COPD is the term used to describe progressive lung disorders that reduce airflow. Globally, COPD is mainly characterized by Emphysema or Chronic Bronchitis. COPD is estimated to have caused 5% of deaths worldwide in 2015.
COPD is primarily caused by smoking or exposure to tobacco. Until recently, COPD was more common in men. However, this is changing rapidly due to the increased prevalence of smoking in both genders, pollution, and other respiratory hazards.
Signs & Symptoms of COPD
Early signs of COPD may not be conclusive and do not appear until significant damage has occurred. Degenerative changes progress over time and become more severe, especially if triggering factors remain persistent.
Symptoms Include
- Breathlessness during exertion
- Cough that persists
- Chronic fatigue, lack of energy
- Chest tightness
- Heavy breathing or wheezing
- Mucus or phlegm is produced in large quantities
- Increased respiratory infections
- Unexpected weight loss
- Bluish appearance of lips or nail beds
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms regularly, it is important to seek medical advice. COPD can be difficult to reverse once the disease has progressed. Early detection of COPD is crucial for successful rehabilitation. Spirometry measures lung function and can detect COPD when someone has breathing problems.
Treatment Options For COPD
COPD can be controlled by eliminating the triggers, such as smoking, exposure to tobacco smoke, chemicals, and allergens. The conventional medicines are COPD treatment which only helps with the symptoms.
- Bronchodilators are a class of drugs that help to breathe by relaxing the muscles in the bronchioles and bronchi.
- Corticosteroids are steroids that reduce inflammation in the airways.
- Antibiotics are drugs that fight infections caused by bacteria and viruses.
- Beta-agonists are medicines that relax the airway muscles, allowing for easier breathing.
- Oxygen Therapy: Extra oxygen to aid breathing, perfuse your organs, and improve your quality of living
The medications do relieve symptoms, but they have a number of side effects that make their long-term use counterproductive. These drugs are not able to cure COPD.
On the other side, research is ongoing on natural ingredients. Herbs, homeopathic components, and other natural substances have been reported to possess versatile properties which may improve lung function, reduce flare-ups, and increase breathing capability.
The following natural ingredients are recommended for improving respiratory health
- Eucalyptus Oil
- Ginseng
- Echinacea purpurea
- Ginger
- Adhatoda vasica
- Curcuma longa
- Ephedra vulgaris
- Asarum heterothropoides
- Acorus gramineus Soland
- Lung Sarcodes
- Homeopathic combinations such as Calc phos and Kali Mur.
- Vitamin D
- N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
This list does not include all the herbs that are found in nature. These are just a few of the many herbs that have been used for centuries by people to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Biogetica is a firm believer in the healing power of nature and prefers natural products over synthetic ones that can do more harm than benefit. Biogetica blends indigenous herbs such as the ones listed above with other ingredients to create synergistic blends that promote lung function and respiratory health. For more information on these natural products or our health protocols, as well as expert advice regarding any health-related concerns, you can consult our doctors 24/7 by visiting www.biogetica.com.