Upper respiratory Tract Infection (URI)

                Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Sore Throat (Pharyngitis) is an inflammation of pharynx. Most of time it is of viral origin. The back of the throat is termed pharynx. Infection of pharynx and tonsils is mostly due to viruses. A running nose, cough, congested throat and redness or watering of eyes add the the possibility of the cause being viral. Such infection do not need any antibiotics.

When caused by Herpes virus, it is associated with mouth ulcers. Sometimes measles or viral rhinitis, may begin with a sore throat. Bacterial sore throat on other hand are more severe with swollen glands, congested throat, high temperature with muscle and joint pains.

Sore throat : Food to be avoided in sore throat. Certain kinds of foods irritate the throat, lead to more congestion, cough and acid reflux and worsen sore throat. Therefore they are best avoided.

                              "Improve your immunity to avoid common cough & cold."

Introduction

A sore throat is pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat that often worsens when you swallow.  The most common cause of a sore throat (pharyngitis) is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. A sore throat caused by a virus resolves on its own.

Strep throat (streptococcal infection), a less common type of sore throat caused by bacteria, requires treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications.

Cause

●    Infections. Viral infections like measles, influenza, Covid 19, chickenpox, common cold and mumps. 2. Bacterial infections like streptococcal 

●   Dry air It removes moisture from Nasal and oral cavity making it to feel dry and scratchy. This usually occur in winter season or by use of Air conditioners.

●   Cigarette, tobacco smoke, air pollution, chemical and other substances in environment cause irritation in throat.

●     Straining vocal chords and muscles in the throat due to talking loudly, yelling or singing for long time.

●      Allergies like pollen, grass and pet dander causes release of chemicals resulting throat irritation.

●  Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) Acid back up from stomach into esophagus cause heartburn and throat irritation.

●    Tumor, cyst, or follicle in throat, tongue or voice box can also cause sore throat. Sore throat persisting for long time can be a sign of cancer.

●      Exposure to cold is a precipitating factor.

●  Lack of sleep, living in poorly ventilated areas can lower the body resistance and thus the individual is likely to catch cold often.

●      Change of season often brings cold and this has a natural purpose of draining the extra fluid in the body, allow it to continue, do not suppress it. Ayurveda believes that suppressing this leads to lower respiratory tract infections.

●      Lack of sleep,  lack of exercise and living in poorly ventilated areas can lower the body resistance and thus the individual is likely to catch cold often.

●      Cold substances like ice creams, oil fried items.

●      Eating curd at night

●      Side effect of anti-hypertensive drug Envas (gives a bad dry cough)

●    According to Ayurveda sore throat usually occurs due to imbalance of pitta and Kapha dosha in throat region.

●      Exposure to pollution : vapors, fumes and smoke, dust, pollen, 

●     Increased building construction due to real state boom.

●     Exposure to furry haired pets 

●      Exposure to cold wind/ breeze/ Air Conditioner/ fan)

●      Exposure to unaccustomed obnoxious smell

●      Suppression of natural urges

●      Not following daily regimen like cleaning teeth and Improper brushing of tooth.

●      ‘Gutka’ is also one of the major causes nowadays for sore throat and tonsillitis.

●      Intake of raw radish, urad dal, milk, curd

●  According to Ayurveda are :  Cold place, staying in cold weather, exposure to cold air, drinking excessive cold water, excessive exercise, excessive intake of dry food,  unwholesome food, suppression of natural urges.

●   Salt is a cause of headache, insomnia, sinuses, epilepsy, rheumatoid, arthritis and even cancer.

Sign & Symptoms

●   Running nose stuffy nose,sneezing,

●   Sore throat

●    Headache

●    Fever and cough dry/ or with mucous

●      Redness, tenderness, burning sensation and pain

●      Itching swelling white patches over tonsils,

●      Hoarseness of voice

●      Sneezing

●   Anorexia (loss of appetite), fever, nasal congestion, running nose, headache, chills, body ache difficulty swallowing.

●      Tears in eyes

●      Vomiting

●      Cough dry/ wet

●      Nasal membrane swell, making individual breathe through the mouth.

●      Pressure sensation in the ear

●      Sense of smell and taste reduce

Upper respiratory tract includes nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, naso -pharyngeal, part of larynx above the vocal folds. Ear, nose and throat are vital organs of the body called sense organs, comprising of sensory receptors. They are directly exposed to the external environment, so the changes in the environment have direct impact on these organs. They act as first line of defense against airborne pathogenic investors through physical or chemical barriers.

Ear, nose and throat are very closely intertwined. They are connected to each other through a special duct called Eustachian tube. Ear and nose rare sense organs, the throat, of course, is designed for passage of vital elements such as oxygen, fluids and food.  It can also convey other things, such as Phlegm, mucus and draining toxins coming from the ears or nose.

All the three are lined with mucus membrane. Major role of this membrane is fighting of germs. An infection, inflammation or allergic response in one can cause a problem in other too due to similarity of the lining membrane as well as the canals that connect the ear, nose and throat.

Dry cough is a sign of upper respiratory infection. when the cough becomes productive and accompanied by shortness of breath the infection has traveled to lower respiratory tract.

Mucus in your throat

Its the protective mechanism which throws invading organism from the body.

1  . Acid spill out from the stomach

2  . Infection bacterial or viral

3  . Inhalation of polluted air, fumes

4  . Allergy

5  . Aerosol, Chemicals 

Right medication is therefore important.

Tonsillitis 

In between thumb and index finger / Big toe and first finger

Accupressure point for Tonsils

At the back of your throat, two masses of tissues called tonsils act as filters, trapping germs that could otherwise enter your airways and cause infection. They also produce antibodies to fight infection. But sometimes the tonsils themselves become infected.

Streptococcal Sore Throat need to be handled carefully because, left untreated, it can lead to rheumatic fever with involvement of the joints and the heart.Symptoms : The patient has fever, a sore throat, pus points on the tonsils, and enlargement of the lymph nodes below the jaw, but no running nose, cough or redness of eyes.Treatment : You doctor may like to take a throat swab and do a blood test (A.S.O titre) to further substantiate the diagnosis Children with tonsillitis are  given a course of antibiotic.

Overwhelmed by bacteria or viruses, they swell and become inflamed, a condition known as Tonsillitis. Vitiated Kapha and Rakta are the causative entities. It is usually associated with sore throat and fever. Patient may also experience pain while swallowing.

According to Ayurveda nasal block and chest congestion with  thick phelgm are result of kapha  vitiation at a kapha predominant places (sinus and chest). In Ayurveda, Respiratory disorders come under Pranavaha sroto vikara as Tuberculosis,(Rajayakshma), cough (Kaasa), Pratishyaya, Peenasa which exhibits the symptoms of Respiratory tract infections. Precipitating factors are : dust, smoke, cold place, staying in cold weather, exposure to cold air, drinking excessive cold water, excessive exercise, excessive intake of dry food,  unwholesome food, suppression of natural urges,infection.

Vital energy or Prana Vayu (प्राण  वायु ) that is present in the Umbilical region, traverses through throat or respiratory pathway and passes out to consume nectar in atmosphere that is air ambarapeeyush (अमरपीयुष ) . Amarapeeyush from the atmosphere and comes back quickly back inside to nourish the body to attain logetivity.

Cough

Coughing is an important way to keep your throat and the airways clear. However, excessive coughing may point towards an underline disorder.. A persistent cough can be debilitating and socially distressing.
Type of cough   Acute cough begins suddenly  and usually lasts no more than two to three weeks. Chronic cough lasts longer.Allergic or irritant cough is a very common condition that occurs due to an individual 'susceptibility to irritants like dust,fumes,smoke etc. Depending upon the presence or the absence of sputum, cough can be dry or productive. In productive cough, the sputum may be clear and transparent or it may be thick with difficulty in releasing it. Continuous coughing can also become a cause of disturbed sleep and in case of children a hallmark for Asthma. In case of persistent cough, one must take medical help.

