How to Stop Wheezing without Inhaler: Natural Remedies and Tips

Gasping for air can be a terrifying experience, and if you have asthma or other respiratory conditions, you can fully appreciate this scary situation. As it can happen suddenly, would you know how to stop wheezing without inhaler assistance?

Wheezing can occur with many respiratory conditions, and whether it happens with asthma or with the common cold, it may lead to a medical emergency.

We define wheezing as a whistling sound during an inhale or exhale of breath. It is created when the airway passages become narrow or blocked by mucus or an object. Asthma is the most common condition linked to wheezing, but there are other causes of this event. We will look at internal and external factors that lead to wheezing and tips for how to stop wheezing naturally.

What Causes Wheezing?

Our airway passages run from the nose and mouth down to the lungs. Irritation and inflammation of these airways can cause narrowing or obstruction of air. The high-pitched whistling sound is produced by these narrowed airways. Wheezing is linked to common minor and long-term health conditions and ailments.

1. Asthma

Asthma is a respiratory condition that produces excess mucus and swelling of the airway.

2. Pulmonary Edema

Pulmonary edema could block the respiratory tract as fluid builds up in the lungs.

3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, covers an array of chronic lung diseases including emphysema and bronchitis. These diseases see the lungs inflamed causing airway blockage.

4. Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis is inflammation of the small flap of tissue known as the epiglottis. This is located at the base of the tongue in the upper airway and prevents food from entering the windpipe, or trachea.

5. Foreign Object

Swallowing of an object that lodges in the airway can cause the wheezing sound.

6. Allergies

Allergies are a result of the immune system’s hypersensitivity to an environmental agent.

7. Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that causes the airway to become inflamed to the point of blocking the air passages.

8. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a digestive disease caused by regurgitation of stomach acid or food into the esophagus. This can irritate the lining and result in narrow passages.

9. Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious condition causing a disruption to breathing during sleep time.

10. Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot supply the body with nutrients and oxygen as it does not pump blood efficiently.

11. Lung Cancer

Lung cancer sees abnormal cell growth in the lungs, forming a malignant tumor that can affect breathing ability.

12. Vocal Cord Dysfunction

Vocal cord dysfunction occurs with inflamed vocal cords that can narrow the airway.

13. Drugs

Medications may cause the bronchial tubes to narrow and obstruct the airway passages.

14. Smoking

Smoking—even second-hand smoke—can cause inflammation of the airway as well as extra mucus production.

15. Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis refers to inflamed lung airway passages, known as the bronchioles, mainly seen in children under the age of two years.

16. Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is another chronic lung condition where the walls of the bronchial tubes are damaged and lose muscle and elasticity.

17. Cold

The common cold is a respiratory ailment that produces excess mucus and persistent coughing.

18. Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Respiratory syncytial virus affects the airway passages by causing lung and respiratory tract infections in children under two years of age.

How to Stop Wheezing without Inhaler

With wheezing being a possibly life-threatening event, it is important to know how to control wheezing without inhaler in the off chance you do not have access to one.

1. Regulate Breathing

Watch the Clock

As an asthma attack can carry on for five to 10 minutes, it is important to note the start time as anything past 15 minutes is a medical emergency.

Sit

If you are sitting during a wheezing attack, stay seated. Sit if you are standing. Maintain an upright position as you attempt to catch your breath and regulate it back to normal.

Avoid Tight Clothes

Tight clothing can cause or add to breathing difficulties. Loosen any clothes that may restrict your ability to breath properly.

Control Your Breaths

Count to five slowly as you breathe in through the nose and count backwards from five as you breathe out through the mouth. Keep your body relaxed as you focus on the breathing. It may help to perform diaphragmatic breathing by imagining you are pulling air into the stomach on an inhale and push out with the stomach muscles on the exhale. Placing one hand on the stomach with the other on the chest should help you be sure you are using the stomach muscles, allowing the chest to remain still.

The above method is what helps with asthma besides an inhaler as well.

Join Others

Do not sit by yourself during an asthmatic or wheezing episode. If you are in a public setting alone, explain to the nearest person what is happening and ask for them to sit with you until your breathing is controlled. They also may need to help you if you need emergency medical assistance. Having someone close can also help reduce any anxiety that can exacerbate the situation.

Change Your Surroundings

Leave the area during an attack, as a change in your environment may alleviate any stress and you’re your breathing. When at home, walk into another room or in public go to a restroom.

2. Other Lifestyle Strategies

Coffee or Tea

Drink one to two cups of coffee or black tea as the body naturally converts caffeine into theophylline, an active agent of asthma medications. These warm beverages may also combat any existing excess mucus and phlegm obstructing the breathing.

Acupressure

Acupressure may help to regulate breathing by using targeted lung pressure points to release muscle tension. Gently press on the front of the shoulder above the armpit. Repeat on other shoulder. If possible, have someone apply pressure to the inner shoulder blade one inch below the top of the shoulder blade.

