Do you have trouble breathing throughout the day? Does your chest feel heavy and you keep coughing incessantly? Chances are you have contracted COPD. Now, do not panic, for COPD too can be treated at home. Read on to know more about COPD and the remedies that can help you treat it at home.
COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a term used for a number of lung disorders in which the respiratory system is permanently damaged. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common types of COPD disorders (1). Other disorders include cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and asthma. These are all problems that make it hard for patients to breathe properly. In conventional medicine, there is one solution that is used for the treatment of disorders that are related to COPD, and that is the usage of steroidal inhalers. However, the problem is that steroids can increase the risk of developing cancer when used for longer periods (2). They can also cause damage to normal tissues in the body.
The good news is that you can use natural remedies to treat COPD. They are a safe option that you may want to explore, after consulting with your health care provider. They are safe and do not have any harmful side effects, provided you take the proper dosage recommended by your physician.
When the lung tissue is damaged by external irritants, it causes COPD. Smoking is one of the main causes of this disease. This is because of the various chemicals and irritants that smokers inhale. These inhaled substances cause permanent damage to the airways in the lungs. COPD is also caused by exposure to second-hand smoke (3). Other common causes include repeated exposure to pollutants like exhaust smoke from automobiles, chemical fumes, and fine dust.
There are also other factors that contribute to COPD development. Age, genetics, the amount of cigarettes smoked, and how long one has been smoking, all these factors play a role in the severity of COPD.
There are a number of ways to prevent COPD (4). First of all, it is important to stop smoking if you are a smoker. You should avoid inhaling second-hand tobacco smoke as well. Secondly, make sure there are no air pollutants in your office and home environment. Thirdly, if you feel you are suffering from a respiratory infection, consult a physician immediately so that COPD can be detected as early as possible. This could prevent or change the progress and course of the disease. Your doctor will recommend spirometry, which is a test that is used to measure lung function and detect COPD in people who suffer from breathing problems.
The symptoms of COPD include the following:
The symptoms of this disease take a time to develop. This is why many people do not realize that they have COPD.
Although there is no cure for COPD, there are a few options available that can help in reducing the symptoms and preventing any complications that may arise. The most important step in treating the disease is to quit smoking cigarettes. You should also avoid irritants that affect the lungs as they can make your condition worse.
Your doctor may prescribe medications that include corticosteroids, bronchodilators or anti-cholinergic drugs. In very severe cases, you may also be prescribed supplementary oxygen. Oxygen is supplied through an oxygen concentrator or cylinder and administered to the patient with the help of a nasal tubing or mask.
In some cases, surgery is also recommended. Some of the tissue that is damaged is removed. Removal of this tissue benefits COPD patients as it helps the healthy tissue to function normally.
As you have just read, COPD does not yet have a cure. However, you can make changes in your lifestyle to manage the symptoms that you go through. Quitting smoking, avoiding exposure to pollutants and irritants and eating a healthy diet can help in treating the disease.
Many people are also trying out different home remedies to help them deal with COPD and its symptoms. These remedies are natural and safe, making them a better alternative to drugs prescribed by doctors. Here are the top remedies that you can use for the treatment of COPD:
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