Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is caused by damage to the lungs and airways tubes that carry air to and from the lungs.
This damage causes shortness of breath, and over time it becomes more difficult and difficult.
In the early stages, COPD also causes symptoms such as:
- pant
- tightness in the chest
- cough that creates mucus
- COPD can also result in a decrease in immunity to colds and infections.
As the disease progresses, you may have breathing problems, even with minimal activity.
You may also experience:
- lips or nails that turn blue or gray
- frequent respiratory infections
- episodes of worsening symptoms, known as frightened
The severity of COPD depends on the amount of lung damage. It is usually diagnosed in middle-aged and older adults, and is a major cause of disability.
The best natural remedies for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
In addition to seeking medical care, the following home remedies may be useful in treating COPD and its symptoms.
1. Avoiding smoking (smoke or steam)
Cigarette smoke exposes the lungs to irritation that causes physical harm. Because of this, smokers often develop COPD. Smoking is responsible for 8 out of every 10 deaths due to COPD.
Smoking is a major cause of COPD and most people who suffer from this disease smoke.
Smoking around children, along with exposure to other air pollutants, can slow the development and growth of their lungs. This could also make them more susceptible to chronic lung disease in old age.
Many smokers turn to smoke-free e-cigarettes. The market sells them as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes. But this is not the case, e cigarettes can increase the risk.
When you quit smoking, you will experience fewer complications than COPD.
Studies consistently show that smokers who quit smoking slow down the progress of COPD and increase their quality of life.
2. Stay active
Because COPD causes shortness of breath, it can be difficult to stay active. Increasing fitness levels can actually help symptoms like shortness of breath.
But exercises such as walking, running and cycling can be challenging with COPD. One study found that water-based exercises, such as walking in water and swimming, are easier with COPD and can improve fitness and quality of life.
Other studies on alternative forms of exercise have suggested that yoga and tai chi may also be useful for people with COPD by improving lung function and exercise tolerance.
3. Maintaining a healthy weight
Maintaining an adequate body weight is important for people with COPD.
If you are overweight
When you have considerable excess weight, your heart and lungs need to work harder. This can make it difficult to breathe. It also makes you more likely to have other conditions that exacerbate COPD like:
- sleep apnea
- diabetes
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
If you have COPD and are overweight, see a doctor or nutritionist.
You can lose weight as follows:
- Reduce the total number of calories you eat.
- eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and less fatty meat
- cutting junk food, alcohol and sugary drinks
- Increasing your daily activity
If you are malnourished
In contrast, studies have shown that people who are malnourished have a higher risk of dying from COPD than those who are normal or overweight. The reasons for this are not entirely clear. Researchers believe this is probably due to a number of factors, such as:
- less muscle strength
- exacerbation of lung disease
- poor functioning of the immune system
- more frequent occurring inflammation
People with significant COPD burn up to 10 times more calories than a person who doesn’t. This is because the work of breathing is difficult.
If you have COPD and are malnourished, it can be difficult for you to eat enough. You should see a doctor or nutritionist if you need help gaining weight. You can try:
- extra shakes for extra calories
- more caloric foods and drinks such as peanuts, whole milk, ice cream, puddings and creams
- change your COPD treatment plan to facilitate breathing
- Eat more often during the day
4. Stress management
Health is more than physical well-being. It is also associated with mental tendernessanjem.
Challenges of coping with chronic diseases like COPD often cause people to experience negative emotions like stress, depression and anxiety.
In addition, research shows that these feelings can negatively affect a person’s ability to manage their condition, overall health and quality of life. For people with COPD, stress, anxiety and panic attacks can be particularly dangerous.
A panic attack disrupts the breathing of otherwise healthy people. If you have COPD, you may have exacerbated breathing difficulties in the event of a panic attack. This leads to increased use of medications and more frequent trips to the hospital.
There are ways to reduce stress and anxiety levels at home. This includes massages and practicing meditation or yoga.
If your stress is too strong for you to manage on your own, seek professional help. Talking to a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other certified mental health counselor can help you identify stressors and learn how to best deal with them.
Prescription medications can be useful to you when used with other stress management techniques, so it’s important to talk to your doctor.
5. Breathing exercises
Research shows that breathing exercises can help people with COPD by reducing halitosis, improving quality of life and reducing fatigue.
The two main types of breathing techniques recommended for people with COPD are lip and diaphragm breathing. They help people who suffer from COPD without having to struggle to breathe.
7. Dietary supplements
A meta-analysis of several studies has shown that people with severe COPD often have low levels of vitamin D. Studies suggest that vitamin D supplements can reduce respiratory infections and reduce the appearance of COPD.
Other common supplements recommended for people with COPD include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids. This supplement may have beneficial anti-inflammatory effects.
- Essential amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Amino acids such as L-carnitine can improve cognitive function, quality of life and muscle strength, especially in those who are overweight.
- Antioxidant vitamins. Antioxidant supplementation with vitamins A, C and E has been proven in studies to improve lung function in people with COPD, especially in combination with omega-3.
If you are considering adding dietary supplements, it is important that you talk to your doctor first. Many supplements can be incompatible with certain medications and health conditions and interfere with them.
Buy supplements of omega-3 fatty acids, L-carnitine, vitamin A, vitamin C or vitamin E.
8. Essential oils
Many people with COPD turn to essential oils to help relieve symptoms. Research shows that myrtle, eucalyptus oil and orange oil can reduce airway inflammation.
Some studies have found that Zataria multiflora oil also reduces inflammation.
As with any supplement, ask your doctor before using essential oils.
9. Herbal remedies
Some will also find relief with herbal remedies.
Curcumin, an antioxidant in turmeric, has a healing effect. Moderate amounts of curcumin lead to a decrease in airway inflammation.
Ginseng is another plant that advertises itself for its ability to improve the symptoms of COPD. Many studies have studied the effect of ginger on COPD, especially the Asian ginseng variety.
Herbal remedies should be used as an adjunct to other COPD treatments, rather than as a substitute for traditional methods like medications. As with supplements, you should contact your doctor before trying any herbal remedy.
Lifestyle change treats COPD symptoms
There is currently no cure for COPD and respiratory and lung damage cannot be repaired.
However, people can feel better, stay more active and slow the progression of the disease with consistent treatment and lifestyle changes.
Talk to your doctor to see which methods might be best for you.