COPD – Breathe Freely with An Herbal Aid
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is the combination of three pulmonary diseases – Emphysema, Non-reversible Asthma, & Chronic Bronchitis
- Symptoms of this include chest congestion, cough, sneezing etc.
- Genetic, smoking habit, chemical & fumes are few causes behind this problem
- Few home remedies, diet tips and lifestyle changes can heal this from the root.
Overview
Unending coughing and sneezing problem have made many people’s life woeful. Sometimes, they do not get the reason behind it. People often confuse it with the severe cold and cough. Gradually, it goes out of control and then people take it seriously. Yes, here we are talking about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD. In this article, we will give a detailed information about this disease to keep you updated.
In this article, we will take you through below-mentioned topics:
- WHAT IS CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE?
- FACTS & FIGURES OF COPD
- CAUSES OF COPD
- SYMPTOMS OF COPD
- WHO ARE AT HIGHER RISK OF COPD?
- COMPLICATIONS RELATED TO COPD
- HOW TO PREVENT COPD?
- HOW TO IDENTIFY THE COPD
- NATURAL TREATMENT FOR COPD
- HOW UNANI CAN HELP
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What is COPD?
If we go by definition, then we can see that it is nothing but the combination of few pulmonary diseases, such as non-reversible asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. So, let us take you to each disease separately.
Non-reversible Asthma – In this case, medication improving asthma problem cannot help to reduce this disease. While we have an asthma attack, we can notice the inflammation in bronchial airways and they also get tightened up. But after taking medicines, the inflammation goes away. In case of non-reversible asthma, the medicines healing asthma just don’t work.
Emphysema – When air sacs of our lungs get damaged, then it is called emphysema.
Chronic Bronchitis – In the case of chronic bronchitis, airways get swollen and thus, they get narrowed causing problems such as phlegm and sputum.
Causes of COPD
There might be different reasons for this problem. But, the major reasons are:
- Heredity
- Smoking habit
- Non-ventilated home
- Breathing fumes from cooking or heating
Symptoms of COPD
We can find different symptoms, which are prominent:
- Shortness of breathing
- Tightness in chest
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Chronic cough
Who are at Higher Risk of COPD
If people already suffering from asthma, then they can get the attack of this disease. Those who get exposed to fumes from burning fuel, dust and chemicals can get this kind of problem.
Complications related to COPD
If not treated on time, this lung problem can lead to further complications such as pneumonia, sepsis, lung infections, and even lung failure. Other life-threatening complications due to exacerbation include lung cancer, high blood pressure in the lung arteries, heart problem and so on.
How to Prevent COPD
If you take certain preventive measures, you can avoid developing this disease:
What to Do | What to Avoid |
---|---|
Keep your bedsheets and pillows clean | Leave smoking habit |
Keep your home clean | Avoid being a passive smoker |
Check your family history | Stop getting exposed to chemicals |
How to Identify COPD
Initially, the doctor will ask you whether you smoke or not and if you work somewhere which is exposed to harmful fumes and chemicals. Then, they will go for a test called spirometry. It will measure the capacity of your lungs which will give them an idea about how soon you can make your lungs empty.
Plus, certain blood tests and chest X-rays are done. You may have to undergo BMI test so that it can determine whether you’re underweight or overweight. Because overweight condition may aggravate this problem.
Natural Treatment for COPD
Home Remedies
Ginseng – It is helpful in relieving COPD problem.
Eucalyptus – After breaking down the phlegm and congestion, it treats COPD problem.
Turmeric – Due to the presence of curcumin in turmeric, it works as the anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant agent.
Oregano – Due to the presence of rosmarinic and carvacrol acid, it helps to relieve congestion.
Dietary Tips
Changing in your diet plan will help to heal this problem.
Foods to Eat | Foods to Avoid |
---|---|
fruits | excessive salt |
vegetables | cruciferous vegetables |
whole grains | cold cuts |
lean proteins | carbonated beverages |
Lifestyle Tips
Certain lifestyle hacks can improve the condition of the patients suffering from this problem:
- Use a humidifier wherever you stay
- Stay hydrated all the time
- Learn to relax whenever required
- Take rest when you have an infection
- Never become the victim of the active or passive smoking
Suggested Exercise/ Yoga Tips
Few exercises such as tai chi, walking, breathing exercise etc. can help improve this problem. But before going for any kind of exercise, you should consult your doctor.
Few yoga poses are good to heal this chronic disease:
- Standing Mountain Pose
- Standing Side Bend
- Seated Forward Bend
- Standing Back Bend
How Unani Can Help
In short, you must have understood that this problem does not go away automatically. To rid of this disease, you need to put an extra effort for COPD treatment so that you can breathe properly. If all those easy home remedies are not sufficient to remove this disease, you need to add one more herbal remedy to eradicate it completely. In that case, Hakeem Suleman Khan’s A Care can aid in removing this disease from the root. As it helps to heal chest congestion and bronchitis with no time.