Can Vicks Hurt Your Lungs
Long-term misuse of petroleum-based oils like Vicks VapoRub can cause a rare form of pneumonia called exogenous lipoid pneumonia when applied to the nose or nostrils.
Though uncommon, ELP has occurred in patients who have used mineral oil or petroleum-based lubricants and decongestants, like petroleum jelly , Vicks VapoRub, and lip gloss, frequently and over a long period of time.
Symptoms of ELP can include:
- cough
- chest pain
- fever
When applying Vicks VapoRub, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions and apply it to your chest or throat. Dont apply VapoRub to the nose or nostrils or near the mouth.
Disrupted Sleep Difficulty Exercising And Some Other Signs Can Indicate You Might Have Asthma
Along with its short-term symptoms, asthma can cause other problems or disruptions.
Because symptoms often become worse at night, asthma can disrupt sleep or cause insomnia. Poor sleep, along with daytime asthma symptoms, can make it hard to complete work or school tasks, as well as day-to-day chores.
Asthma can make exercise challenging or impossible, which may put you at risk for a host of other medical problems.
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Over time, if asthma is not properly treated or controlled with medication, it can cause airway remodeling, when the airways become scarred or permanently deformed. This can make breathing and treatment even more difficult.
Asthma is also associated with a greater risk for anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. If you see patterns of any of these problems or complications, its important to talk to your doctor to get to the root cause of the problem.
And remember, asthma symptoms do not look the same in everyone. Each person with asthma is unique and so are their symptoms, Dinakar says.
In some people with asthma, symptoms are very mild and seldom show up. In others, symptoms may be severe but situational, for example, after running hard or while going to bed. In others, symptoms are always around and may make everyday life difficult.
With additional reporting by Quinn Phillips and Markham Heid.
What Does Putting Vicks On Your Feet Do
Some people claim that putting Vicks VapoRub on your feet can help with cold symptoms. However, there isnt any scientific evidence to support this theory. The manufacturers guidelines say to apply the product to your chest.
Menthol and camphor, two of the active ingredients in VapoRub, may help soothe your muscles by acting as a topic anesthetic, according to the NIH. Applying Vicks to your feet may help soothe sore muscles.
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Healing Rough Skin On Your Heels
The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends petroleum jelly as a moisturizer, especially when used on damp skin, because it keeps moisture from evaporating.
That may explain why some people have found Vicks VapoRub helpful for healing rough skin on the feet and heels.
But more research is needed to support the anecdotal claims about its usefulness as a treatment for dry, calloused skin on the feet.
Home Remedies For Asthma
Vicks VapoRub is banned in America as it is declared not good for health it can create Asthma, TB etc. It is declared as Toxic by WHO. VapoRub is currently manufactured and packaged in India and Mexico. In Germany it is sold under the name WICK VapoRub. Actual price of Vicks is 60-70Rs per Kg but it is sold at the rate of Rs 1600/Kg we were told by our asthmatic sons pediatrician that Vicks is not good for some people with asthma, something with the menthol that aggravates the lining of the lungs and makes them cough even more, At least that held true with our son and my sister who became asthmatic late in life so I live by that rule I think I would be afraid to even try this to be honest, Maybe with just a person.
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What To Eat And Not Eat
What to Avoid
These are all well-known triggers of inflammation and problematic for arthritis suffers. Cut out or cut back each week:
- Red meat
Put these foods on your next shopping list!
- Omega-3 fatty acids from cold-water fish, such as salmon and tuna
- Brazil nuts and Sunflower Seeds which have S-adenosyl-methionine, a chemical shown to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties
- Dark green leafy vegetables high in vitamin K which helps body inflamation and antioxidants, such as broccoli, kale, and spinach.
- Vegetables rich in glutathione including broccoli, asparagus, cabbage, cauliflower, potatoes, tomatoes and purslane. Fruits with healthy amounts include avocados, grapefruit, oranges, peaches and watermelon.
- Canola and olive oil. Similar to fish, olive oil is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Pure olive oil also contains oleocanthal, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Garlic and onions which help keep inflammation at bay.
- Red kidney beans and pinto beans are excellent sources of fiber and phytonutrients, which may help reduce inflammation.
- Celery, which has two dozen antiinflammatory compounds
- Rosemary , which has antioxidants that help prevent aging in cells
Do you have any tips or tricks that help your arthritis? Let us know below!
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Is It Ok To Use Vicks Vaporub With Covid
Products containing menthol are not recommended for people with COVID-19. Menthol can trigger receptors in your brain that make you feel as though youre breathing more clearly than you are and can lead you to underestimate the severity of your symptoms. This may result in delaying necessary medical treatment.
