Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from April 23rd
Breathing, something we take for granted until we are short of breath
Breathing, something we all do without a second thought. Inhale. Exhale. The rhythm of life.
But the truth is, we don’t often appreciate our breath… until it’s stolen from us by illness, fear, trauma, or time.
When the lungs struggle, everything slows. The body panics. The mind races.
Suddenly, each breath becomes a conscious effort, a negotiation between spirit and body, a plea to stay calm, to find space, to survive.
Shortness of breath isn’t just physical; it’s emotional, spiritual.
It can feel like life itself is pressing pause, holding you in a moment of vulnerability, reminding you just how sacred breath really is.
That’s why lung health isn’t just a medical issue, it’s a life issue, a soul issue.
And it deserves both the brilliance of science and the nurturing hands of nature.
- Yes, we need the medicines that open the airways when a crisis hits.
- Yes, we need the doctors, the oxygen tanks, the life-saving protocols.
But we also need the stillness of mindful breathwork, the soothing comfort of mullein tea, the gentle power of qigong, and the emotional healing that comes from being heard.
Let’s stop seeing lungs as just organs; they are our inner winds, the bellows of our life force.
When we care for them medically, holistically, and soulfully, we reclaim the grace of breath and the freedom it brings.
So, breathe in this truth: Every breath is a gift. And with every exhale, you have the power to heal.
Heart and Tree, we are like nature and follow the same path to breathe.
?? What is Croup?
Croup is a viral infection that affects young children (mostly under 5), causing swelling in the upper airways, particularly around the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea).
Key signs of croup:
- A barking cough (like a seal)
- Hoarseness
- Stridor (a high-pitched wheeze when inhaling)
- Often worse at night or early morning
- Usually comes after a cold or mild fever
It’s contagious and usually caused by viruses like parainfluenza.
Treatment:
- Humidified air or steam can help
- Cool night air sometimes eases symptoms
- In more serious cases, a doctor might prescribe steroids to reduce swelling
? What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic (long-term) condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the lower airways in the lungs. Asthma can kill and is still doing so today.
Key symptoms:
- Wheezing (especially when exhaling)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Coughing (often worse at night or early morning)
Asthma is triggered by things like allergies, exercise, cold air, stress, or infections.
Treatment:
- Inhalers (like Ventolin or corticosteroids)
- Long-term management plans
- Avoiding triggers
? So, are they alike?
They both involve breathing trouble but:
- Croup is a short-term illness, mainly in little ones, and affects the upper airway.
- Asthma is a chronic condition, can affect all ages and impacts the lower lungs.
Different roots, different treatments — but they both deserve attention when they show up.
let’s take a soulful stroll through the breath of life — the lungs — and talk not just about the conditions but how both modern medicine and holistic care dance together to bring healing and balance.
?? Common Lung Conditions (Beyond Croup & Asthma)
1. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
A progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. It includes:
- Emphysema: Damage to the air sacs (alveoli)
- Chronic bronchitis: Constant cough and mucus
Mostly caused by smoking, pollutants, or long-term exposure to irritants.
2. Pneumonia
An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus.
Causes: Bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
3. Pulmonary Fibrosis
The lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred, making it harder to breathe deeply.
Often idiopathic (unknown cause), but can also be linked to environmental exposures or autoimmune conditions.
4. Lung Cancer
The uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. One of the most serious lung diseases.
5. Bronchitis
The airways become abnormally widened, leading to build-up of mucus and recurrent infections.
? Medical Drugs: Lifesavers & Lifelong Companions
Modern medicine has its place — no doubt. When things are acute, severe, or life-threatening, it’s often the first responder.
Commonly prescribed lung medications:
- Bronchodilators: Open airways (e.g., Albuterol)
- Steroids: Reduce inflammation (e.g., Prednisone, Flovent)
- Antibiotics: For bacterial infections (e.g., for pneumonia)
- Antifibrotics: Slow progression in pulmonary fibrosis
- Oxygen therapy: When the lungs can’t bring in enough oxygen
Pros:
- Rapid relief
- Life-saving
- Clinically tested
Cons:
- Side effects (weight gain, immune suppression, anxiety)
- Long-term dependency
- May treat symptoms, not root causes
? Holistic and Natural Approaches: Supporting the Breath of Life
Holistic methods aim to support the whole person, body, mind, and spirit, and often work beautifully alongside medical treatments.
? Herbs and Supplements
- Mullein: Softens and soothes inflamed lung tissue
- Licorice Root: Reduces inflammation (caution: raises blood pressure if overused)
- Lobelia: A strong antispasmodic, clears mucus (used carefully)
- N-acetyl cysteine (NAC): Thins mucus, provides antioxidant support
? Breathwork & Mindfulness
- Buteyko breathing, Pranayama, and Box Breathing all help retrain breathing patterns and reduce stress.
- Meditation lowers inflammation and anxiety, both of which affect lung function.
???? Movement Therapies
- Qigong and Tai Chi: Enhance oxygen flow, reduce stress
- Gentle yoga: Opens up lung space and improves breathing rhythm
?? Anti-inflammatory Nutrition
- Foods rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and greens
- Avoiding dairy (which may increase mucus in some), processed foods, and sugar
- Hydration helps thin mucus and ease breathing
? Integration is the Key
The future isn’t either/or it’s both/and.
- Medicine manages and stabilizes
- Holistics nurture and support
- Together, they give people agency in their healing
You don’t have to choose between science and spirit, you can breathe both in and exhale wisdom.
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