Symptoms and Treatment of Emphysema
Emphysema belongs to a class of diseases called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD's) that affects over 11 million people in the U.S. The most common causes of emphysema are smoking and pollution, although a hereditary alpha 1 anti-trypsin deficiency can also cause emphysema.Emphysema is a severe lung disease where the alveoli or air sacs are narrowed or damaged. Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, and constant tiredness, although these could also be a precursor to heart disease. The progression of the disease is slow and often painful. Sufferers of emphysema often succumb to unrelated bacterial lung infections very easily, which can be fatal.
Emphysema Diagnosis
When emphysema symptoms are first observed, it is recommended to consult your physician for diagnosis. To test for emphysema, the physician usually uses a spirometer to measure lung capacity. The device can also show if the disease is obstructive, due to a disruption of the air flow, or restrictive, due to decreased air flow. An additional sputum test can be carried out to analyze matter that is hawked up to the mouth from the lungs.Treatment of emphysema
The treatment of emphysema depends mainly upon the symptoms and their severity. Other considerations are the progression of the disease, age, physical fitness, and possible allergies or reactions to medication. In very advanced stages of the disease, all that can be done is to provide treatment for the emphysema symptoms, and pain relief. More proactive treatments designed to reverse the condition should begin with giving up smoking. Exercise is necessary and possibly oxygen supplementation too, depending on the severity of emphysema symptoms. Oral medicines as well as bronchodilators are also sometimes prescribed in the treatment of emphysema.Natural remedy and treatments for emphysema
Glucosamine and glucosamine sulphate are said to be beneficial in the treatment of emphysema symptoms. Thyme has been used with positive results, due to its anti-microbial and antiseptic properties. Thyme can both loosen mucous and minimize spasms. It also soothes sore throats and irritating coughs, two of the most common emphysema symptoms. Mullein soothes the inflammation and is a used as a pain killer in the natural treatment of emphysema.Prevention is always better than cure, and the most important step in prevention is to stop smoking.
Prescriptions by Dr. Balch
