NOVEMBER BLOG

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)

“Almost 15 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD.  An estimated 12 million Americans may have the disease but have not been officially diagnosed by a physician.”

What is COPD?

As you breathe, oxygen travels through tubes or airways in your lungs to tiny air sacs or alveoli.  In healthy lungs, during normal breathing, airways are open and oxygen is able to enter and exit the air sacs.  COPD creates problems getting oxygen through the airways and air sacs.

COPD creates two (2) lung problems:

• "Chronic bronchitis" is created by inflammation of the airways which causes increased mucus and coughing.  Bronchitis is considered chronic if you experience coughing and excess mucus production most days during three months in a year, for two years in a row.
• "Emphysema" is usually associated with long term damage of the air sacs and/or collapse of the smallest breathing tubes in the lungs. 

How COPD affects the Lungs

What causes COPD?   80% to 90% of COPD cases are caused by cigarette smoking!  My mom smoked from the age of 14 to her death at 78 years of age.   I begged her to stop as I saw how the disease destroyed patients during my time as an EMS worker.  She said it was ‘too hard’ because she had ‘been smoking so long’. 

Smoking inflames the linings of the airways in the lungs, which leads to the loss of the elasticity of the lungs.   There are other contributors towards COPD such as air pollution, secondhand smoke, occupational dust or chemicals.   Heredity also plays a role.  Researchers also suspect that other genetic factors that contribute towards some smokers being predisposed to the disease.  

Signs & Symptoms of COPD

During the early phase of the disease, common signs and symptoms include coughing producing mucus, shortness of breath or dyspnea and fatigue.   If you're experiencing signs or symptoms of COPD, quick diagnosis helps your healthcare provider plan a start in managing the disease.   As the disease progresses, it's extremely important to keep your healthcare provider apprised of your symptoms

Signs and symptoms of COPD can vary and include:

• Shortness of breath or "dyspnea" a feeling of breathing harder but the feel of running out of air
• Persistent (chronic) cough
• Coughing up mucus/phlegm
• Difficult or labored breathing with or without physical activity or resting
• Wheezing (air attempting to flow through narrow or constricted airways)
• More frequent colds or flu
• Fatigue/tiredness
• Weight loss
• Morning headaches caused by decreased breathing during sleep, causing less oxygen into the lungs and a build of carbon dioxide in the blood.

Avoiding Triggers

• Quit smoking - If you haven't done so already, quit smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke is one of the most important steps you can take to help your COPD.
• Keep your home clean and free from excess dust and removing mold and mildew from bathrooms and sinks.
• Use your cooking vent so cooking fumes can be drawn out of your home.
• Avoid air pollution - If air pollution levels are high, stay inside.
• Help prevent serious health risks with flu and/or pneumonia vaccines which aid in helping protect from getting these illnesses
• Avoid large crowds during the fall and winter when flu season is at its peak.
• Wash your hands often
• Try to avoid cold air which triggers bronchospasms and shortness of breath.

If you are diagnosed with COPD, your healthcare provider can prescribe medications, dietary changes and exercises.   that can help.

Treatment Options

Short-Acting Rescue Inhalers – or “quick-relief inhalers,” open the airways in the lungs when symptoms suddenly get worse.  It is very important to always have your rescue inhaler with you or close by in case of an emergency, so friends, family and EMS providers can attempt immediate medical intervention. 

COPD Daily Medications – Most daily COPD medications last 12 to 24 hours and taken once or twice a day to aid in keeping the airways open.  It is important to maintain your daily medication regimen. 

OXYGEN THERAPY –The function of the lungs is to get oxygen to your blood.  When this function can’t be done effectively, you may be prescribed oxygen therapy.  This therapy helps to raise the oxygen level in the blood helping people with COPD to live longer.   

HERBAL REMEDIES

• HAS a blend of Brigham Tea, Marshmallow root, Burdock root, Parsley, Cayenne pepper, Goldenseal root, Elecampane root, Rosemary leaf and the Cleavers plant, a blend long used as a traditional treatment for asthma, hay fever and the common cold - providing a stimulant free natural herbal remedy.
• Elecampane and Marshmallow root helps rid mucus that congests your head and throat.
• Goldenseal root and other herbs help your body kill invading bacteria.

• Reishi Mushrooms have anti-inflammatory, tumor inhibiting and immune boosting properties. 
• Cell power utilizes a natural process in which the sun energizes a blend of beets, grapes, and pure vegetable protein. This dietary supplement is a superfood which allows the body to re-establish its natural balance of healing and wellness.  Cell Power^® is unique because it can benefit all four (4) steps to healing. 

The five areas where Cell Power^® helps more than any other supplement:

1. Improves assimilation and absorption of all nutrients and supplements
2. Balances pH faster than any other supplement on the market
3. Boosts immune system response
4. Supports vital oxygenation at the cellular level
5. Speeds healing inside and out

Before trying any supplement of herbal remedy, consult your medical professional if you have any medical problems.

• https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/copd
• https://positivepowernutrition.com/products/cell-power/
• https://www.copd.com/about-copd/?bing=e_&rotation=71700000016014825&banner=58700001627989173&kw=12969560631&cc=493BF1FBF0D9&pid=43700012969560631
• https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/oxt/