If youre experiencing trouble breathing due to a SARS-CoV-2 infection, its best to talk with a doctor about treatment options. Do not use off-label medications for treating an infection with the coronavirus.
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Try Deep Belly Breathing
Best for: Wheezing because of anxiety
Deep belly breathing can help you train your diaphragm, the muscle that sits below your lungs, to take on more of the work of breathing. This can help take some of the pressure off of constricted bronchial tubes that cause wheezing.
You can try deep belly breathing by following these steps:
Breathing exercises can help control shortness of breath and normalize your breathing pattern when you are wheezing, says Ryan Thomas, MD, a pediatric pulmonologist and professor at Michigan State University.
But it does not usually treat the underlying cause, unless anxiety is a trigger for asthma, Thomas says. For some people, feeling anxious can cause rapid breathing called hyperventilating, which can worsen symptoms of asthma. Deep belly breathing may be especially helpful for people with anxiety-triggered asthma to slow their breathing.
What Medications Can Help With Asthma
Asthma attacks, airway inflammation, and other issues can be controlled or prevented in many cases. Certain medications can be taken every day, like inhaled corticosteroids and leukotriene modifiers. These can help a child live more easily with their asthma and live a more active life. Of course, rescue inhalers will help too, and can be vital for a child.
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Does Vicks Vaporub Really Help With Congestion
Vicks has been a staple in many households for over a century, but the idea behind the product goes back much further than that. When you’re stuffed up and have to lay down to sleep, you’re likely not choosey about products that promise to alleviate your suffering. Enter: Vicks VapoRub.
First made for a pharmacist’s son in North Carolina at the turn of the 20th Century, this salve has proven benefits, and some that stem from anecdotal evidence. According to Healthline, the mentholated rub has three active ingredients that do most of the work: eucalyptus oil, menthol, and camphor. These work together to make you feel as if you can breathe easier. However, the outlet reports that Vicks doesn’t so much work as a decongestant as opposed to creating a sensation that’s similar to a placebo effect. Apparently, the scent generates a “cooling” feeling that soothes the nasal passages triggering the brain to respond as if they are less clogged. Tricky, right?
That said, Healthline notes that Vicks actually can help with coughing rather than just your brain’s reaction. The National Institute of Health dubs all three of Vicks’ active ingredients as cough suppressants, so it’s definitely worth a shot if you’re suffering from a cold. However, you shouldn’t use the salve for chronic, long-standing issues only as a periodic aid to congestion and coughs.
What Is Cat Flu
Cat flu is similar to a humans version of a cold. You may see your cat have a runny nose, sneeze, or some aches and pains. It is not regarded as a serious concern for adult cats. But, to their owner, they will appear to be quite ill and cause concern.
If your cat shows some cold symptoms you may be wondering if it has cat flu. The best thing to do is to consult your vet if you have any doubt about it before you try and remedy the problem.
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Lung Conditions Community Forum
Hi everyone,
Last time I saw the practice nurse for spirometry she said that asthmatics shouldn’t use Vapour rubs like Vicks on their chestif they have a cold. At the time I didn’t think to ask why, but now I have a cold and am a bit wheezy as a result. I have always found vapour rubs useful to put on at night. Could anyone tell me if they have heard this too and why it is not a good idea?
The ability to reply to this post has been turned off.
On a serious note it is poss the fumes could irritate the lining of the lungs,,,on a lighter note,,it does wonders for me when i rub it into my wifes chest,,,however wearing a mask at the time does seem like a little bit kinky,,, have a great easter….
As id2409 says – the vapour could irrate your airways and lead to a flare up of your asthma – so not advised at all – and that goes for all lung conditions – and anything with a strong vapour.
Surely, if you’ve used it lots of times and found it helpful, that must mean it doesn’t irritate your particular airways? It’s a bit like the fact that lots of asthmatics can’t take ibuprofen or other NSAIDs, but others like me never have a problem with them.
But have you tried a steam inhaler instead? Probably more effective than Vick’s
Auntymary xx
How Do Steam Inhalers Work
The majority of steam inhalers work the same way.
Cold water is poured into a chamber, and the device is plugged into a power outlet. After a couple of minutes, the water heats to boiling and produces steam. The steam is then inhaled through a mouthpiece.
Notably, there are a few steam inhalers on todays market that turn water into vapour without boiling it first. This reduces your chance of an inadvertent steam burn.
To find the perfect steam inhaler for your needs, consider the following.
