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When a part of the lung or the whole lung collapses due to lack of air it is known as atelectasis. When we breathe, the air passes through our nose and mouth into the lungs. There are tiny air sacs inside the lungs which pass the oxygen to the blood. In atelectasis these air sacs fail to inflate causing breathing problems. The problem can easily be detected through x-rays. If only a small area of the lungs collapse, one may not even notice any symptom as a major part of the lung which is functioning, has the capacity to bring in enough oxygen.
In adults, atelectasis is usually cured in a short time and it’s not life threatening. But in small babies atelectasis can be fatal. If a large part of the lung collapses then mucus accumulates in the lungs leading to pneumonia. The main symptoms of atelectasis are chest pain, increased heart rate, and breathing problem. Atelectasis mostly happens after surgery. Other causes are inhalation of foreign objects, tumors and formation of fluid between ribs and lungs. All these things tend to block the airways.
Home Remedies For Atelectasis
Breathing Exercise
Do kapalabhati pranayam every morning for twenty minutes to clear the airways and to strengthen the lungs. Sit on a mat in a cross legged position with your back straight. Place your hands on your knees with palms facing upwards.
Inhale deeply and while doing so, throw out your stomach. Expel the inhaled air in a short burst, forcefully, like you are blowing your nose and contract your stomach muscles inwards. This pranayam will also remove all the toxins from your body and improve all its functions.
Ginger
Ginger has powerful antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and warming properties. Excessive mucus production is caused by infections. Ginger will help clear up the infection and treat atelectasis. Drink three cups of hot ginger tea every day.
Water
Drink at least ten to twelve glasses of water everyday. Water will not only flush out all the toxins from the body but it will also help to dissolve the mucus and other secretions and help them to be coughed up easily thus helping to clear the airways and allowing more air to reach the lungs. Also drink freshly squeezed orange juice or lemon juice twice daily.
Neti
Take some warm distilled water and dissolve half a teaspoon of salt into it. Fill a neti pot with this solution and hold the spout to your right nostril. Tilt your head to one side and inhale the warm water until it begins to come out of the other nostril. Repeat this process with your left nostril and continue doing so until you have used up all the water. The water will clear away all the accumulated toxins and mucus in the sinuses and the nasal passages and will make breathing easier.
Turmeric
It is important to clear the lungs of mucus so that they can expand to their full capacity. Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder into a glass of hot milk and consume it twice daily to dissolve the mucus.
Photo Credit: http://www.cardiachealth.org/pleural-effusion-atelecatsis
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.