Resolving Phlegm: Phlegm, the mucosal secretions of the respiratory system, is a normal and required substance for healthy respiratory functions. However, when the lungs are irritated, Phlegm can accumulate and cause obstructions within the airways. The accumulation of Phlegm provides an environment for bacterial growth. 

Tropical Eosinophilia

Diminished Translucency

Tropical eosinophilia, or (TPE), is characterized by coughing, asthmatic attacks, and an enlarged spleen, and is caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, a filarial infection. It occurs most frequently in India and Southeast Asia. Tropical eosinophilia is considered a manifestation of a species of microfilaria

This is a disease that can be confused with tuberculosis, asthma and cough related to roundworm.

Persistent or recurrent cough that gets aggravated at night, weakness, loss of weight and low fever raises the possible diagnosis of this disease.

If you live in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh,West Bengal, Assam, Kerela and Tamil Nadu doctors would first rule out this easily. treatable condition before thinking of other disease like tuberculosis and asthma. Tropical Eosinophilia is more common in these states because of higher incidence of filiariasis. in these region. Tropical Eosinophilia is considered a manifestation of a specific of microfilaria.

Some children with these disease may also have enlargement of glands in the neck and elsewhere. Others may cough up a little blood. The child may also have wheeze.

Diagnosis

Types based on the part of throat evolved:

●      Pharyngitis Affects the area behind the throat

●      Laryngitis Affects voice box

●      Tonsillitis Cause swelling and redness of tonsils.
●      Enzyme linked immuno assay,
●      Sputum examination
●      Blood cultures and / or serology methods / eosinophil count

●      History of allergy

●      Examination Clinically by visualizing with torch

●      Pulse examination for fever

●      Auscultation to rule out chest congestion

●      Haemograms : Blood test- to rule out Eosinophilia

●      Throat swab to rule out Streptococcus infection in throat.
●    Chest X-Ray, 
●    CT Chest

Diagnosis

 The diagnosis is made by doing a blood test which shows an absolute eosinophil count more than 30,000 eosinophil/mm. For example if the total white blood cell count is 20,000/mm and eosinophils are 20% the absolute eosinophil count shall come to 4000/mm raise to 3. In many cases, the child with this condition has a typical chest X-Ray.

Children having roundworms may also have a similar sort of cough. But in all conditions that resembles tropical eosinophilia, the absolute eosinophil count is not so high.

The dramatic response to a commonly used drug for filaria (diethylcarbamazine) almost confirms the diagnosis.

Adenoids
They lie behind the roof of our mouth cavity (the palate) where the back of our nostrils joins the back of our throat. Ordinarily, they seems to do their job quietly by keeping in check the germs in our upper respiratory track. The tonsils are likewise.

At times, however, these adenoid get enlarged and block the breathing passages, causing varying degree of obstruction. In most cases, the enlarged adenoids  shrink in size as the child grows older. In the past, it was considered routine  to remove the adenoids along with the tonsils. But it is now increasingly recognized that often,  both these tissues should be kept intact and only removed  if definite indications for removal exist.

Removal of adenoids should only be considered if the child gets recurrent ear infections, has difficulty breathing normally, breaths mostly through, the mouth, or snores heavily at night with temporary stoppage of breathing (obstructive sleep apnea) for a few seconds, his speech is disturbed and his voice sounds nasal, as if his nose is blocked. Increased gain in weight and height and improved grades in school after removal of tonsils and / or adenoids in children with obstructive sleep apnea have been reported.

Even in the above conditions, the removal of adenoids need not necessarily be restored to, Breathing through the mouth  alone is not an adequate indication; some people do so out of habit. At the same same time, if the child does not have mouth breathing or nasal speech, the diagnosis of enlarged adenoids is likely to  be wrong. before undertaking surgery, doctor may also like to treat the child with antibiotics if they suspect persistent infection, or they may like to be wrong. Before  undertaking surgery, doctors may also like  to treat the child with antibiotics if they suspect persistent infection, or they may like to treat the child for allergies.

To avoid for lungs good health :  Consuming salty food, dairy products, processed meat, cold drinks and fried food can increase the risk of lung disease. 

However, adding nutrient rich food like beets, greens, apples, pumpkin , turmeric and green tea to your diet can help protect lungs.

Common Cold

Cold are very common.

• No antibiotics helps in common cold, because it is viral infection. 
• Drugs containing phenylpropanolamine (What is phenylpropanolamine? Phenylpropanolamine is a decongestant. It works by constricting (shrinking) blood vessels (veins and arteries) in your body. Phenylpropanolamine is an ingredient used in many over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription cough and cold medications as a decongestant)   and anti-histamines (anti-allergy medicines) are harmful in common cold.
• Opening of the nasal passage is all that is needed if the nose gets blocked.

Accept cold as an Unavoidable nuisance

Many different viruses (over 200) can give rise to colds. In infants below two months, the cold may more rarely, be due to a bacterial infection. The baby may also have high fever. Such infants may need antibiotics.

Typically, the cough due to cold is noticed during sleep, if the child is lying on the back, the watery discharge from the back of the nose drips down the throat. Nature does not want this stuff to go into the windpipe  and the protective mechanism makes a child cough with the post nasal drip. Such a child will sleep better on the stomach. (however making a small infant sleep on the stomach is not considered safe). Tab Cetrizine for cold.

Taking care of a blocked nose

If the nose appeared blocked, use nose drops suggested by your doctor. To use these drops effectively, let your child lie down. Put two drops into the right nostril. Let the head be turned to the same side and keep there for a minute, Then repeat the same procedure for the other side. Petroleum jelly or Vaseline may be applied to the outer edge of nostrils chapped by  repeated blowing and wiping.

Make sure that  the child has enough liquids. Fluids especially warm once, helps to thin nasal secretions and loosen phlegm.

Children who eat chicken can be given hot chicken soup to sip. It has also been found helpful in clearing nasal mucus, as compared to sipping hot water.

Use of Antihistamines

Some doctors use antihistamine  to dry up secretions. This is not advisable. The watery secretions are helping the virus to get out (as in the case of diarrhea). So we should not act against the nature's helpful mechanism.

When do you need antibiotics for the cold?

If your child or infant has persistent thick, yellow or green discharge from the nose, he may need an antibiotic. But remember that before your child recovers from a cold, the thin nasal discharge often normally becomes thick green or yellow.This does not require antibiotics. It is the persistent discharge that needs attention. Let your doctor decide about the use of antibiotics.

If your child has a persistent discharge from one side of the nose, then also you should see your doctor, especially if the discharge is foul smelling or mixed with blood. It may be due to the foreign body or due to a rare condition like Diphtheria.

                                            

Link between allergies, sinusitis and common cold :

 Do you have a cold? or an allergy attack that just would n,t go away? If so, there,s a good chance that you actually have sinusitis.Most cases of acute sinusitis starts with a common cold caused by an allergy, which is the inherent susceptibility to disease. Repeated colds inflame the mucous lining of sinuses, the air Chambers in the bone behind your cheeks and eyebrows. 
The tendency to frequently catch cold and get sore,painful throat, if not treated properly gets converted into chronic tonsillitis, adenoids, sinusitis and finally suppression with strong medicines lead to bronchitis  and breathing problems. If you have allergic rhinitis  (repeated attacks of sneezing)  you can develop episodes of acute sinusitis.. allergic rhinitis  caused by ,humidity ,cold air,alcohol and perfumes may further complicate into sinusitis.. Besides if you have asthma, that is an allergic disease  or nasal polyps (small growths in the nose) again chronic sinusitis may be root cause of it..
A stuffy nose during the common cold may confuse the simple nasal congestion with sinusitis.. A cold however,usually last for about 4-14 days.and gets relieved without treatment. Acute sinusitis last longer and typically causes more symptoms than just a cold.Pain or pressure in some areas of the face(forehead,cheeks or between the eyes) is often a sign of blocked sinus drainage. Other symptoms may include a stuffy nasal congestion, post nasal discharge and an ache in the upper jaw.

