(NaturalNews) More than one in three Americans suffer from one of the four most common respiratory conditions. Respiratory problems can be caused by a number of factors, including viral and bacterial infections, pollution, smoking, poor quality diet, food toxins and allergies, a stressful and inactive lifestyle, and overuse of antibiotics.

Since breathing is a fundamental requirement to not only life itself, but also a good quality of life, it is important to know what causes the most common respiratory conditions.

Hay fever

Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes that may be seasonal or chronic. Typical symptoms include mucous discharge, sneezing, nasal congestion, and itching of the eyes, nose, or throat.

Hay fever results from an antibody-type immune response following exposure to an allergen like pollen, dust, pet dander, mold spores, medication, certain foods, and even fragrances. It can cause hives, eczema, digestive disorders, breathing difficulties, swelling, headaches, and even chronic fatigue syndrome.

Hay fever is simply a disorder of the immune system. In the same way the immune system is activated by a virus or bacteria, it interprets a grain of pollen or a dust particle as an intruder. This causes a weakened immune system to create an overreaction.

Asthma

Asthma is most often a chronic condition in which the smooth muscles that surround the smaller air passages into the lungs go into spasms, narrowing the bronchial passageways and making it very difficult for air to flow in and out of the lungs, as excessive mucus membrane secretions block the bronchioles.

Asthma will usually present itself through an asthma attack. It normally begins with an unproductive cough, followed by an increased difficulty in breathing.

Many allergic and environmental agents can cause asthma attacks, including pollen, dust, mold, pet dander, feathers, textiles, detergents, pollution, and smoke. Wheat, milk, and eggs are the most likely foods to cause an attack, along with food additives and preservatives. Again, a weakened immune system is largely to blame.

Pneumonia

Defined as severe inflammation of the lungs, pneumonia is the leading infectious cause of death in children worldwide, accounting for 15% of all deaths of children under 5 years old. Pneumonia is caused by a number of infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Symptoms include chest pain, coughing, difficulty breathing, fever, and shaking or chills.

Pneumonia is most common during the winter months and is usually seen in immune compromised individuals. Those with chronic lung diseases, debilitating illnesses, and those who use immunosuppressive drugs are especially vulnerable.

Although antibiotics are a common solution and have reduced fatality rates for pneumonia, their use has expanded the range of pathogens responsible for the disease and created other chronic health conditions. For a more natural in-home solution, try the Antibiotic Tonic first (noted at end of article).

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the sinus cavities. It can be acute (sinus infection) or chronic, which is when inflammation persists and may involve a low-grade infection with occasional flare-ups. Chronic symptoms include constant postnasal drip, head congestion, headaches or facial pain, fatigue, diminished sense of smell, and nasal drainage.

Many external and internal triggers can cause sinus inflammation and infection. External dangers include tobacco smoke, cold viruses, dry air, cold air, and air pollutants. Internal factors include food allergies and sensitivities, GERD, dental infections, structural problems (like a deviated septum), emotional stress, and immunodeficiency.

The overuse of antibiotics, as well as the consumption of processed foods, has also created an epidemic of Candida albicans, which is a key antagonist and promoter of chronic sinusitis.

To strengthen your immune system and keep these respiratory conditions at bay, read Bullet Proof Your Immune System, and make the Antibiotic Tonic Recipe. Use it on a daily basis, especially during the winter months.

Sources:

http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com

http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com

http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com

http://truthwiki.org/Garlic

http://truthwiki.org/Oregano

Trivieri, Larry. Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide. Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts, 2002. Print.

http://www.who.int

About the author:
Derek Henry took a deadly health challenge that conventional medicine couldn't solve and self-directed a one-in-a-million health journey that found him happier and healthier than he had been in his entire life. As a result of this rewarding journey, he now spends his time writing, coaching, and educating thousands of people each month who want to enjoy similar results under their own direction.

Find out how you can reverse disease and thrive with a holistic approach.