An ordinary morning, an unusual feeling, and when Aunt Lee, as always, woke up early in the morning, ready to start her daily routine, she noticed an unusual feeling. Her lips were chapped, her tongue felt like it was covered in sand, and every cough seemed to irritate her throat without the slightest sign of phlegm. This feeling is not an accident, but day after day, gradually becoming a part of her life. She began to wonder, was this a sign of a health problem?
At the community's senior center, Aunt Li met many friends who shared her problems. They discuss the health problems that may be hidden behind these symptoms, and some even begin to teach folk remedies and advice. However, the variety of information made Aunt Li feel even more confused and uneasy.
Sub-heading: Poor breathing? "dryness" may be at work!
In our daily life, especially among the middle-aged and elderly people, it is not uncommon for dry mouth and dry cough with little phlegm. These symptoms may be due to "dry lungs". But what is dryness, and why does it cause such symptoms? Here's a closer look at the problem.
What is Dry Lung?
"Dry lungs" is a TCM term used to describe the state of the lungs that are damaged by dry climate or environmental factors. In TCM theory, the lungs are closely related to the health of the respiratory system, and the lungs are considered to be the organ of the "main qi" and are essential for respiratory function. When the dry climate outside or the dry environment of life affects the lungs, symptoms such as dry mouth, sore throat, and dry cough may occur.
Manifestations of dryness of the lungs
Typical symptoms of dry lung include:
Dry mouth: Dry mouth and a feeling of dryness on the tongue.
Dry cough with little phlegm: Cough with little or no sputum or little and dry sputum.
Throat irritation: A feeling of a foreign body in the throat, or a slight itching sensation.
Hoarseness: Hoarseness can cause the voice to become hoarse due to dryness in the larynx.
Causes of lung injury
The causes of lung injury can be attributed to the following:
Environmental factors: Dry climates, especially in autumn and winter, tend to lead to dry lungs.
Xi habits: staying in an air-conditioned room for a long time, not paying attention to hydration, and eating a spicy diet will aggravate lung dryness.
Physical condition: Aging or dryness can also affect the health of your lungs.
Effects of dryness of the lungs
Dryness of the lungs not only affects the normal functioning of the respiratory system, but can also lead to a decrease in immunity, making a person more susceptible to infections. Long-term dryness of the lungs may also induce or aggravate other respiratory diseases, such as chronic bronchitis.
Effects and complications: It's not just dry mouth, but also these hidden dangers
Dry mouth and dry cough with little phlegm: not just temporary discomfort
These symptoms can be warning signs from the body. Long-term neglect can lead to or exacerbate oral and respiratory problems, such as mouth sores and laryngitis.
In-depth analysis of long-term impacts:
Oral health: Persistent dry mouth can cause an imbalance of microbes in the mouth, which can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and more.
Respiratory: A dry cough with less phlegm may make the respiratory tract more susceptible to pathogens and increase the risk of diseases such as chronic bronchitis.
Possibility of complications:
Chronic bronchitis: Repeated dry cough can lead to long-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which can progress to chronic bronchitis.
Weakened immunity: Long-term dry mouth may affect the body's immune function, making the body more susceptible to infections.
Why pay attention to these symptoms
Early detection and symptomatic treatment can effectively reduce symptoms and prevent complications.
Symptoms can be a manifestation of a deeper health problem, such as insufficient water in the body or nutritional imbalances.
Recommendations & Precautions
Regular oral care: Maintain good oral hygiene Xi and have regular dental check-ups.
Drink water in moderation: Maintain proper water intake to maintain your body's water balance.
Eat a balanced diet: Eat enough fruits and vegetables to maintain a balanced diet.
Avoid irritating foods: Reduce your intake of spicy, excessively hot or cold foods to avoid irritation to your mouth and throat.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol: Both tobacco and alcohol can exacerbate dry mouth and respiratory problems.
Practical coping method: Let "dry mouth" stop bothering you
Drinking Wisdom: Maintain the right water balance
Drink water in moderation: Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, spread throughout the day, to maintain a balance of water in your mouth and body.
Avoid stimulant drinks: Cut back on caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, which can exacerbate dehydration.
Indoor Humidity Management: Creating a Healthy Breathing Environment
Use a humidifier: Use a humidifier during the dry season to increase indoor humidity and reduce the feeling of heat in the respiratory tract.
Suitable indoor plants: Take care of plants that help regulate indoor humidity, such as spider plants or peace lilies.
Daily dietary modification: Promote the body's internal balance
Yin-nourishing foods: Eat more pears, apples, honey and other foods that can nourish the lungs.
Avoid overheated or spicy foods: Cut back on spicy, fried and smoked foods that may worsen dry mouth.
Relaxation exercises: Strengthen lung function
Gentle exercise, such as walking, tai chi or yoga, can help strengthen lung function and improve breathing.
Breathing Xi: Perform deep breathing exercises, such as abdominal breathing, Xi to promote gas exchange and reduce dry cough.
Proper rest: Give your body plenty of time to recover
Get enough sleep: Get at least 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night to help your body recover naturally and boost your immunity.
Avoid excessive fatigue: Arrange work and rest time reasonably to avoid long-term mental tension and physical exertion.