Steam

Inhale steam to stimulate the airway passages by sitting in the bathroom with the door closed and hot water running in the shower for 10 to 15 minutes. Use a humidifier if you have one or fill a basin or bowl with hot water and place a towel over your head as you lean over the water and inhale the steam.

Yoga

Yoga helps train the body and mind to perform proper deep breathing techniques that can be helpful during a wheezing or asthma attack. Continuous yoga practice can promote good airflow.

3. Identify Triggers

Recognize what triggers asthma or wheezing attacks. This can help you to prevent or at least expect a potential attack, so you are better prepared if one happens. Common triggers can be:

• Allergens such as pet hair and dander, dust, mold, and pollen
• Environmental irritants such as pollution, dust, chemicals, and cigarette smoke
• Ailments and health conditions like stress, sleep apnea, and heartburn
• Upper respiratory infections including the common cold
• Medications of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and non-selective beta-blockers classes
• Food additives of chemical origins
• Physical activity and basic exercises
• Climates of cold or hot air temperatures

Start a Diary

Keep track of triggers with the use of a diary to list the particular cause. This will allow you to avoid consuming the food or environmental stimulant present in the condition.

Take an Allergy Test

Have a medical allergy test done to determine the type of food allergies. It may be an ingredient or chemical within a food, and not the meal itself, that causes an asthma or wheezing attack.

Identify Sensitivities

Know any sensitivity to food you may be experiencing, as this is a different situation than food allergies. You may be sensitive to gluten, eggs, peanuts, chocolate, citrus, or dairy protein ingredient of casein.

4. Use Supplements

Turning to supplements is a beneficial tip for how to stop asthma naturally. Vitamin and mineral supplements can come in the form of food, herbs, and natural pill forms. Use caution when using supplements and herbal remedies, as they can counteract any required medication you take.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C may help to lessen the impact of an asthma attack. Add 500 milligrams of vitamin C to your daily diet and consume foods such as oranges and grapefruit, cantaloupe, kiwi, berries, tomatoes, broccoli, and sweet potatoes.

Molybdenum

Trace mineral molybdenum helps to breakdown some amino acids in the body that may trigger wheezing. Those ages 0 to 13 years need 22 to 43 micrograms daily, while those 14 and above require 45 micrograms daily. Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant require 50 micrograms daily. Molybdenum is also found in leafy vegetables, lentils, beans, peas, nuts, organ meats, cheese, and milk.

Selenium

Trace amounts of selenium are required to combat inflammation, and should be limited to 200 micrograms each day. Take in supplement form or consume crab, poultry, liver, and wheat.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 boosts the immune system while fighting inflammation. Daily recommendation is 0.8 milligrams for ages one to eight years, 1.0 milligrams for ages nine to 13, and 1.3 to 1.7 milligrams for ages 14 and above. Nursing or pregnant women require 1.9 to 2.0 milligrams daily. You can eat potatoes, spinach, avocados, chicken, turkey, salmon, and bananas to get vitamin B6.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 may also work on asthma symptoms. Daily vitamin B12 supplements are limited to 0.9 to 1.2 milligrams for ages one to eight, 1.8 milligrams for ages nine to 13, and 2.4 milligrams for ages 14 and above. Pregnant and breastfeeding women need 2.6 to 2.8 milligrams daily. Get the vitamin in foods such as fish, seafood, meat, eggs, and cheese.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids work as anti-inflammatory agents, and a daily diet should include 2000 milligrams of EPA and DHA. Consume herring, salmon, tuna, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, flaxseeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and canola oil.

Ginger

Ginger could stimulate asthma medication to quickly open the airways more efficiently when combined. This helps to release muscle tension that narrows the breathing passages.

Butterbur

Butterbur is a herb traditionally used by asthmatics of Europe and Asia with home remedies for wheezing. Its anti-inflammatory properties are thought to help to open the airway passages. This perennial plant is from the Asteraceae sunflower family.

Wheezing is a common condition during asthma attacks and in other medical situations. This whistling sound is caused by the narrowing or obstruction of the airway passages from inflammation, environmental irritants, or affliction to the passages. Severe asthma attacks and other wheezing conditions may require medical attention to prevent complete loss of breath. Milder cases may be treated or prevented by using home remedies to regulate breathing and making lifestyle choices.

Also Read:

• What Causes Crackles in the Lungs?
• Top 10 Home Remedies for Chest Congestion
• Bronchospasm Treatment: How to Cure Bronchospasm Naturally
• Is Bronchitis Contagious? How Long Is Bronchitis Contagious For?
• Heavy Breathing: Common Causes and Treatments

Sources:
Avni, “How To Stop Wheezing,” Rapid Home Remedies, March 10, 2016; http://www.rapidhomeremedies.com/stop-wheezing.html, last accessed August 2, 2017.
“Wheezing,” Mayo Clinic; http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/wheezing/basics/causes/sym-20050764, last accessed August 2, 2017.
“How To Stop An Asthma Attacker Without Inhaler,” Wiki How; http://www.wikihow.com/Stop-an-Asthma-Attack-Without-an-Inhaler, last accessed August 2, 2017.