Natural herbal & homeopathic remedies for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
HEALTH HERBS & NUTRITION - REMEDIES - CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)

· General Description · Symptoms · Causes · Herbal & Homeopathic Remedies · Helpful Dietary Habits · Dos and Don'ts

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease in which the lungs are damaged, making it hard to breathe. In COPD, the airways—the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs—are partly obstructed, making it difficult to get air in and out. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of COPD. Most people with COPD are smokers or former smokers. Breathing in other kinds of lung irritants, like pollution, dust, or chemicals, over a long period of time may also cause or contribute to COPD. The airways branch out like an upside-down tree, and at the end of each branch are many small, balloon-like air sacs called alveoli. In healthy people, each airway is clear and open. The air sacs are small and dainty, and both the airways and air sacs are elastic and springy. When you breathe in, each air sac fills up with air like a small balloon; when you breathe out, the balloon deflates, and the air goes out. In COPD, the airways and air sacs lose their shape and become floppy. Less air gets in and less air goes out because: The airways and air sacs lose their elasticity (like an old rubber band). The walls between many of the air sacs are destroyed. The walls of the airways become thick and inflamed (swollen). Cells in the airways make more mucus (sputum) than usual, which tends to clog the airways.

COPD

The illustration show the respiratory system and cross-sections of healthy alveoli and alveoli with COPD.

COPD can result from chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. Chronic bronchitis is defined as a constant cough and excessive mucus production that lasts for at least three months for more than two consecutive years. In chronic bronchitis, the linings of the bronchial tubes are inflamed and thickened, leading to an increase in the number and size of mucus-producing cells. This in turn contributes to cough and difficulty getting air in and out of the lungs. Emphysema is characterized by damage to the lungs, which causes them to lose their elasticity, forming pockets of dead air called bullae. In emphysema, the alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs) are damaged, also leading to shortness of breath. In the emphysema type of COPD, the walls between many of the air sacs are destroyed, leading to a few large air sacs instead of many tiny ones. Consequently, the lung looks like a sponge with many large bubbles or holes in it, instead of a sponge with very tiny holes. The large air sacs have less surface area for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide than healthy air sacs. Poor exchange of the oxygen and carbon dioxide causes shortness of breath. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are generally caused by prolonged use of tobacco. Although chronic bronchitis and emphysema are distinct conditions, smokers and former smokers often have aspects of both. Long time cigarette smoking can deplete levels of an enzyme called alpha-1 anti-trypsin. Normal levels of alpha-1 anti-trypsin help protect the lungs from damage. There is a less common form of emphysema that can occur in non-smokers. It is caused by an inherited deficiency of this enzyme

Most people with COPD have both chronic bronchitis and emphysema.   COPD develops slowly, and it may be many years before you notice symptoms like feeling short of breath. Most of the time, COPD is diagnosed in middle-aged or older people.   COPD is a major cause of death and illness, and it is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and throughout the world.   There is no cure for COPD. The damage to your airways and lungs cannot be reversed, but there are things you can do to feel better and slow the damage.   COPD is not contagious—you cannot catch it from someone else.

How the Lungs Work The lungs provide a very large surface area (the size of a football field) for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the body and the environment. A slice of normal lung looks like a pink sponge filled with tiny bubbles or holes. These bubbles, surrounded by a fine network of tiny blood vessels, give the lungs a large surface to exchange oxygen (into the blood where it is carried throughout the body) and carbon dioxide (out of the blood). This process is called gas exchange. Healthy lungs do this very well. Here is how normal breathing works: You breathe in air through your nose and mouth. The air travels down through your windpipe (trachea) then through large and small tubes in your lungs called bronchial tubes. The larger tubes are bronchi, and the smaller tubes are bronchioles. Sometimes the word "airways" is used to refer to the various tubes or passages that air must travel through from the nose and mouth into the lungs. The airways in your lungs look something like an upside-down tree with many branches. At the ends of the small bronchial tubes, there are groups of tiny air sacs called alveoli. The air sacs have very thin walls, and small blood vessels called capillaries run in the walls. Oxygen passes from the air sacs into the blood in these small blood vessels. At the same time, carbon dioxide passes from the blood into the air sacs. Carbon dioxide, a normal byproduct of the body's metabolism, must be removed.

The airways and air sacs in the lung are normally elastic—that is, they try to spring back to their original shape after being stretched or filled with air, just the way a new rubber band or balloon would. This elastic quality helps retain the normal structure of the lung and helps to move the air quickly in and out. In COPD, much of the elastic quality is gone, and the airways and air sacs no longer bounce back to their original shape. This means that the airways collapse, like a floppy hose, and the air sacs tend to stay inflated. The floppy airways obstruct the airflow out of the lungs, leading to an abnormal increase in the lungs' size. In addition, the airways may become inflamed and thickened, and mucus-producing cells produce more mucus, further contributing to the difficulty of getting air out of the lungs.

