Remedies for Respiratory

Diseases
Medical attention and diagnosis is absolutely essential for
any respiratory ailment that is severe or persistent, but
milder conditions can be easily cured with the help of natural
and simple home remedies. The scope of home remedies is
however very vast and they can also be used in combination
with conventional treatments to facilitate healing and
improve responsiveness to drugs. Given below are some of
the most commonly recommended remedies for respiratory
diseases:
Gargle twice a day, using a solution made from warm
water and salt. This not only helps to alleviate the
uncomfortable symptoms of the condition, but also helps in
clearing out the respiratory passages, which expedites the
recovery process.
Consume a mixture that has been made from equal parts
of honey and ginger. This can ease some of your breathing
problems, thereby giving you faster relief from respiratory
diseases.
Sterilize the environment at home and at the workplace, so
that any bacteria, viruses, fungi or other harmful germs can
be eradicated.
If you live in the city or in an enclosed environment it may
be a good idea to go to a park to get in at least half an
hour or so of fresh air each day.
There are many other remedies that can also be quite
effective in dealing with respiratory illnesses.



Suggestion for Respiratory Diseases
Respiratory ailments in children can be particularly
problematic because they severely restrict the ability of
the child to participate in various activities that most kids
do. Parents need to take extra care and ensure that the
child is provided with best possible treatment to overcome
the condition. While caution is essential it s important not
to be overprotective as this could severely affect the
growth and development of your child.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH)
San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila

DOH Contact Numbers:
+632 651-7800 (Trunkline),
+632 743-8301 to 23, +632 711-6744 (Fax)
DOH Website Contact Page:
http://www.doh.gov.ph







Submitted by: Dondecor L. Catalan
GRADE V-Section A

Respiratory Diseases
Breathing is one of the most basic yet
important functions that our body performs. Most
of us do not even give a minute s thought to our
breathing patterns, when everything is normal.
However, for some individuals, breathing can be
quite a task, especially if they suffer from some
type of respiratory disease.
Studies indicate that certain respiratory diseases
are a leading cause of illnesses and death. In a
year, approximately a billion people are afflicted
with a common cold at least once. Given below is
a list of the different respiratory diseases that are
prevalent across the country:
Acute respiratory distress syndrome
Asthma
Cancer (small cell lung cancer, lymphoma,
melanoma and mesothelioma)
Common colds
Cystic fibrosis
Emphysema
Infections like laryngitis, otitis media, sinusitis,
pharyngitis and tonsillitis
Pneumonia
Tuberculosis


Symptoms of Respiratory
Diseases
The symptoms for respiratory diseases are bound to change
vary, based on the type of condition you are suffering from.
Given below are some of the most common symptoms that
can occur with different types of respiratory diseases:
Breathing Problems: In case of respiratory illnesses, you
are likely to suffer from shortness of breath or wheezing
problems especially after engaging in a strenuous activity
or even mild exercises, such as walking or climbing the
stairs.
Coughing: You may notice an intermittent or continuous
cough, usually accompanied by mucus.
Uneasiness: One of the common symptoms of any
respiratory disease is a feeling of uneasiness and
tightness in the chest area. In case you experience
persistent sensations of tightness in the chest, you may
want to check for the presence of an ailment in the
respiratory tract.
Swelling: This is one of the more uncommon symptoms
and can affect your fingers and toes. Therefore, in case
you notice swelling in your finger or toes, accompanied by
a cough, it may be best to check for a problem that is
related to the respiratory system.
Blood: This is one of the most severe symptoms of
respiratory diseases and therefore, it should never be
ignored or taken lightly.

Causes of Respiratory Diseases
While the tobacco industry may have been demonized in
recent times, and with good cause, not all respiratory
ailments can be attributed to exposure to cigarette smoke.
Smoking cigarettes and passive smoking are however, the
leading causes of most serious respiratory illnesses.
Respiratory diseases can arise because of several different
factors and it would help to keep this in mind. Given below
are some of the most common causes of respiratory
diseases:
Allergies and low immune functioning
Climatic conditions as well as excessive air pollution
Exposure to excess smoke, or other toxic material, which
could include asbestos, harsh chemicals, dust, pollen and
fibers
Genetic factors, where other members in the family,
especially one or both of the parents are suffering from
chronic respiratory diseases.
Inadequate development of the lungs before birth or during
childhood
Nutritional as well as social deprivation, or unhealthy
lifestyle practices
Presence of bacterial, viral or fungal infections, which can
have a long term adverse effect on the health of the lungs