The impact of functional food on the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases

Globally, diseases of the lung are one of the main causes of death, and conventional therapies are often ineffective in dealing with this serious medical and sociological problem. Since ancient times, medicinal plants have been used in the treatment of respiratory tract diseases. Such plants show antitussive, muscle relaxing, bronchi dilation or cillary movement effects. Their usefulness has been confirmed by modern and current research. A medicinal plant that is also a functional food can open new areas in the prevention and treatment of respiratory tract diseases. In this review, information about the influence of functional food on preventing and treating asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) and high-altitude sickness are presented.