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Symptoms of COPD develop gradually and may initially include: Ongoing cough, often with phlegm that may be hard to "bring up" Sputum (mucus) production Shortness of breath during exertion Wheezing (a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe), especially when exhaling Chest tightness In more advanced stages, people may experience: Rapid changes in the ability to breathe Shortness of breath even at rest Excessive mucus production and impaired ability to eliminate mucus Progressive difficulty exhaling Wheezing Recurrent respiratory infections Decreased exercise tolerance, including walking upstairs or carrying small packages Fatigue Depression Memory problems Confusion Frequent waking during sleep The severity of the symptoms depends on how much of the lung has been destroyed. If you continue to smoke, the lung destruction is faster than if you stop smoking.

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Smoking Is the Most Common Cause of COPD Most cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) develop after repeatedly breathing in fumes and other things that irritate and damage the lungs and airways. Cigarette smoking is the most common irritant that causes COPD. Pipe, cigar, and other types of tobacco smoke can also cause COPD, especially if the smoke is inhaled. Breathing in other fumes and dusts over a long period of time may also cause COPD. The lungs and airways are highly sensitive to these irritants. They cause the airways to become inflamed and narrowed, and they destroy the elastic fibers that allow the lung to stretch and then return to its resting shape. This makes breathing air in and out of the lungs more difficult.

Other things that may irritate the lungs and contribute to COPD include: Working around certain kinds of chemicals and breathing in the fumes for many years, e.g. work exposure to toxic chemicals such as silica or cadmium Working in a dusty area over many years Heavy exposure to air pollution like industrial smoke, excessive dust, or other air pollutants (for example, miners, furnace workers, and grain farmers) Being around secondhand smoke (smoke in the air from other people smoking cigarettes) also plays a role in an individual developing COPD. A person who has had frequent and severe lung infections, especially during childhood, may have a greater chance of developing lung damage that can lead to COPD.

Genes Tiny bits of information in your body cells passed on by your parents—may play a role in developing COPD. In rare cases, COPD is caused by a gene-related disorder called alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency. Alpha 1 antitrypsin (an-te-TRIP-sin) is a protein in your blood that inactivates destructive proteins. People with antitrypsin deficiency have low levels of alpha 1 antitrypsin; the imbalance of proteins leads to the destruction of the lungs and COPD. If people with this condition smoke, the disease progresses more rapidly.

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There is currently no cure for COPD, although there are various treatment options that can help reduce symptoms and prevent complications. The first step in COPD treatment is to quit smoking and learning to avoid lung irritants which can worsen the condition. In addition to quitting smoking, medications to help breathing such as bronchodilators, anticholinergic drugs, or corticosteroids may be prescribed. In some cases, where COPD is severe, supplementary oxygen may be beneficial. Oxygen is provided from an oxygen cylinder or concentrator and administered through oxygen mask or nasal tubing. Lastly, some cases of COPD can benefit from surgery where some of the damaged tissue is removed, allowing the healthy tissue to work better. One of the common symptoms of COPD is the build up of excessive chest mucus and for this there are a number of homeopathic remedies that can help. Kali mur is one such ingredient and it is well known for its beneficial affects of the respiratory system and its ability to ease wet coughs. Similarly, Kali sulph is excellent at naturally treating phlegm coughs and sinus congestions, as well as reducing inflammation of the mucous membranes. Kali bich also works on soothing irritated mucous membranes, especially in the lungs, and helps loosen thick chest mucus.

Kali phos. (D6) is a biochemic tissue salt that is often called ‘nature’s pacifier’. It has a relaxing effect on the nerves and throughout the body and helps to support healthy breathing Nat sulph. (D6) is a biochemic tissue salt that is classically used as a natural bronchial tonic and helps to soothe the respiratory tract Astragalus membranaceus is a tonic herb that has been confirmed by clinical research to be effective in strengthening immune system functioning. It also has antispasmodic and antibacterial properties. Arsen alb. (C6) is often used to prevent bronchospasm caused by cold air and in the early morning. Phosphorus (C6) is used homeopathically to treat and prevent respiratory problems linked to anxiety. Hypoxis Rooperi (extract of African Potato): Hypoxis contains phytosterols and sterolins, which help to modulate the effect of the immune system. Research has shown the beneficial effect of plant sterols and sterolins on the immune system. Research done on a group of volunteers demonstrated a significant increase in the number of T-cells, which are involved in enhancing immunity. Agothosma betulina (Buchu): This is a urinary antiseptic and possesses diuretic properties. Buchu has been used by the natives of the Western Cape of South Africa for many centuries and assists the body to rid itself of toxins by stimulating the secretion of retained water. Solidago virgaurea: This herb helps the body in its ability to routinely regulate mucus and has been used traditionally by herbalists for centuries as a tonic remedy to strengthen the natural protective ability of the body to fight infection. Crataegus oxycanthoides: This herb is highly respected as a tonic to support healthy circulation. Studies have demonstrated the ability of Crataegus to positively assist with cardiological indications utilizing active flavonoids in the herb producing simultaneous cardiotropic and vasodilatory action, thus dilating blood vessels for improved circulation. Schizandra sinesis: This herb is a powerful native ingredient from China. Schizandra is also used to assist the body in its capacity to regulate and maintain healthy energy levels and to routinely protect against toxins and cell damage. It is effective in helping the body to perform its natural function of regeneration of damaged liver tissue, while promoting improved overall regulation of physiological processes. Astralagus membranaceus: This is another potent Chinese remedy, also called 'huang qi', and has a variety of benefits as a convalescent and rejuvenating tonic.