Cough in Children

Six important facts to be kept in mind if a child has a cough

1 . Call the  doctor immediately if a child with a cough is breathing over 50 times a minutes.

2 .  A child with a cough and cold  should be encouraged to eat  and drink plenty of liquids. You can reduce the risk of respiratory infections by making sure that a baby is exclusively breastfed for about 6 months and continues breastfeeding after that.

3 . A child with a cough and cold should be kept warm (not hot) in an environment free from smoke.

4 . A good doctor helps you to find a cause  and treats the same and does not prescribe cough syrups and expectorants.

5 . Cough per SE is a helpful phenomenon. Do not try to unduly suppress it. If the child is breathing normally, coughs and cold can be treated at home without drugs.

6 . Most medicines sold for cough and cold  are useless and possibly harmful.

Less serious causes 

• Cold
• Smoking
• Adenoids
• Habit of clearing the throat
• Sinus infection
• Attention seeking device
• Tropical Eosinophilia
• Measles
• Hay Fever (Respiratory Allergy)

Serious Causes

• Pneumonia
• Bronchiolitis
• Asthma
• Tuberculosis
• Whooping Cough
• Congenital Heart Disease
• Foreign body in the bronchi
• Tracheoesophageal Fistula
• Croup

Symptomatic Relief of Cough

Cough is a helpful mechanism. Do not try to unduly suppress it without the advice of your doctor. Let your child drink plenty of liquids, including water. For symptomatic relief  of cough, extract the juice from a dozen or more leaves of tulsi plant. Give a teaspoon of this juice mixed with honey or jaggery, 4 times a day. If the cough is very troublesome , make a mixture of equal quantities honey, lime juice  and brandy and give 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of this mixture  4 times a day. Avoid giving honey to infants, and alcohol if the child has rapid breathing.

   “Drive your day with Dincharya From Dawn to Dusk, to remain healthy”        

Lifestyle

Do's

●    Deep breathing is one of the best ways to improve  your breathing capacity and helps keeping respiratory infections at bay.

●    Make sure to do yoga every day and be regular.

●    Maintain personal hygiene

●      Boost immunity by eating Chyawanprash.

●      Wash your hands frequently to help prevent many infections.

●      Sip warm water frequently.

●      Eating healthy

●      Take proper rest and sleep.

●      Do not shout or abuse the voice

●      It is advisable to eat less especially in the night.

●      Drinking fluid of any type is the best way to cough up secretion.

●      Propped up position while sleeping (with the help of extra pillow)

●      Install an air purifier.

●    Intake of plenty of warm/ lukewarm water, freshly prepared orange juice, hot water with lemon, hot tea.

●      Change your toothbrush frequently.

●      Do not sleep with your mouth open

●      Sleep on left side

●      Breath through the right nostril

●      Should not sleep in afternoon.

●      Rubbing both the hands will generate warmness.

●      Making fist with your thumb inside will keep the body warm

●      Boost your immune system and stay healthy.

●      Avoid exposure to illness.

●      Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze, yawn or cough.  

●      Use tissue to snuff out the cough.

●  Follow Dinacharya (daily regimen), Ritucharya (seasonal regimen) and Swasthavritta healthy regimen

●      Daily tongue cleaning routine.

●    Achamana (आचमन) Hindu ritual- sipping of small quantity water does the purification of oral cavity (indriya shodhana). 

●   Fumigation for disinfection : It is the well known method of sterilisation, wherein fumes produced from the fumigant are use to eradicate harmful micro and micro- organisms in a located site.

Fumigation with turmeric and ghee.

Fumigation with Guggulu ( Commiphora wightii ) and neem leaves and ghee.

Fumigation with white mustard seeds and Guggulu.

Fumigation with Aparajitha leaves (Nyctanthes arbortristis )and neem leaves and ghee.

Avoid close contact

●  Stay home when your sick. Cover your mouth and nose.Clean your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. 

●  Water is a cure to a lot of issues related to our body. Having water regularly will improve blood flow, which in turn will keep your lungs hydrated.

● Consuming pungent food items like garlic or onion will help reduce cholesterol and fight infections that affect the lungs.

● The spicy compounds in capsicum is helpful because it improves blood flow and fights infection.

●  Consume citrus fruits rich in vitamin C regularly that will help lungs transfer oxygen.

●  Similarly, pumpkin that is rich in vitamin C lowers the chances of lung disease. Carrots have also have the same property and can help fight diseases.

●    Sleeping in prone position :  prone position :
                                            

                                               

                                          

Approximately 7% of people sleep on their stomach. This is called the prone position.enables comfortable prone and lateral positioning during sleep and improves the respiratory parameters in patients. The main physiological aims of prone positioning are: 1) to improve oxygenation; 2) to improve respiratory mechanics; 3) to homogenize the plural pressure gradient, the alveolar inflation and the ventilation distribution; 4) to increase lung volume and reduce the amount of atelectatic regions; 

Why you should sleep face down if you have corona ? It may help ease snoring by shifting fleshy obstructions from your airway. which is face down and stomach touching the ground. It opens the opens the posterior and lateral part of lungs for respiration.  However, improved oxygenation by more advantageous gas exchange in the lungs seems to take place in the prone position as compared to the supine position. “If the human being would sleep in the prone position, the soft tissue would instead fall forward, hypothetically causing an enlargement of the upper airways in REM-sleep.”
                              

● Golden Milk : Have a glass of warm milk mixed with turmeric every night. It helps fight infection and lung diseases. You can keep that annoying cold at bay.

●    Ginger has anti- inflammatory properties and helps get rid of pollutants from the lungs. Have it raw or mixes in your food.

Don't 
●   Do not go outside in night without covering your head, ears and chest region.
●   Do not take cold water for drinking and bathing purpose.
●   Do not be awake for long in the nighttime.
●   After bath do not keep the scalp wet, dry it thoroughly.

"BEWARE OF FLU SEASON"

• Do not put water over the head daily.
• Lifestyle
  .Cover your head (including your ears)with a scarf,, head band. When the mucous discharge starts to thicken, tend to stick to walls of throat/nose ; 
  Gargling with turmeric, salt and warm water.
  Consume a savory/ not too sweet porridge made with barley.
  
  
  Common cold
  Why do some of us get a cold more often then other Symptoms? Well it all boils down to your immune system. Your defense against a cold virus can only be as good as your immunity allows it to be. The virus battles against your immune system and if it wins, it produces all the familiar symptoms- sore throat, watery eyes, leaking nose,congestion,cough and even fever. While it is normal to get two or three colds in a year. More frequent attacks may need one to check their immunity.
  Introduction
  There are about 200 different viruses that can cause common cold, and they are floating around us all the time. Though cold weather doesn’t cause a cold. The cold virus thrives better in cold and dry climate. Each one of us is then exposed to their onslaught, which, as yet, has no antidote.

Specific Do's and Don'ts to follow to prevent breathing problems: 

What can be useful (Pathya)

• Use the following in your routine consumption-
• Luke worm water.
• Turmeric 
• Ginger
• Black Pepper
• Honey
• Garlic (Lashuna)
• Wheat (Godhuma)
• Old Rice (Purana shali)
• Green Gram (Mudga) 
• Horse gram (Kulattha)
• Barley (Yava)
• Snake guard (Patola)

What to avoid (Apathya)

• Excessasive physical exertion
• Exposure to smoke
• Dust and fumes
• Pollutants and Pollens.
• Avoid exposure to cold and humid atmosphere
• Suppression of natural urges
• Banana as its post digestive effect is sour.
• Curd
• Lots of sweets
• Heavy cold diet
• Chilled water
• Stored food items
• Black Gram (Masha)
• Deep fried items
• Mustard leaves
• Fish

"Breath  is the bridge which connects life to conciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts," 

Pranayama

Regular practice of respiratory exercise. Pranayama:

• Anuloma-vilom
• Nadi shodhana Pranayama
• Nethi kriya are known to be very helpful in breathing difficulties.