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What To Do If You Start Developing Cancer After Using Vicks Vapor Rubs
The first step is to get your doctor or another health care professional to check you out. If you have cancer, you need to be as healthy as possible so that your cancer cant spread. You also need to follow all of the NHS instructions on how to prevent cancer. The NHS recommends that people do the following:
-Exercise regularly. Not only does exercise help keep your body healthy, but it also helps to prevent cancer.
-Avoid smoking. Smoking can increase your risk of many types of cancer, including leukaemia and lung cancer.
-Eat a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources, low fat dairy products, nuts/seeds/salt etc., as well as vitamins C and E for good health overall.If you develop cancer after using Vicks Vapor rubs, you need to stop using them and go see a doctor or other health care professional who can help you manage your disease. If it is not too late for you, there are some steps that you can take in order to reduce your risk of developing cancer as a result of using these products.
Vicks Vaporub As An Insect Repellent
This ones a weird one, because honestly, who can say what insects think about Vaporub?
Some people insist that Vaporub repels insects like nothing else, whereas others say it just doesnt work.
Theres no evidence to suggest that this works at the moment, and we may have to wait until some magical person can speak to creepy crawlies and find out their feelings about Vaporub before well know for sure either way.
Now, where did my English to Ant-ish dictionary go?
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Menthol Irritates The Membranes Of The Mucus Lining And Airways Which Cause A Stinging Sensation
- If you rub your eyes with Vicks after having a cold, it causes the mucus linings of your eyes to become thick and sticky.
- This thick mucus builds up in your eyes and leads to painful eye rubbing and puffiness. Because of the pungent smell, it can also cause people to cough and sneeze, again adding to your discomfort.
- Those who use Vicks on a regular basis often complain about nasal drainage, especially when they are constantly on the go.
- The nasal spray tends to create a smothering effect in which the mucus becomes stagnant in your throat and nasal passages.
- As it is so concentrated, once you put it in your mouth and then expel it, you may not get as much of it out as you did when you first inhaled it. You are likely to have less colds and allergy symptoms, but they may come back once you quit using it.
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Careful Use Of Vicks Vaporub
Vicks VapoRub is an over-the-counter product that has been in use for a long time. This may make it seem like it has minimal risks. But there are some serious warnings about this product you should pay attention to.
- It contains a poisonous ingredient: Vicks VapoRub is made of camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. Camphor is poisonous when swallowed. It can cause seizures, coma, or death. This is true even for small amounts. It may also cause harm when too much is inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
- It’s not for small children: The Vicks VapoRub packaging clearly states it shouldn’t be used on children under 2 years of age. This is true for any part of the body. Many people ignore this warning.
- It shouldn’t be put under the nose: In adults and children older than 2, the product should only be used on the chest.
Putting Vicks VapoRub under the nose can lead to respiratory distress or difficulty breathing. This has been proven through studies and real-world incidents.
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Does Menthol Help Your Lungs
When inhaled, menthol can reduce airway pain and irritation from cigarette smoke and suppress coughing, giving smokers the illusion of breathing more easily. However, despite what some marketing messages may seem to suggest, menthol cigarettes offer no health benefits compared to non-menthol cigarettes.
A Study Completed By The University Of Texas Health Science Center Found That Vicks Was Most Effective When Used During The First Fifteen Minutes Of Inhalation
Using a control group, the scientists found that the amount of mucus produced during this time was similar to that produced during exercise. During this time, it increases the effectiveness of the airway by making it easier for food, gas, and other particles to get through the airway, while reducing the inflammation of the airway.
For chronic sufferers of sleep apnea, a decrease in airway inflammation may lead to a reduction in the need for non-intrusive treatments and a potential for a full recovery. Mucus plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy airway by keeping it moist throughout the night. Smoking has been known to dramatically increase the amount of mucus a person produces. By using a vapor or two, it is possible to significantly reduce the amount of smoke a person breathes into their lungs during the night. For many people who suffer from sleep apnea, Vicks Vaporub may be the most effective non-invasive treatment on the market.
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Why Is Asthma Keeping Me Awake
Its common for asthma symptoms to come on at night, but you shouldnt have to put up with them. Night-time asthma symptoms are a sign that your asthma isnt well controlled, and you may be at risk of an asthma attack.
If your symptoms come on early in the morning, it could be a sign your asthma has been difficult through the night, even if you werent aware of it.
Here are some reasons why your symptoms may come on at night:
There is also evidence to suggest that a lack of sleep can make your asthma symptoms worse. If youre struggling with sleep and its affecting your asthma, speak to your GP or asthma nurse.