Diet Some evidence suggests that poor nutrition, particularly deficiencies in antioxidants and certain minerals including vitamins A, C, and E, potassium, magnesium, selenium, and zinc is associated with having COPD and, possibly, with worsened lung function. Such nutrients can be obtained from an adequate daily intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. Malnutrition is common in people with COPD and may further compromise lung function and the overall health of those with this disease. However, evidence of malnutrition may occur despite adequate dietary intake of nutrients. Researchers have found that increasing dietary carbohydrates increases carbon dioxide production, which leads to reduced exercise tolerance and increased breathlessness in people with COPD. On the other hand, men with a higher intake of fruit (which is high in carbohydrates) over a 25-year period were at lower risk of developing lung diseases. People with COPD should therefore consider eliminating most sources of refined sugars, but not fruits, from their diet. Eat a little and often As COPD progresses and there is more obstruction to airflow, the lungs enlarge with trapped air. These enlarged lungs push down into the abdomen, leaving less room for the stomach to expand. Hence, six small meals will make you feel better than three large ones. It is best to go for foods, high in caloric value, but small in volume, like foods rich in proteins. Just remember that prolonged digestion draws blood and oxygen to the stomach and away from other parts of the body, which may need them more. Bromelain Although not studied in people with COPD specifically, brome lain (a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes found in pineapples [Ananas comosus]) can help reduce cough and diminish mucus production from a respiratory infection. In theory, therefore, it may be able to do the same if you have chronic bronchitis. A supplement of brome lain may be necessary in your case as fresh pineapple, which is rich in brome lain, could be allergic to some people.

Magnesium Magnesium deficiency may be associated with an increased risk of developing emphysema and other lung diseases. Many prescription drugs commonly taken by people with COPD have been linked to magnesium deficiency. Rich sources of magnesium include tofu, legumes, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, wheat bran, beans, Brazil nuts, soybean flour, almonds, cashews, blackstrap molasses, pumpkin and squash seeds, pine nuts, and black walnuts. Other good dietary sources of this mineral include peanuts, whole wheat flour, meats, fish, oat flour, beet greens, spinach, pistachio nuts, shredded wheat, bran cereals, oatmeal, bananas, and baked potatoes (with skin), chocolate, cocoa powder, dill weed and agar seaweed. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Some experts believe that dietary and supplemental forms of omega-3 fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) found in walnuts and flaxseeds, may prove helpful as part of your treatment for COPD. Gamma-linolenic acid is found in evening primrose oil, black currant seed oil, and borage oil; alpha-linolenic acid is found in flaxseed oil and other oils. Try and eat foods rich an omega-3 fatty acids (such as cold-water fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts). Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and limiting foods with omega-6 fatty acids (found, for example, in egg yolks, meats, and cooking oils including corn, safflower, and cottonseed,) may reduce allergy symptoms in general. This is because omega-3 fatty acids tend to decrease inflammation while omega-6 fatty acids (other than GLA) tend to increase inflammation. Vitamin C According to some clinicians, taking vitamin C supplements is "safe and reasonable" if you have COPD, especially if you continue to smoke. In fact, just increasing the amount of fruit you eat by one or two servings per week may help improve lung function. Since vitamin C is not produced by the body, it must be obtained from fruits and vegetables. Some rich sources of vitamin C are oranges, green peppers, watermelon, Rose Hips, papaya, parsley, grapefruit, cantaloupe, strawberries, kiwi, mango, broccoli, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, currants, cabbage, and citrus juices or juices fortified with Vitamin C. Raw and cooked leafy greens (turnip greens, spinach), red and green peppers, canned and fresh tomatoes, sweet and white potatoes, winter squash, Acerola Berries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries and pineapple are also rich sources of Vitamin C.