Exercise

Do walk, do yoga, anything, just as long as you get moving and stretching. Walking strengthens the lungs. Jogging, climbing, swimming and cycling are other options.

Yoga

It’s true there are many helpful asanas that can open the chest area to help improve the elasticity of the plural cavity and its accessory muscles, which can improve breathing capacity and respiratory challenges.

●      Bhujangasana

●      Gomukhasana

* Vajra asana

●     Simhasana

Yoga can be helpful

Oil holding: (गंडूष)

This technique involves holding substances in the mouth. It is a medicated therapy that gently improves oral hygiene by holding natural fluids such as Sesame oil, milk, honey, oil, Triphala decoction etc. (as recommended by the physician) for 3-8 minutes in the mouth. As daily routine practice plain sesame oil (Tila taila) is advised for Gandusha. This treatment will strengthen the teeth and gums, and more importantly, improve the sensitivity of the taste buds and freshness in your mouth. Gandush prevents excess thirst, improves taste and maintains oral hygiene. Gundush with lukewarm water will make the mouth clean and cheerful.

Gargling

Gargling is considered equally important in maintaining oral hygiene. Followed by rinse your mouth with warm water and hold the liquid in mouth for 40-90 seconds. This will completely clean your oral cavity. Salted water can also be used, or licorice  added to plain water. It clears the throat and oral cavity, vitalizing  them. The prolonged freshness of breath can be ensured this way. 
Advantage of gargles:

• Gives strength to mandibular joint.
• Voice will be cleared.
• Gives strength to the mouth.
• Dryness in the mouth and cracks in the lips are relieved
• Relieves toothache and strengthens the gums.
• Salivation and foul smelling of the mouth is relieved.

Pranayama

●   Ujjayi pranayama- In this technique, partially close the back of your throat, which covers the windpipe, so that, as you inhale and exhale through your nose, the air passes through a narrow air passage in your throat, creating the sound made by your breathing. Sound appears to be whispering of letters.
                                                  

●   Bhramari pranayama-It is known as bee breath. Bhramari helps to clear and strengthen the respiratory system and improve vocal resonance. It has calming effect on body. In this pranayama, keep your lips gently closed throughout, inhale deeply, then hum as you exhale, extending the exhalation as long as possible.

●      Suryabhedi Pranayama Breathing through right nostril. It can be done by sleeping on left side.

●      Kapalbhati Normal inspiration, and forceful expiration.

●      Udgeeth pranayama Chanting of our after deep inspiration.

Jal Neti

                                               

Nasal cleaning : Jala neti is beneficial for upper respiratory health. It would well become a part of one’s daily morning routine. 
The Sanskrit word, Jala, means “water”. The original meaning of neti is “to guide”. It has also come to mean “nasal cleansing”. Therefore, Jala neti means guiding water through the nasal passages to cleanse them.Jala neti is a traditional Ayurvedic and Yogic practice that clears the nose and sinus passages through nasal irrigation. Sea salt is dissolved into warm, pure water in a Neti pot, a tool specifically designed for this purpose. The head is tilted forward and to the side and the solution is poured into one nostril and allowed to pour out the other, thereby clearing the nasal passages and sinuses of excess mucous, toxins and debris along the way. Neti allows for fuller, freer breathing, which increases the amount of prana, or vital life energy, that we absorb. 

 What are the benefits of Jala Neti?

Jala Neti is a very beneficial technique that can provide relief from sinus problems, allergies, asthma, colds, and headaches, among other things. When done regularly, it can even clear up chronic sinusitis and rhinitis

Meditation

Learn to meditate and concentrate on Vishuddha chakra which is located on the throat region. It also helps to relieve stress.

Simha Kriya

A simple  but powerful yogic process to boost immunity and enhance lung capacity.It has to be done 21 times.Anybody from 6-70 years can do.

Isha kriya

This is also a  simple  but powerful yogic process to boost immunity and enhance lung capacity

Acupressure point

Throat: At the base of thumb

Marma

●      Kantha Marma(कंठ मर्म) Stimulation:

●      In creating negative pressure take deep inspiration followed by protruding tongue out.

●    In creating positive pressure take deep inspiration, blow the mouth cavity, cheeks are swollen, hold the breath, followed by exhalation through nostrils.

Chakra

●      Vishuddhachakra (विशुध्द चक्र)  It is located in the throat region.

Mudra

●      Udana Mudra Beneficial for throat problem.

●      Surya Mudra generates heat in the body. Surya mudra is good for sinusitis.

●     Linga Mudra

It works by concentrating on the fire element inside the body.

Formation :

Linga mudra is formed by interlocking the palm but keeping the left thumb erect pointing upwards. This mudra can be done by reversing the hand too,

Effect :

The fire in the thumb is activated  and is able to increase uninhibited.

Benefits : 

• Asthma, bronchitis, T.B Pleurisy are cured.
• Hypothermia : Shivering and chills due to cold weather can be controlled. 
• Discomfort experienced in air conditioned room is relieved by this mudra.
• Ailments caused by over production of mucus such as wet asthma cold sinusitis etc can be cured.
• Increased digestive powers and also melts excess of fat in the body. Give better results  when performed together with  Soorya Mudra- both 15 minutes each, one after the other.
• Difficulty in breathing can be relieved by this mudra.
• Congested nose can be relieved by this mudra immediately and one can get good sleep.
• Regulates the flow of menstrual cycle. Give better results when performed  together with surya mudra.- both 15 minutes each , one after other.
• When naval center is shifted from the original place, comes back to its place by this mudra.

Special Note : This mudra increases heat in the body so this mudra is to be performed  only for 15 minutes or less. But when there is congestion and cold continues do this mudra for 30 minutes twice a day followed by Prana mudra for 10 minutes.. Since this mudra generates heat  one must consume a lot of  liquids such as water, fruit juices, milk, butter milk etc.

Any one suffering from acidity , fever and stomach ulcers  should not perform this mudra.

This mudra is to be performed only  till the problem persists and then it should be discontinued.

●     Shankha Mudra

• Tonsillitis and other throat infections are cured.

Adity Mudra

Formation :

Place the tip of the thumb at  the base of the ring finger.

Effect :

Ring finger represents earth or Prithvi and thumb represents fire or Agni. When Agni touches the base of ring finger there is a growth of Prithvi element and also the growth of Agni.Therefore therefore there will be weight gain with improvement in stamina.

Benefits : 

• Problem of sneezing continuously in the morning can be cured with the practice of this mudra. Yawning and sneezing during meditation can be prevented by practicing this mudra

Food

Sore throat : Food to be avoided in sore throat. Certain kinds of foods irritate the throat, lead to more congestion, cough and acid reflux and worsen sore throat. Therefore they are best avoided.

Diet

●      Light liquid, nutritive diet

●      Should be encouraged to take meat or chicken soup 

●      Vegetables with bitter or sour taste, garlic, onion

●      Honey is good for congested throat. It pacifies Kapha.

●      Roasted Channa good for cough.

●      Drink Masala tea- Sonth, kali mirch, cinnamon, green cardamom

●      Grains: wheat, barley

●     Vegetables: Ladyfingers, brinjal, snake gourd, fenugreek, raw turmeric, fresh ginger, onion.

●      Legumes: Green gram (Moong dal), Masoordal

●      Meat: chicken, (roasted), goat meat (Keema)

●      Fruits: Black raisins, fresh dates, apricots can be taken in a dry fruit category.

●      Herbal tea: Using Tulsi, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, and dry ginger (सौंठ)

●    Take nutritious food rich in vitamin C, iron and zinc that to avoid ENT infections by improving the immunity.

