Many factors can cause immune system to deteriorate and some of them include poor diet, insufficient sleep, lack of exercise and stress. You are right about the link between poor immune system and the risk of illness. Undeniably, individuals with poor immunity are prone to infections and this will cause distress and affect usual routines.

Vitamin C is the most popular vitamin among the common nutrients for immune system function and many people are taking it as their daily supplement. Besides promoting resistance to infection, vitamin C also protects lung function and acts as an antioxidant, preventing free radicals attack. You may opt for a vitamin C supplement in non-acidic form which is available in the pharmacies. Non-acidic vitamin C does not irritate stomach lining and thus, it is very suitable for individuals with gastric problems. A sustained-release vitamin C is beneficial to ensure a steady vitamin C supply all day long.

Proper nutrition, physical activity, sufficient sleep and stress management is the key to good immune health. Build up on roughage and antioxidants. Good sources include green vegetables, citrus fruits, legumes and whole grains. Last but not least, stay physically active. Daily exercise allows one’s tension to dissipate and you can start off with brisk walking.

A cough is usually initiated to clear a build-up of phlegm in the trachea. Frequent or chronic coughing could indicate the presence of a disease. Therefore, it is important for your husband to identify the underlying causes of his chronic coughing.

 

In the case of a bacterial infection, the phlegm brought out may be greenish, grey, or brown. Thus, a sputum examination may be useful. The doctor may even observe the sputum microscopically for the presence of bacteria and white blood cells. Chest X-rays may help indicate the presence and extent of such infections.

 

Herbs like adhatoda may help to promote the coughing up of phlegm (expectoration) from the respiratory tract and relieve coughing. Adhatoda has anti-allergy and anti-microbial properties, which is beneficial for respiratory diseases. Marshmallow and ribwort are added for synergistic effects to reduce inflammation, aid in respiratory congestion and soothe mucous membranes.

 

Allicin supplementation is also recommended as it has remarkable antibiotic properties and potential to assist the immune system in a number of important ways, including stimulating cells, killing pathogens and detoxifying carcinogens. Allicin is able to penetrate the cell walls of microorganisms, and upset their biochemical balance and impede their activity.

 

Drink lots of fluids - water, broth and juices - to help thin the mucus. All forms of sugar interfere with the ability of white blood cells to destroy bacteria. As such, avoid taking this group of foods in particular while having the attack.

 

Lifestyle modifications are also necessary to boost the immune functions. Inhaling steam from hot water suffused with a few drops of peppermint oil can clear clogged sinuses and the respiratory passage and minimise bronchial spasms. Smoking should be avoided too. He should manage his stress wisely as it can also suppress the immune system.

Asthma is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing. During an asthma attack, the lining of the bronchial tubes swells, causing the airways to narrow and reducing the flow of air into and out of the lungs. These episodes may be triggered by both hereditary and environmental factors.

Certain foods and allergens such as dust mites, animal danders and pollen may trigger asthma. Therefore, it is important to minimize contact and avoid these allergens namely dust mites in your son’s condition. For this reason, wash sheets, blankets and pillows frequently and at the same time, keep your pet out of the house and bedroom. He can still take part in normal school activities but do avoid long term strenuous physical activities that may trigger flare-ups.

Your child is encouraged to take wholesome and well-balanced meals. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C, vitamin B12, vitamin B6 and antioxidants as well as omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids intake has been shown to improve airway responsiveness to allergens, respiratory and lung functions.

On the other hand, as a traditional herb, adhatoda helps to protect against histamine-induced bronchospasm and promote the coughing up of phlegm from the respiratory tract. Albizzia has anti-allergy and anti-microbial properties. The combination of these herbs with marshmallow and ribwort aids in respiratory congestion and soothe mucous membranes.

Pharyngitis, commonly known as sore throat is the inflammation of the pharynx. An individual who has sore throat most often will also experience fever, runny nose, pain when swallowing, phlegm and muscle aches. Virus and bacterial infection are common causes of sore throat. Other factors include food allergy, environmental irritants and tobacco use.

Try to reduce the intake of sugar and saturated fat, which hinder the body's immune system to work at its' optimum potency and makes the body vulnerable to infections and allergies. On the other hand, fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains provide phytonutrients that help in the elimination of harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi by boosting the immune system. Drink at least eight glasses of water daily.

You may consider taking 275mg to 415mg of Echinacea daily when you experience the first sign of sore throat or common cold during your travel. Echinacea is found to relieve symptoms and severity of upper respiratory tract infections by boosting the body’s immune system. Among the 9 different species of Echinacea, Echinacea purpurea is believed to be the most potent, with immuno-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties. Allicin is another substance of value. Allicin, the organic compound found in garlic, possesses remarkable antibiotic properties which help to ward off infections caused virus or bacteria.

Last but not least, proper food intake, sufficient sleep and regular physical activity are important as they help restore and revitalise the body to ward off sickness.