Preventing Acute Respiratory Distress

A common respiratory problem is fluid in the lungs. This is called acute respiratory distress. This occurs when the lungs suddenly fill with fluid and inflammatory blood cells. This condition can have serious effects on the elderly, babies, and people suffering from chronic health conditions because they tend to have low immune systems. Long time exposure to cold damp air can cause acute respiratory distress. People who are at risk of getting acute respiratory distress must take caution in protecting their health during winter.

Prevention
Protecting Oneself At Home
The home is a place of protection and relaxation. However it can also provide the environment for putting a person at risk of developing acute respiratory distress. To prevent this problem from occurring in the home, one should:

Warm Dry Home: Air tight the home to keep out drafts. Keep the home warm and dry to prevent dampness.

Avoid Smoke Inhalation: Do not smoke and do not allow smoking in the home. Smoke contains chemicals that damage membrane in the lungs, allowing fluid to enter the lungs.

Household Cleaning Products: Do not use household cleaning products that contain chlorine, ammonia, nor nitrogen dioxide. Inhaling these chemicals can cause fluid to form in the lungs.

Nutrition
One way to prevent developing acute respiratory distress is to improve ones immune system. A weak immune system can allow this condition to develop easily. A person can build a strong immune system through proper nutrition.

Immune System Building Foods
Following are foods to eat on a daily basis to help boost the immune system:
Leafy dark green vegetables such as spinach, kale, collard greens, mustard greens, and turnip greens
Broccoli and mushrooms
Garlic
Blue Berries
Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruit
Bananas
Pineapples
Tomatoes
Peaches
Apples

Vitamin Supplements To Boost Immune System
Vitamin C ( found in citrus fruits and broccoli)
Zinc ( found in beef, turkey, beans, and oysters)
Magnesium
Calcium ( found in dairy products)
Vitamins E ( found in nuts, vegetable oils, and whole grain)
Bioflavonoids ( found in fruits and vegetables)
Selenium (found in chicken, whole grains, tuna, red snapper garlic, and egg yolk, brown rice, sunflower seed, shrimp, and even lobster)
Carotenoid (carrots and yams)
Omega-3 fatty acids ( found in nuts, salmon, tuna, mackerel, and flaxseed oil)

Clothes
When at home dress warmly as well as comfortably. Wear long pants and long sleeve shirts. Always wear socks. Wear shirts with turtle necks to keep the neck warm. When going outdoors, long johns should be worn for extra protection from the cold. Always wear a coat, scarf, and hat. Be sure to wear the scarf around the neck to the shin to keep the air from blowing in one's clothes.

Outdoor Activity
On damp, cold winter days limit the amount of time spent outdoors. Breathing the cold air can cause acute respiratory distress if one already has it. Instead of going for outdoor walks, go mall walking where the atmosphere is closed in and warm. Stay indoors and only go outdoors when necessary. When outdoors, be sure to dress warmly.

Acute respiratory distress is not a pleasant condition to have. However, with the proper attention and precaution a person can protect himself or herself from the condition.