●    Regular use of mint, coriander, cumin, black pepper in chutney form if taken in the last course of dinner is good prevention for upper respiratory inflammatory conditions.

Avoid

●  Do not take the following: Fish & fish products
●  Milk & milk products except diluted butter milk boiled with turmeric powder and ghee.
●   Deep fried items, refrigerated and reheated food and cold water.
●  Avoid mucous or Phlegm (बलगम) causing food: like milk, curd, cheese, buttermilk, tamarind, banana, custard Apple, guava, prunes, melon, watermelon, sour tomatoes 

●      Stop drinking anything which is not boiled and warm

●      Avoid fried oily, spicy, sour items.

●      Avoid exposed to cold

●      Avoid intake of cold substances like ice creams, cold drinks, refrigerated water.

●      Better to avoid fresh fruits

●      Oil nuts: Pistachio, walnuts, cashew.

●      Avoid dusty atmosphere, or chemical like asbestos, smoking etc.

●      Avoid exposure to cold weather

●      Quit smoking

●      Suppression of urges

●      Sour foods should be avoided

●      No head bath

●      Avoid contact with an allergen or irritant

●      Avoid radish banana, cucumber

●      Avoid air conditioner

●      Avoid excessive talking

●      Avoid dust, fumes, pollution

●      Avoid salads 

●      Avoid heavy meal at night

●      Avoid peanuts

Herbs

●   Trikatuis a combination of 3 herbs: Ginger, (Zingiber officinale) or (सौठ) black pepper, (Piper nigrum), and Pippali (piper longum). Taken along with honey.

●      Pipli Pippalisheer (पिपलीक्षीर) Good for dry cough. Boil milk add sugar, and Pippali powder

●   Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) It is boiled in a glass of water with a pinch of pepper and honey. This reduces the sore throat problem.

●      Ginger (Ginger extracts or ginger decoction) taken several times a day with honey is an excellent remedy for treating cold along with cough. 

●   Tulsi Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) is heat generating in action and useful in respiratory infections. Or Chewing few leaves of tulsi or extract of leaves will help of sore throat problems. Tulsi and ginger tea, helps to reduce cold. Or Tulsi,ginger,pepper with honey.

Tulsi juice with honey, helps to cure cough.

● Garlic- Natural antibiotic helps to prevent cold, flu. It can destroy viruses and bacteria. Immerse Lahsun (Allium sativum) in honey and hold it for forty days. A spoonful of this mixture every day helps throat infection.

●      Onion- (Allium sepa) it has the power to liquefy phlegm. This makes the sticky mucus runny and it is discharged out of the nose.

●      Amla-regular use of Amla powder. It is the highest natural source of vitamin C. 2-3 tsp of fresh juice of Amla or 1 tsp of the powder with honey is beneficial.

●    Turmeric an anti-inflammatory agent. Add 1 tbs of the powder to a cup of milk and taken at bed time. It helps in early recovery. Turmeric decreases malaise and correct constipation. It keeps the lungs clear of phlegm and activates the liver. Fried turmeric powder taken with 1-2 gm of ghee mixed in hot milk, taken internally, gives immediate relief. Gargle with warm turmeric powder 2-3 times a day to relieve a sore throat. Inhalation of smoke from the burning turmeric brings quick relief by causing copious nasal 

●     Clove 

●    Vasa Soothe your sore throat with (Adhatoda vasica), make a decoction of crushed vasa leaves. Mix with honey or sugar.

Do's

Don'ts

• Avoid Banana as it has sour post digestive effect which harms the throat
• Curd :

Herbs

Amla : Amla cures throat problems.

Garlic : It contains Allicin, which is a potent broad spectrum antibiotic. Take two cloves of chopped raw garlic during a cold. You could also use a lot of raw garlic in your regular recipes to gain its cold fighting benefits.
Dried Ginger (सौंठ) :  Boil two level tablespoonful of Saunth powder and one tablespoon of pepper in one litre of water, till it boils down to 750 ml. Sip this warm liquid throughout the day without straining it.
Eucalyptus oil : This essential oil is very helpful in relieving congestion. Put 5-6 drops of  pure essential oil in two cups of water in your steamer and inhale after placing a towel over your head. Doing this for 3-5 minutes,will help clear sinuses and relieve congestion.

Throat Immunity

At times of Covid 19 era take special care of your throat.

Do's

• Steam inhalation.
• Saline gargles good
• Take Amla chuana daily, as it  is a throat tonic as well as protects lungs.
• After coming from outside in hot summer or after exercising do not drink refrigerated water immediately
• Practice Pranayama Regularly Bhastrika, Kapal bhatti and Anolom vilom.
• Bhramari & Udgeet pranayama.
• Do Singh asana daily and throat massage
• Mask, social distancing and sanitizers are a must practice.
• If infection Betadine mouth wash.

Don'ts

• Also avoid anything sour, like tomato, tamarind, lemon and oranges.
• No to pickles.
• Avoid cold drink, ice cream if sore throat. 
• After coming from outside in hot summer or after exercising do not drink refrigerated water immediately
• Avoid pani puri for infections.
• Avoid fried.

Self care tip to follow at home

 ●  Sipping lukewarm water.

 ●  Steam inhalation in case of upper respiratory tract infections.

 ●  Keeping away from precipitating allergens.

 ●  Avoid smoking.

Gum Massage

Gently massage over the gums with index finger along with sesame oil two times a day. It improves oral hygiene and bad odor. This helps to increase the blood circulation and nerve supply to gums. Alternatively, massage can be done with powders of Triphala (dried fruits of Emblica Officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica); Trikatu (black pepper, long pepper, dry ginger); Trijata (cardamom, clove, a bark of clove) and honey. After the massage, one should rinse the mouth with Lukewarm water. 

Eliminate waste (मलोत्सर्ग)

Early morning clearing bowels is a must after taking water. Modern day busy and stressful living causes many people to  suffer from lack of bowel movement in the morning. Therefore after drinking a glass of water, do an exercise of moving stomach from one side to the other for eight times and back and forth for eight times. This helps the bowel movement.

Attending nature's call. Visit toilet upon waking this will help to clear the digestive system but one has to keep in mind that only after a proper urge, elimination of waste can be done. Giving enough time for evacuation will definitely help. Ideally this happens naturally as an early morning impulse. If it doesn't drinking a large glass of water can be helpful. Also the healthiest position for evacuating bowels and bladder is squatting with the knees higher than the hips.

“Follow an active lifestyle for proper evacuation”.

Natural urges should not be suppressed and proper evacuation is a sign of a healthy person. A healthy lifestyle begins with the elimination of waste from the body through urination, defecation and sweat.

Drinking a glass of warm water with lemon and honey or water stored in the copper vessel will ease the bowel movements and urination. Having fibrous foods that are rich in proteins essential nutrients like fruits fresh green leaves, vegetables, fresh juices and soups will help in proper digestion and excretion.

Ensure to have light dinner at least three hours before sleep. As far as possible avoid or minimize intake of any form of Maida items like bakery foods, pizza’s Maida roti's like kulcha and naan. Dry and junk food intake has also to be minimized.

Along with these, follow an active lifestyle. All these will ensure proper bowel movements and elimination in the morning and thus avoids untimely urge and embarrassing situations during rest of the day. Flatulence is prevented.
Using Indian toilet is a preferred choice as it has pressure on abdomen and ease in an evacuation. Not having a regular bowel movement has a direct effect on one’ physical and psychological well-being. It may cause a feeling of heaviness, headache and fatigue may set in. One feels light and relaxed if the body has eliminated its night waste. Mental preoccupation hinder bowel cleaning since the Pranavayu (air connected with the activity of mind) is not free to help the Apana Vayu (air responsible for evacuation) Elimination of urine and feces cleanse the body and cheers up the mind. Avoid forceful expulsion. At the time of urge, one should not attend any other work. Suppressing the natural urges leads vitiation of Vata, which in turn causes number of diseases.

