How to Stop Wheezing: 9 Home Remedies

Home Remedies for Wheezing

1. Try Drinking Warm Liquids

Drinking warm liquids, such as tea or soup, may help wheezing by breaking up stubborn mucus, according to VeryWellHealth. Additionally, warm liquids can also help keep you hydrated, which can help thin mucus, according to Healthline.

2. Keep the Air Moist With a Humidifier

Using a cool mist humidifier in your home can help to add moisture to the air, which can help to reduce wheezing, according to Healthline. They note that dry air can irritate your airways, which can lead to mucus production and wheezing.

3. Use an Air Purifier

Air purifiers can help to remove allergens and irritants from the air, which can help to reduce wheezing, according to Healthline. They note that you should make sure to choose an air purifier with a HEPA filter—these filters are known to effectively remove particles from the air.

4. Try “Pursed Lip” Breathing

Pursed lip breathing is a breathing technique that involves breathing in slowly through your nose and exhaling slowly through pursed lips. Healthline notes that this breathing technique can help breathe deeper and more effectively. To do this technique, Healthline notes that you should inhale slowly through your nose for two seconds, then pucker your lips (like you’re going to whistle) and slowly exhale for a count of four.

5. Exercise Indoors if you Have Allergies

Exercising indoors can help to reduce wheezing that is caused by cold air or allergens, according to Healthline. This is especially helpful for people who have asthma, or allergies—or who are living in an area with lots of pollution or smoke in the air.

6. Get Adequate Amounts of Vitamins C, D, and E

Vitamins C, D, and E can help to reduce inflammation in your airways and improve your lung function, according to VeryWellHealth. They note that you should make sure to talk to your doctor before adding any vitamins or herbal supplements to your routine—especially if you already take prescription medications.

7. Use Over-the-Counter Antihistamines and Cough Drops

Over-the-counter antihistamines and cough drops can help to reduce wheezing caused by allergies or a cold, according to VeryWellHealth. You can find these items at most retail pharmacies or grocery stores. Be sure to follow the label instructions carefully, to avoid overuse.

8. Avoid Environmental Triggers like Cold Air, Allergens, and Smoke

Cold air, smoke, pollution, and high amounts of pollen in the air may trigger wheezing for some people. Avoiding these triggers can help keep your wheezing symptoms to a minimum. Keeping the windows of your home closed, vacuuming and dusting often, and wearing a mask if you need to be outdoors are a few ways Healthline notes that you can avoid these triggers. Additionally, Healthline notes that you should avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke if you are prone to wheezing.

9. Inhale Steam

Inhaling steam can help to loosen mucus in your airways and reduce wheezing, according to WebMD. They recommend that you sit in the bathroom with a hot shower running and the door closed for a few minutes.

When to See a Doctor

Wheezing can be a sign of a serious health condition, in some cases. Healthline notes that you should see medical attention if you have wheezing along with any of the following symptoms:

• Bluish tint to the skin
• Chest pain
• Rapid breathing
• Feeling like you can’t catch your breath
• Headache
• Dizziness

Additionally, young children should always be checked out by a doctor if they are wheezing, according to Healthline.

Summary of How to Manage Wheezing

Wheezing can be caused by:

• Respiratory viruses
• Pneumonia
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Some medical conditions like COPD and emphysema

There are a few things you can do at home that may help ease wheezing symptoms, including:

• Drinking warm liquids
• Keeping the air moist with a cool-mist humidifier
• Keeping allergens to a minimum with an air purifier
• Avoiding environment triggers
• Exercising indoors if you have allergies
• Antihistamines and cough drops
• Getting adequate amounts of vitamins D, C, and E
• Inhaling steam
• “Pursed lip” breathing exercises

If you are experiencing wheezing with any of the following symptoms, should should be checked out by a doctor right away:

• Bluish tint to the skin
• Chest pain
• Rapid breathing
• Feeling like you can’t catch your breath
• Headache
• Dizziness