What is Resha?
Resha is a Hindi word that refers to mucus or phlegm produced in the respiratory tract. It is a sticky, slimy substance that is produced naturally by the body to trap dirt, germs and other foreign particles to prevent them from entering the lungs. However, when produced in excess, resha can cause congestion and discomfort. The English equivalent of the word resha is mucus or phlegm.
Composition of Resha
Resha or mucus is composed primarily of water, proteins, antibodies and inorganic salts. The key components include:
- Water - constitutes around 95% of mucus
- Glycoproteins - proteins bound to carbohydrate compounds
- Immunoglobulins - antibodies that protect against infection
- Inorganic salts
- Small amounts of lipids, enzymes, antimicrobial compounds etc.
The composition of mucus varies depending on the part of the respiratory tract where it is produced. Mucus produced in the nasal cavity is thinner and more watery, while mucus in the lungs is thick and more viscous.
Functions of Resha or Mucus
Resha or mucus has several crucial functions in the human body:
- Traps dust, bacteria, viruses and other foreign particles entering the nose and lungs
- Humidifies the air that enters the respiratory tract
- Prevents tissues from drying out
- Contains antibodies and antimicrobial compounds that fight infections
- Lubricates the respiratory tract
- Transports dirt and contaminants out of the lungs through ciliary action
Therefore, resha is an important protective mechanism that maintains the health of the delicate respiratory tissues. However, excess production can lead to congestion and breathing difficulties.
Causes of Excess Resha or Mucus Production
While a small amount of mucus production is normal, excessive amounts can occur due to:
Infections
Infections due to bacteria, viruses, or fungi can stimulate the hypersecretion of mucus from cells lining the respiratory tract. Some examples include:
- Common cold
- Flu
- Sinusitis
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Tuberculosis
The increased mucus production helps trap and expel the infectious pathogens from the body.
Allergies
Allergic reactions to pollen, dust mites, pet dander or other allergens can also trigger excess mucus secretion. Allergens cause the release of inflammatory chemicals like histamine that stimulate mucus glands.
Irritants
Inhalation of chemical irritants present in cigarette smoke, air pollution, workplace chemicals etc. can directly irritate the mucosal membranes causing increased mucus secretion. This helps protect the irritated tissues.
Other Causes
- Lung diseases like asthma, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis
- Polyps or growths in the nasal cavity
- Exposure to very dry or cold air
- Deviation of the nasal septum
- Pregnancy hormone changes
- Vasomotor rhinitis
- Side effect of certain medications
Identifying and treating the underlying cause is important for managing excessive mucus production.
Symptoms of Excess Resha or Mucus
Excess production of resha can lead to the following symptoms:
Rhinitis
- Runny nose
- Nasal stuffiness
- Post-nasal drip of mucus down the throat
- Frequent need to blow the nose
- Reduced sense of smell
Cough and Congestion
- Wet, productive cough with phlegm
- Chest congestion
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing sounds while breathing
- Feeling of mucus in the throat or dripping down from sinuses
Other Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Bad breath
- Loss of appetite
- Disturbed sleep due to coughing
Consult a doctor if mucus production is accompanied by severe symptoms like high fever, blood in mucus, breathing difficulties, facial pain etc.
Diagnosis of Excess Resha or Mucus
To diagnose the cause of excess mucus production, the doctor may:
- Take a detailed medical history and ask about symptoms
- Conduct a physical examination of nose, throat and lungs
- Order laboratory tests on blood or mucus samples
- Perform imaging tests like X-ray or CT scan of sinuses or chest
- Conduct endoscopic examination of nasal passages or larynx
- Order allergy testing through skin or blood tests
- Perform laryngoscopy to visualize vocal cords
- Measure lung function with spirometry
This helps identify any infections, allergies, irritants, underlying conditions or anatomical factors contributing to increased mucus production.
Treatment for Excess Resha or Mucus
Treatment aims at reducing mucus production and clearing excess mucus from the respiratory tract. This may include:
1. Addressing the Underlying Cause
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Antihistamines and decongestants for allergies
- Steroids to reduce inflammation in conditions like asthma
- Nasal steroid sprays for chronic rhinitis
- Surgery to remove nasal polyps or correct deviated septum
2. Thinning Mucus
- Steam inhalation
- Warm fluids like herbal tea, soup, water
- Hydration
- Mucolytics drugs like Guaifenesin
- Chest physiotherapy
3. Clearing Mucus
- Coughing and blowing nose (但 do not overdo it)
- Nasal irrigation with saline solution
- Use of expectorants
- Chest physiotherapy
- Humidifier to liquefy mucus
4. Soothing Remedies
- Gargling with warm salt water
- Sipping herbal tea
- Using nasal saline drops
- Ginger, pepper, honey for symptom relief
- Taking OTC pain medications
Prevention involves avoiding triggers like smoke, allergens, infections and staying hydrated.
Complications of Excess Resha or Mucus
If excess mucus production is not managed properly, it can lead to complications like:
- Recurring acute infections like sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia
- Chronic lung infections
- Airway obstruction
- Atelectasis - lung collapse
- Plugging of the Eustachian tube leading to ear infections
- Poor oxygen circulation due to lung congestion
- Breathing difficulties
- Lung damage
Therefore, prompt treatment is needed to clear excess mucus, manage its production and prevent complications.
Key Points
- Resha refers to mucus produced by the respiratory system in Hindi.
- Mucus traps germs, humidifies air, lubricates tissues and transports contaminants out.
- Excess mucus is caused by infections, allergies, lung diseases, irritants etc.
- It leads to symptoms like cough, congestion, runny nose, post-nasal drip.
- Diagnosis involves testing for infections, allergies, anatomical factors.
- Treatment aims to reduce mucus production and clear excess amounts.
- Complications like infections, airway obstruction can occur if mucus is not cleared.
- Prevention involves avoiding triggers and staying hydrated.
Conclusion
To summarize, resha refers to the normal mucus lining of the respiratory tract that can become problematic when produced in excess due to certain triggers. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause along with thinning, clearing and soothing remedies can provide relief from symptoms. Maintaining good respiratory hygiene and preventing complications is key.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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