Home remedies

●  Dry Cough Cosume a teaspoon of melted ghee (clarified butter) with half a cup of warm water at         night before you go to sleep.

●  Deep Gargle (kavala/gandoosha) a few minutes every morning for care of oral cavity. Gargling with Triphala and Yashtimadhu (Mulethi) or licorice.

●    Gargling (Palatable hot water) It is probably the best home remedy because it relieves cough and nasal blockage. Using a pinch of rock salt and turmeric powder in lukewarm water. Gargling 2-3 times a day gives soothing effect on the burning sensation of throat due to frequent coughing. 
●   If there is mucus  production take 1/2 tsf of ginger powder, 1 pinch of clove powder and 1 pinch of cinnamon powder  on 1 cup of boiled water as a tea.
●   Cold : Take 1 tsf of grated fresh ginger,, 1 tsf of cinnamon powder and 1 tsf of licorice powder. Add all this together to 1 liter of water and boil on slow fire  for 10 minutes till about 1/4th (250 ml)  of it is left. This drink can be taken three times a day.. Honey can be added as a sweetener.

●      Decoction prepared with tulsi, ginger and black pepper.

●  Yashti churna (Powder of licorice root) licked with honey reduce throat irritation and cough, it helps to expel Phlegm easily.

●   Milk boiled with ginger, pepper, turmeric and liquorice taken at bedtime help to relieve sore throat.

●      If hoarseness is due to dryness of the throat-7 kernel of Almond and 7 grains of pepper should be ground together with water and sugar. This linctus relieves hoarseness.

●    A mixture of Kali tulsi (Ocimum basilicum) leaf juice, Adrak (Zingiber officinale) juice and honey is prepared. One spoonful of this is given to the patient to get rid of throat inflammation.

● Powder of Methi (Trigonella foenum- graecum) seeds and haldi (Curcuma longa) mixed in tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) juice.

●      In throat infections, Glenda (Tagetes erecta) leaves (3g) and sugar ( 6g) is crushed in 4 ml water, filtered and taken orally.

●      Gargling with Saunf (Foeniculum vulgaris) water treats sore throat.

●      Fresh leaves of Mehndi (Lawsonia intermission) in a glass of water and gargle as a remedy in sore throat and tonsillitis.

●      In tonsillitis powder of Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Haldi (Curcuma longa) powder is given.

●      Lemon juice linctus for sore throat. Take half a lime, add plenty of honey or sugar to it and keep licking. It is an expectorant. Lemon improves digestion (Panchana) and dissolves Phlegm. Honey helps to expel Phlegm.

●    Tambul sevana (पान खाना) Betel leaf chewing tones the muscles of jaw, does shodhana, improves Swara, and facilities digestion. Prevents dryness and cracking of mouth and lips and Increases the local defense mechanism.
●   Decoction of crushed garlic  bulb, ginger, curry leaves, clove with jaggery helps to reduce flu.
●   Add camphor to heated sesame oil, when lukewarm to be gently massaged over the chest and back, followed by hot water fomentation, help liquefy the phlegm for easy expelling.
●   Steam inhalation with 2 drops of eucalyptus oil helps to clear the nasal cavity.

                                        

 “Remember, if you have to take antibiotic, take the full course. Do not be tempted to stop just because you feel better. Remember those superbugs ! ”

Medicated smoke inhalation (Dhumapana)

Inhalation of medicated smoke (produced by igniting turmeric and ghee etc. and exhalation is known as Dhumapana (smoking). Part of vitiated Kapha situated in the head is eliminated very fast by smoking. It cures heaviness, headache, rhinitis, half sided headache, earache, bad odor, from nose and mouth, toothache etc. It strengthens hair, skull bone sense organs and voice. It prevents strong Vata- Kapha disorders occurring above the shoulders. At home this can be prepared with turmeric rhizome dipped in ghee and fumes of the same can be inhaled.

Treatment

Allopathic

●    Avoiding the causative factor : Staying away from the causative factors before and after getting infection reduces the possibility for breeding germs. It also helps the disease fighting mechanism of the body to play a role in arresting the disease

●    Complete rest for three days

●      Expectorant

●    Decongestant

●    Gargles :Saline gargles with warm water.

●    Hot water bath : No water over head.

●    Steam Inhalation and get rid of mucus with Vicks.

●   Keep Allergy under control.

●   Avoid irritants such as pollutants, chemicals and fragrance.

●   Pepper longam An anti-inflammatory herb good for respiratory system.

●   Trikatu : Pepper longam + black pepper + ginger good for respiratory infections.

●   Haldi or Turmeric : an inflammatory drug.

●   Chilly is good for respiratory system.

●   Cayenne pepper

●   Spicy food good for respiratory system.

 

• Detox lungs naturally

Methods

Drink plenty of water it thins out the inflammation.

Ashtanga yoga helps respiratory system.

Stop smoking

Regular exercise or physical activity. Half an hour walk 5 days a week.

Eat healthy diet like fruits and vegetables, leafy greens. garlic, onion, orange, apples, grape fruit . Beans

kidney bean, berries, olive oil, poultry, spinach.

Adequate hydration

Wear mask for pollution N 95. Watch Air quality index (AQI) before visiting any place.How clear it is.

Breathing exercises, Pranayama.

Physical activity.

Diaphragmatic breathing, belly breath or deep breathing, Bhastrika pranayama. 

• 
  

Tonsillitis  
●   Do not surgically remove the tonsils just because they are getting inflamed. Tonsillitis is the first level of defense in the body against external organisms. 
●   Gargle with hot water with turmeric and salt. 
●   Do not give your child cold items such as ice water, ice cream, curd, butter milk etc. Give her only boiled and warm water. 
●   Do not take head bath when the tonsils are swollen.
●   Antibiotic if necessary.

Pharyngitis & Sinusitis

●   Steam inhalation with a drop of Eucalyptus oil or clove oil in water gives comfort in respiratory ailments.

●      Saline or alum gargles

●      Mendel’s Throat paint to be applied locally

●      Do not take head bath till the sore throat disappears 

●      Drink boiled water (plenty), bed rest and soft diet

●      Local gargles with disprin soluble tablets or Hexidine outs wash

●      Tab Paracetamol three times a day or

●      Tab voveran

●      For dry cough Syrup Actifed DM 2 tsf three times a day

●      If no relief and throat show follicular tonsillitis 

●      Antibiotic: cap Ampicillin 250-500 mg thrice daily. Along with B complex

●      Tab Erythromycin 250 mg one four times daily for six days.

●      Tab Azithromycin 500mg 1 tab for three days.

●      Sup Ambriyolite 2 tsf thrice a day.

●      Or syrup dextromethorphan for dry cough 

●      Tab doxycycline 100mg twice daily on first day then once a day for week

●      Tab ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice a day

●      Tab Co- amoxiclav 625 mg twice a day

●      Tab cefuroxime 250-500 mg twice for 5 days.

●      In recurrent cases tonsillectomy is advised once acute attack is over.

●      Regular salt water gargle is beneficial

●      During bout of infection, voice rest is better (मौन व्रत)
●    Nasya ( instilling in each nostril once every day two drops of Anuthaila which is available easily will benefit you. 
●     Avoid ice creams, cold and refrigerated items. Also use only boiled and cooled water for drinking purpose.

Laryngitis

●      Speak minimum, give rest to voice.

●      No smoking

●      Tab Cinaryl or tab Dristran or tab Vikoryl twice a day.

●      Medicated steam inhalation. Tincture Benzoin or Karol inhaling capsule in a boiling water

●      Strepsils lozenges 3-4 per day to be kpet in mouth

●      Antibiotic if necessary: Septran DS tab twice a day for five days

●      Azithromycin 50 mg BD.

●      Ciprofloxacin 500 mg BD

●      Short course of steroid or antihistamines.

