Respiratory diseases are problematic and in certain cases can be a cause for concern. The proper functioning of your respiratory system is imperative for the proper functioning of all your bodily functions as any impairment could disrupt or restrict the supply of oxygen to the various bodily cells. The respiratory system comprises a number of organs like the lungs, bronchial tube, trachea and the respiratory tracts among others. Diseases that afflict any of these organs, impairing the respiratory function are referred to as respiratory diseases. There are a variety of such diseases and they vary both in severity and incidence. The common cold is possibly the most well known of all diseases and is in fact a mild respiratory disease. On the other hand there are diseases like bacterial pneumonia that can be life threatening. Asthma, bronchitis, sleep apnea and tuberculosis are just a few of the other well known respiratory diseases.

With the large number and varying types of respiratory diseases the symptoms may vary depending on the disease. Here are the common symptoms of respiratory disease.
• Shortness of breath is an obvious and noticeable symptom of respiratory disease. This symptom will generally be visible after any activity like exercise but in severe cases may even occur while resting.
• Coughing with or without sputum or a cough with blood.
• Wheezing
• Chest Pain
• A diminished appetite and loss of weight.

Respiratory diseases may arise or worsen due to a number of factors like:
• Respiratory infections; viral or bacterial,
• Environmental factors; exposure to and inhalation of toxic agents or pollutants,
• Lifestyle factors such as smoking,
• Genetic factors may also be a cause for respiratory disease.

Treatment and cures for respiratory diseases will depend on the nature and severity of the disease. Milder conditions can be treated effectively at home using natural home remedies and herbal therapies. These treatments however may not suffice for more serious conditions, but they can act as relievers and aids to conventional treatment.
• Salt water gargles are the most effective and popular remedy for colds and coughs the wild over for the simple reason that it is the most simple remedy, with the most accessible and inexpensive ingredients, despite which it is so effective.
• Honey is another valuable natural product useful for treating certain respiratory infections, particularly in combination with ginger, which is one of the most potent herbs. A mixture of ginger juice with some honey is an extremely powerful remedy for mild respiratory diseases.
• Fluid intake is an important factor in the recovery process, and without adequate fluids recovery will be hampered. Make sure you consume adequate amounts of water. Fruit juices and fruits with a high water content would also be a good addition to your diet.