strong. This nutrient also destroys free radicals which can cause infections in the body. You can get vitamin C from the supplement or foods such as mangoes, lemons, oranges, and pineapples.
Final thoughts
A lot of respiratory infections are spread out of negligence. The techniques above will keep you away from them and improve your immunity. It all starts with you!
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