●      Tab Betnelan or Kenacort 

●      One thrice a day x 2 days

●      One twice a day x 2 days

●      One daily x 2 days

●      Tab Cetrizine once a day.

Tropical Eosinophilia 

●    Tab Banocide forte or tab Hetrazan. 100 mg one tab thrice a day for one month. Repeat 3 such courses at monthly intervals

●      Phensedyl linctus 1 tsp morning and night

●   Note Diethylcarbamazine may cause exacerbation of Symptoms in the early stages, if so :tab Prednisolone 5 mg 1-1-1-1 for 10 days and gradually taper of the dose.

Ayurvedic

●     Pippali Milk : Ingredients Required 1/2 tsp Pippali powder 1 cup Milk 1/4 cup water Method of Preparation Mix all the ingredients and heat to boiling point...

●    Natural herbal antibiotic : Turmeric, ginger, garlic,tulsi and pomegranate.

●      Tab Honitus, or syrup / tab koflet for soothing of throat irritation.

●      Ginger tea with honey gives immense comfort in cough and stuffy nose.

●      Keep mulethi (licorice), or clove, Mishriin mouth for throat irritation.

●   Medicated steam Inhalation using Eucalyptus (nilgiri) inhalation of turmeric by burning turmeric on tava.

●      Use of twigs of (Neem/ Babool/Khadira) for tooth cleaning, followed by tongue cleaning.

●      In case of dry cough decoction of licorice root with honey helps to soothe the throat. 
●  Milk kashaya : For cold & Cough .Milk boiled with spices such as pepper, cumin, ,dalchini, cardemum, dry ginger powder, nutmeg and coriander. Roast all ingredients one after other on a gentle flame except cardemum. Now powder all ingredients. Add jaggery or sugar for taste. Consume it during cold season or once in a day. This will relieve you from cough cold and also keep the body warm.
●  Detoxification : Cleansing therapies using medicated decorations, pills and pastes help in removing excessive phlegm, thereby clearing the airway. They help reduce the infection. The severity of condition is drastically reduced post detoxification. Detoxification helps in treating the respiratory infections effectively.  Purgation ,Enema (Basti)
●    Inhalation : In the evening, inhale the water vapour boiled with "Nirgundi " (Vitex nirgundu)  leaves 50 gms.
●    Snuff : Finely powder dry ginger and snuff it 1 pinch on each nose in the morning. Deeply inhale the powder to the sinus.. It may slightly produse a burning sensation, but it will remove the phlegm. Before doing this give wet hot fomentation on the sinus area around fore head.
●   Nasya (नस्य) (instilling medicated oil in the nostrils). It prevents the diseases of nose, ears, throat and head. e.g. Ksheerabala Taila (Avartam), Anutailaetc.
                                                 
                                                    

●  JAL Neti  : Cleansing of nose with water. Jal Neti is a process which aims to clean the nasal channel by allowing water into nostrils. Nasal cleansing yoga works good for people suffering from allergies .
                                                   

 
                                                  
                                                       

●    Emesis(वमन): This is a Panchakarma procedure where patient is made to vomit under supervision.
●    Apply Thulasiadi thailam (तुलसी का तेल )  on the head about 1-2 tsf  before bath.
●   Rasayana to boost immunity. Chyawanaprash, Dasamoola Rasayanam and Agasthya Rasayanam.
●    Vasa (Adhatoda vasica) - The leaves contain alkaloids which have strong anti-allergic, anti- 
●  Black Pepper (Piper longum) It contain alkaloid pipeline which contain anti- inflammatory properties. It also helps to break down the mucous and dilate the bronchioles.
●  Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)- It has anti- asthmatic activity acts as an antioxidants and possesses immuno-modulators property.
●    Guduchi ( Tinospora cardifolia) 
●   Turmeric ( Curcuma longs) Haridra It contains curcumin which has anti bacterial, antiviral and anti inflammatory properties. Usually turmeric can be taken with warm diluted milk during cough.
●  Kantakari (Solanum zanthocarpum) It is  used in the treatment of cough and breathing disorders due to its anti asthmatic & anti - allergic property.
●   Harad ( Terminalia chebula) Haritaki  It has hot potency and is a Anti- tussive (speciality to relieve cough) properties.
●  Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) It acts as nervier toniv with anti bacterial,immuno modulating.
●    Take 1 tsf of "Agasthya rasayanam"  at night  followed by warm water.

Naturopathy

●      Exposure to sun

* Medicine as suggested above should only be taken under the consultation and supervision of registered medical practitioner.

In its initial stages hot fomentation of cheeks, neck (throat), 

steam inhalation, 

consuming hot sour and slightly spicy foods and 

gargling with turmeric and hot water at least twice a day are advised.

Allopathic
Onset remedies
Begin taking 1-2 g of vitamin C at the very first sign of a cold. Along with this take a supplement containing Vitamin B - complex with zinc. This may stop your cold from developing further and may shorten the duration of cold.
Drink a couple of glasses of  carrot juice as Beta carotene helps stimulate the immune system and above all keep moving.
Clear chicken soup or vegetable soup with lots of black pepper, ginger, garlic and onions. Keeps the sinuses open and reduces the symptoms of cold such as headaches, congestion and others.
Saline nasal drops.

Ayurvedic
Chawanprash is a good remedy to improve the immunity.



Homeopathy
It is a safer and effective way  of not only relieving symptoms but also for improving immunity and saving you from graver illness.

Naturopathy
Neti kriya : Neti kriya is a type of yogic nasal cleansing exercise. ... Neti kriya is designed to purify the nasal passages and bathe the sinuses. ... Jala neti, which is practiced using a neti pot filled with saline solution to cleanse the nasal passages.
Jala Neti kriya (nasal cleaning) is a cleansing practice of the sinus passages with warm saline water. ... It is also called Neti or Saline Nasal Irrigation. ... Tilt the neti pot until the water starts coming out of the other nostril by gravity.
Neti effectively removes dirt and bacteria filled mucus from the nasal passages. It is an ancient yogic purification technique that is all the more relevant and helpful in our modern times where air pollution and airborne pathogens are becoming increasing health risk factors

Medicated Milk To be consumed  in case of watery discharge from the nose as a result of rhinitis in its initial stages. This is on an average for 3-4 days. Boil a cup of milk with a cup of water and add 1 flat level teaspoon of dried ginger (सौंठ ) powder. Continue boiling this mixture till only a cup of milk remains. Strain the milk and consume it with sugar (if needed) This milk is to be consumed first thing in the morning before your usual cup of tea/coffee.

Traditional medicine for Respiratory Problems

Ayurveda

Cold and Cough 

• Cold and Cough is caused by aggravation of kapha dosha. 

It may sometimes be due to weak digestion. When the food is not fully digested it changes into mucous, which gets mixed with various circulations and reaches the respiratory system causing cold or cough.

• It may also be due to pollution.

Important constituents in almost all decoctions and powders used for treating cold are : These constituents are known for their curative value especially in curing cough and cold.

Holi Basil / Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

Its leaves are used in medicated diets and in herbal teas, which has some potential protective effects against sore throat and respiratory infections.

Piper longum ( Piper nigrum) Long piper

Ingredients : Long Pepper-Fine powder, milk, powdered sugar candy.

Form of Medicine : Medicated Milk, Kshirpaka

Lung Rejuvenator

Method of Preparation : Add 2 grams of long pepper powder in 1 glass (150 ml) of boiled milk and 4 glasses (600ml) of water. Boil under moderate flame until it reduces to 1 glass (150ml).Filter it through a while clean cotton cloth and add the sugar candy powder.

Uses : 

Cough  (with yellow coloured sputum)

Improves digestive power

Mild fever associated with body ache,

Dosage :

In cough with sputum, take 50=60ml (3-4tsp) 4-5 times a day for 4-5 days.

