Common cold and flu

The common cold is caused by a number of viruses. The symptoms and signs include:

sneezing and a runny nose,
a sore throat, and
cough.
The flu is also caused by a virus and its symptoms and signs include:

fever (high temperature),
aching muscles,
sore throat and
headache.
The fever subsides in a couple of days leaving the sufferer feeling weak and lacking in energy.

The common cold and flu are caused by a number of viruses and if you are run down and your immune system is not working at an optimum level then you are likely to be susceptible.

What you can do to help

Vitamins A (as beta-carotene), C and zinc can help to prevent colds and the flu and during the flu season it is recommended that you increase the dose to double to assist in preventing the infection.

If you have a cold or flu take 1g of vitamin C three times per day, and take a zinc lozenge every two hours up to six times per day.

Drink plenty of fresh water to flush the system and try hot water with lemon juice to cleanse the respiratory system.

Herbs such as garlic and Echinacea can assist in boosting the immune system. (Also see ... for other ways to boost the immune system.)

Emphysema and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

This condition destroys the lungs. Instead of there being a lot of small air spaces in the lungs, the walls dividing them are destroyed and larger sacs are formed. These are much less efficient in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide and as a result the amount of functioning lung is reduced. This troubles the chronic smoker who has a history of repeated attacks of bronchitis and or pneumonia.

What you can do to help

The most essential thing to do is to stop smoking and to avoid places that have high levels of air pollution. (See for tips on quitting)

Physical exercise. This may seem a strange recommendation for somebody who has a chronic cough and is short of breath to the point of physical incapacity. However, careful, graded physical exercise such as slow walking, building up to an increasing distance, is of proven value in improving lung function in those with chronic bronchitis or emphysema.

It is important to ensure vitamin and mineral adequacy, particularly of the B group vitamins. Ensuring maximum efficiency of the body's metabolism in this way may reduce the body's demand for oxygen. Nutritional deficiencies without any obvious symptoms are very common, especially in the elderly. Multivitamin and mineral supplements may be of assistance.

People whose chronic bronchitis or emphysema involves excessive catarrah, may have an underlying food allergy. Attempt to identify any offending foods. In particular the exclusion of dairy products may be of benefit.

The following multivitamin and mineral supplements are recommended.

The ranges given are for one tablet and dosages could vary from one to six tablets per day.

The supplement should be free from yeast, wheat, gluten, milk, corn, soy, artificial colorants and preservatives.

Bronchitis

The commonest acute lung infection is acute bronchitis. It can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the linings of the main air passages to the lungs.

The symptoms and signs include:

coughing that produces sputum,
there may be a high temperature, but usually it is mild,
breathlessness and wheezing, and
there may be soreness in the throat and chest.
Acute bronchitis starts as a respiratory infection and usually clears up in a few days. Chronic bronchitis is a serious long term condition and is primarily caused by smoking.

However chronic bronchitis does have a number of causes including:

Smoking [yes, it's worth repeating!](which robs the body of essential vitamins and minerals) as well as damaging the airways and lungs and introducing toxins and carcinogenic substances into the body.
Pollution.
Deficiencies of vitamin C and zinc.
What you can do to help

The most important thing that you can do is to give up smoking and avoid co-smoking and smoke filled environments. Contact one of the many organisations that are able to assist you with this process. (also see ...)
If stress and anxiety are related to your smoking then look at dealing with these (also see ...).
If you continue to smoke ensure that you get extra vitamin B complex and C.
Take 1g of vitamin C twice per day for a four to eight week period to encourage healing, boost the immune system and to act as a natural antihistamine. (Also see ... to boost your immune system.)
Take 30 mg of zinc daily.
Make sure that you take a good multivitamin and mineral supplement.

Asthma

Asthma is a type of airway obstruction characterized by a narrowing of the air passages in the lungs and caused by muscle spasm and mucus secretion.

The main symptoms of asthma are:

breathlessness,
wheezing, and
tightness in the chest.
During an asthma attack the bronchial tubes become partially obstructed making breathing difficult. Attacks may be triggered by:

allergens, such as pollen, dust and other pollution including cigarette smoke, fur or dandruff;
food allergies or intolerances, such as aspirin, food additives, yeast or moulds on foods;
deficiencies, such as selenium, and vitamin B6;
strenuous exercise;
temperature changes - especially sudden exposure to cold air; or
stress and anxiety.
What you can do to help

Try to remove the source of the allergen if this is possible. Keep dust and pollen levels under control and avoid possible ingested allergens.
Don't smoke and do avoid pollutants.
Eat a healthy diet that contains plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Onions are believed to have antiasthmatic properties and it is suggested that you have at least one cooked onion each day. It is best to avoid sugar and to eat a diet low in animal fats.
Vitamin C should be taken at 1g twice each day, for its antihistamine qualities.
Magnesium is thought to dilate the bronchial tubes, preventing a spasm and it also works to encourage a normal response to allergens. A daily supplement of 300 to 400 mg is suggested.
Vitamin B6, 50 to 100 mg per day, has been shown to reduce the number of asthma attacks in a group of patients.
B complex vitamins (10-20 mg per day).
Vitamin E 600 IU per day.
Antioxidants A (as beta-carotene) C and E as well as selenium should encourage recovery and prevent attacks.
The herb Ginko Biloba may also be beneficial.

Disorders of the respiratory system occur at all ages. In many countries the high level of environmental pollution in the past, together with the popularity of tobacco, has meant that there have always been many people suffering form respiratory conditions, particularly bronchitis.

Common diseases of the respiratory system may be related to infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, or to allergies. Details are provided below about:

1) Asthma.
2) Emphysema and COPD.
3) The common cold and flu.
4) Bronchitis.