subject: Alternative Emphysema Treatment - Emphysema Cure [print this page] Author: Daniel Richard Hopkins Author: Daniel Richard Hopkins
Emphysema is a long-term, progressive disease of the lung that primarily causes shortness of breath. In people with emphysema, the lung tissues necessary to support the physical shape and function of the lung are destroyed. It is included in a group of diseases called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD (pulmonary refers to the lungs). Emphysema is called an obstructive lung disease because the destruction of lung tissue around smaller airways, called bronchioles, makes these airways unable to hold their shape properly when you exhale. This group of diseases ranks as the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Unlike heart disease and other more common causes of death, the death rate for COPD appears to be rising. Cigarette Smoking is by far the most dangerous reason that people develop emphysema, and it is also the most preventable cause. Other risk factors include a deficiency of an enzyme called alpha-1-antitrypsin, air pollution, airway reactivity, heredity, male sex, and age. The importance ofcigarette smoking as a risk factor for developing emphysema cannot be overemphasized. Cigarette smoke contributes to this disease process in 2 ways. It destroys lung tissue, which is the cause of the obstruction, and it causes inflammation and irritation of airways that can cause the disease to get worse. Treatment of Emphysema Emphysema patients who quit smoking can expect some improvement in their symptoms as the inflammation of the airways subsides. Clearing of the airways, which would help a patient breathe better, may be aided by following these supportive measures: Stop smoking and avoid air pollution. Do exercises that strengthen the diaphragm and abdominal muscles to help in the breathing process. Clear the lungs of excess mucus by lying in special positions that help drainage. Build strength with a walking and exercise program. Use appropriate combinations of medicines, breathing aids and living patterns to make life more comfortable. Avoid irritating inhalants such as dust, fumes and polluted air. Get a yearly influenza immunization. Avoid respiratory infections. This may mean frequent hand-washing and avoiding crowded spaces during times when colds and the flu are common. Avoid extremes of temperature and stay indoors when air pollution warnings are in effect. Maintain proper nutrition. Adhere to the instructions the doctor has given on the use of medications. Bronchodilator medications are usually taken as inhalers to open the airways. In severe cases, such as when the lungs no longer supply adequate oxygen to the body, the doctor may prescribe supplemental oxygen. For cases involving enzyme deficiency, alpha-1-antitrypsin (a new protein intravenous replacement therapy) may be used. Breathing patterns that improve symptoms are often discovered by the patient. Pursing the lips during exhalation (so as to keep the small airways from collapsing) and taking longer to exhale than to inhale may be useful. An essential aspect of treatment is exercise conditioning. Many patients who follow a regular, sustained exercise program will usually improve their exercise capability. This improvement helps them perform daily and other activities with less shortness of breath. Patients can use a stationary exercise bicycle, walk or ride a bicycle outdoors. Exercise can be increased gradually, both in distance and speed. This type of exercise program should be undertaken only after a doctor has evaluated the heart and lung function to determine the safe limits. Certain exercises with light weights can help to strengthen some of the respiratory muscles. In some cases, surgery may be helpful. Lung volume reduction surgery, in which the areas of lung most affected by emphysema are removed to help the healthy parts of the lung to function normally, may be helpful in some patients. Patients may also be able to receive a lung transplant. Emphysema cannot be cured, but contributing factors can be eliminated and its rate of progression can be slowed if it is detected early and smoking is stopped. With proper therapy, many patients can maintain part-time or full-time employment. The person suffering from emphysema must come to terms with the disease, but he or she may not have to give up as much of work, family, relationships or other pleasures of a full life, as is often feared. Alternative emphysema treatment is recommended by almost 15,000 European doctors is the self-administered oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy is the administration of oxygen as a therapeutic modality. Oxygen therapy benefits the patient by increasing the supply of oxygen to the lungs and thereby increasing the availability of oxygen to the body tissues. For more addition information how to alternatively and naturally treat Emphysema just follow click on the link below. Click Here About the Author:
Daniel Richard Hopkins a fitness and wellness speaker who is passionate for holistic health approach, and has dedicated his years to educate more people about fitness and health.