In Indigestion :take 50-60 ml(3-4 tsp) 3 times a day for about 5 days.

In chest congestion, take 50=60ml(3-4 tsp)3-4 times a day for 15-29 days.

Black pepper (Kali mirch) / Piper nigrum / Maricha

Intake of this fine powder mixed with ghee, honey and sugar relieves shortness of breath and clears the channels.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is used in food recipes and in herbal tea preparations worldwide. and is widely used to treat the common cold, It has many therapeutic attributes such as antimicrobial, anti thrombotic ant inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. It also possesses antimutagenic properties, induce detoxification. It reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

Dried Ginger (Shunti) 

Ingredients : Shunti + sugar candy powder + water. 

Form of medicine : Hot infusion (phants)  

Phanta (फाण्ट) The powder is added in boiled water and then rubbed with hands and strained on cooling.

Method of preparation : Add 2 gram of dried ginger powder in 100ml of boiling water, close the lid of the vessel for about 5 minutes. Sieve through a clean white cloth. Add 1/2 to 1 tsf of sugar candy powder.  

Uses : Sore throat, fever, Indigestion of any kind. 

Dosage : In Sore throat, take 40ml(3tsp) 3 times a day for 2-3 days.

In Fever, take 40ml(3tsp) 3 times a day for 3 days.

In Indigestion, Take 40ml(3tsp)3 times a day for 3 days.

Liquorice / Mulethi (Glycryrrhiza glabra) / Yastimadhu

The use of Mulethi in Asthma and cough. The roots acts as a demulcent (of a substance relieving inflammation or irritation)  that shields the respiratory system and soothes the irritated throat. It is an effective herb that helps in expulsion of phelgm and clearing the nasal passage. Boil 1/2 tsf of root powder in 100ml of milk and have a cup in morning and evening.

Fennel / Saunf (Foeniculum vulgare)

In the formulations used for the treatment of cough

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Cardemom (Elettaria cardamomum)

Cardamom is described as a potent bronchodilator.

Viola Serpens (Banfshah)

Pistacia integerrima (Kakarsingi) /Kakrasingi

In all formulations meant for asthma :

1 . Fig (Anjeer) Ficus religiosa

                                                           

2 . Guggul (Commiphora mukul)

3 . Aparmarga (Achyranthesaspera) Prickly chaff flower.

4 . Vitis sp  

Black Cumin (Bunion persicum) 

                                                         

   Powder of black Cumin is given with warm water for treating cough and cold.                                         

 Amala /Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) / Indian Gooseberry

Indian Gooseberry, has direct respiratory  healing properties. Amalki powder boiled with milk and taken with ghee is very useful in both cough and cold along with breathing difficulty problems

Bharngi (Clerodendrum serratum) / भारंगी

Bharangi is oldest herb used in ayurvedic system which is very famous for healthy respiratory system and to give good rhythm to voice. In English this is known as Glowry bower, and is found growing in many parts of India. Good for Asthma (shwasa). Past of Bharangi prepared with ghee and honey when licked, relieves Asthma.

                    

Food

• Coriander (Dhania), jaggery, pepper, ginger taken together boiled reduced to 1/4th. This warm decoction is taken and also turmeric can be added to it  when having sore throat and fever.

Ginger Coriander Tea

• Decoction of Tulsi, ginger, sugar candy, cumin, black pepper, reduce to 1/4 and drink when warm.

Tulsi / Holi Basil Tea

Chewing a few leaves of tulsi or extracting juice out of it  and mixing it with honey and licking it 3-5 times a day helps clear throat.

Tulsi Tea

Turmeric Milk / Golden Milk / Turmeric Latte / Curcuma longa/ Haridra

Turmeric milk is a powerful drink of respiratory disorders. Mix 2-3 pinch of turmeric powder into a glass of milk and drink begore going to bed every night. This helps in keeping breathing problems at bay. Ingredients : Haridra (Turmeric) powder, Jaggery, water, sugar candy powder. Form of Medicine : Pills (Vati) Method of preparation : Dissolve jaggery in water and strain to remove the foreign particles. Boil this on moderate flame till it become thread like . When pressed between two fingers. Add this Jaggery syrup to  the turmeric powder enough that it can be rolled to make pills of Abrus seed size and spread them on finely powdered sugar candy so that they do not stick to  each other. Dry them in shade. Uses : Sore throat, dry cough. Dosage : In Sore throat take 2 pills 3 times a day for 2-3 days. In dry cough, take 2 pills 4-5 times a day for 3 days.

Ginger Soup / Ginger Tea

Make soup or tea with slices of ginger. This is very helpful in breathing discomfort issues.

Fennel Tea

Add one tsf of fennel seeds in a 200ml of water, boil and strain. Drink a prepared tea for 2-3 times a day.

Garlic Juice Extract

Garlic juice (extract by making paste and squeezing a few bulbs) in warm water/ honey and drink once in the morning This helps release the congestion and helps easy breathing. Even 2-3 bulbs can be chewed if palatable.

 Turmeric. 

Pomegranate Juice

Make sure using the fruit and have it in the morning. This helps relieve difficulty in breathing.

Mint Leaves

Fresh Mint Tea

Chewing a few leaves of Mint  or mixing it with  tea can help prevent recurrence of breathlessness.

Doddapatre (Karpooravalli, Coleus aromaticus) / Ajwain

Ingredients : Leaves. Form of Medicine : Juice. Method of Preparation : Mix 1/4th glass of leaf juice and tsp of honey and drink in the mornings and evenings for 2-3 days. This is specially indicated in cold and sneezing. Alternately, cook the leaves and eat in the evening for 2-3 days. Uses : General cough and cold.

Steam inhalation 

Sore throat : If you are experiencing difficulty in breathing when suffering from a cold, than it can be due to mucous formation in the lungs and clear the air passage. Add 1-2 drops of Eucalyptus oil into the steamer that aid the above action

• Sore throat : Food to be avoided in sore throat. Certain kinds of foods irritate the throat, lead to more congestion, cough and acid reflux and worsen sore throat. Therefore they are best avoided.

• Avoid Kapha provoking diet like curd, cold food, cold drinks, fruit juices, fermented foods, ice crème etc.
• Fried foods : cause more itching, throat irritation and also lowers the body's immunity
• Yogurt :   Worsens the cough by thickening the phlegm.
• Sour or acidic food:  items such as oranges, lemons, lime and tomatoes irritate the throat and cause more itching.
• Avoid banana: As its post digestive effect is sour.
• Spicy food :  such as sauces, seasoning and spices cause more irritation, cough and throats congestion.
• Cold Foods :  like ice cream, cold drinks, and packed cold juices cause throat congestion, acid reflux and decrease local immunity as well. Thereby leading to  more  severe infection.
• Drink warm water instead of cold water.
• Drink decoction made up of any one or combination of Tulsi, Ginger, black pepper, long pepper (Pippali), Turmeric and Giloy /Guduchi (Tinospora cardifolia. in the morning and evening.
• Cinnamon tea in the morning and evening.
• Giloy tab (immunomodulator and febrifuge) mainly work by way of improving the host defence mechanism.
• For cough : lukewarm water morning and evening for 3-5 days.
• Liquid diet and personal hygiene ale also recommended.
• Fumigation : Environmental purification by smoking neem leaves,
• Immunity enhancer : Triphala powder. or Ashwagandha powder.
• Medicated smoking : Black pepper
• External oil medication : With camphor oil  it relieves congestion, Pinda tailam.

Lavana Thaila and Swedana

Oil processed with salt) application over back followed by steam helps melt the phlegm in the lungs. One can mix a pinch of salt  in coconut oil/ Castor oil and apply over the back followed by steam, of a person suffering from breathing difficulty. This gives an instant relief and one starts spitting phlegm.

                                                   "कफ से पीड़ित हो अगर, खाँसी बहुत सताय।

                                                    अजवाइन की भाप लें, कफ तब बाहर आय।।"