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Respiratory Health
Respiration actually starts with our nose, as air travels through the airways and fills our lungs with oxygen while carbon dioxide is let out. The lungs expand and contract between 20,000 and 25,000 times per day – yet, we don’t even think about breathing until we start facing issues like allergies, congestion, colds, asthma and chronic lung conditions. About 25 million people in the US have asthma and 16 million have COPD. Ensuring lung health is about prevention and proactive care – not waiting until there is a problem.
Lungs & our Breath
What is the Respiratory System?
The respiratory system is a collection of organs consisting of the lungs, nose, mouth, throat, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and diaphragm. While we mostly know the respiratory system for its function of gas exchange – breathing in oxygen and breathing out carbon dioxide – it also helps filter out and protect us from harmful germs and particles, aids in our ability to smell and speak, and helps balance our body’s pH.
What are common risk factors that contribute to poor lung health?
- Outdoor air pollution and invisible gases
- Construction sites and occupational hazards
- Indoor air pollution like mold
- Physical inactivity
- Inflammation and weak immune system
- Smoke and second-hand smoke
- Vaping
- Chronic respiratory infections
- Poor posture
- Mouth-breathing
- Anxiety and stress
What are some common respiratory conditions I work with?
- Asthma
- Allergies/allergic rhinitis
- COPD
- Bronchitis
- Sleep apnea
- Sinus infections
- Acute & chronic respiratory infections (viral, bacterial, fungal)
How are respiratory conditions treated?
Conventional treatment for respiratory illness or distress includes oral or inhaled medications such as corticosteroids, allergy shots, and surgical interventions.
My approach to respiratory health and wellness is preventative and proactive. Alongside botanical formulations and supplements, I work on optimizing our body’s natural detox pathways using various modalities such as saunas, breathwork, posture and sleep optimization, and anti-inflammatory foods that also support the lymphatic system. We don’t need to be sick to start incorporating many of these tools and take care of our respiratory health – after all, it’s our breath of life.
