Do you know all there is to know about emphysema? If you do not, it is time to learn more. This deadly autoimmune disease is fourth on the list of causes of death in the US. It is one among other diseases that fall under a group that is known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. The death rate caused by this group of diseases seems to be steadily rising, unlike heart disease and other causes of death that were more common in the past.

So, how can the horrible symptoms of emphysema be lessened? That is what this post talks about. Read on to know more.

What Is Emphysema?

Emphysema is a progressive and long-term lung disease that causes the air space in the lungs to become enlarged, so much so that it becomes abnormal (1). It occurs due to the death of tissues that maintain the function and shape of the lungs. When these tissues die, the airways collapse and the tissue that surrounds the alveoli sacs get destroyed (2). These sacs play a crucial role in making sure that blood in your body gets oxygen and when they are destroyed, it leads to hypoxemia. When you suffer from COPD like emphysema and chronic bronchitis, the pathways in your lungs degenerate over time and this further causes the airways to get obstructed. You will have difficulty breathing in and out and it can be followed by other health complications such as erythrocytosis, which causes a person to have abnormally high levels of red blood cells (3).

With emphysema, the lung’s anatomy gets altered in a number of ways. This is partly due to the destruction of tissue in the lung that surrounds smaller airways. Normally, these airways, known as bronchioles, are held by the tissue, which in turn allow air to leave the lungs when you exhale. When damage is caused to the tissue, the airways collapse and the air, or gases, get trapped in the alveoli sacs because air does not leave the lungs as it should.

When the lung is healthy, it resembles a new sponge. However, when it is affected by emphysema, it looks more like an old one that has been used for a long time, with large holes and no elasticity. During inhalation, the lung stretches and the stretched tissue naturally wants to return to its state of rest. With emphysema, the tissue’s ability to stretch gets impaired which results in trapped air in the lungs. The sponge-like tissue of the lung gets destroyed, and the capillaries and airways get severely affected as well. Therefore, it is not only airflow that is affected but blood flow as well. Emphysema impacts the lung’s ability to empty its alveoli and prevents blood from flowing properly through the lungs to provide it with oxygen.

What Are The Causes Of Emphysema?

COPD, like emphysema, is most commonly caused by long-term smoking (4). It is also the cause that is most preventable. Cigarette smoke contributes to emphysema in two ways. Firstly, it destroys tissue in the lungs that causes airways to get obstructed. Secondly, it causes irritation and inflammation to the airways that add to the obstruction of airflow. Apart from tobacco smoking, marijuana may also cause this disease.

Other causes of emphysema include:

• Exposure to air pollution, silica dust, coal, factory fumes, etc.
• In rare cases, inheritance of deficiency of Alpha-1 antitrypsin, which is a protein that gives protection to the lung’s elastic tissue
• Bronchial asthma

As mentioned earlier, people who smoke are at a higher risk of developing emphysema. Exposure to second-hand smoke also increases the risk of this disease. People who have a genetic predisposition to the disease may also be at risk. Emphysema is more common among men than women, possibly due to reasons that have to do with hormones, as well as among older people, as lung function declines naturally as people age (5).

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Emphysema?

The primary symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath. Other symptoms of emphysema include the following:

• Chromic cough, which typically occurs in the mornings
• Continuous mucous production
• Loss of appetite
• Chest pain or tightness
• Wheezing
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Breathing patterns that are abnormal
• Poor quality of sleep
• Inability to exercise or a reduced capacity for any form of physical activity

Symptoms of emphysema get worse as the disease progresses. The rate at which shortness of breath worsens mainly depends on whether a patient of this disease continues to smoke. As you know, lung function slowly declines with age and in emphysema patients, the loss of this function gets accelerated due to smoking. Predicting the progression rate of emphysema symptoms is difficult as not much is known about why this disease occurs and in whom.

The symptoms of this disease progress faster in some patients than others. It is believed that genetic factors may play a role in making some people more vulnerable to the disease. Genetics may also be the reason the symptoms progress more rapidly in some people. However, a majority of emphysema patients can expect the symptoms to progress slowly if they stop
smoking.

The signs of emphysema include the following:

• Barrel Chest: People who suffer from emphysema may have a ribcage that is abnormally large, particularly from front to back. This is due to the expansion of the lungs.
• Breathing Through Pursed Lips: Patients who suffer from severe emphysema may take to rapid breathing through pursed lips to make it easier to breathe.
• Clubbing: In an advanced stage of this disease, a patient’s fingertips may become rounded due to low levels of blood oxygen.
• Polycythemia: This is a condition in which a high amount of hemoglobin and red blood cells is produced by the body.
• Hypercarbia: Because emphysema patients have difficulty in exhaling carbon dioxide, high levels of this gas occur in the blood.
• Hypoxemia: Low levels of oxygen occur in the blood due to patients’ inability to breathe in oxygen properly.
• Cyanosis: In severe emphysema, patients suffer from lips that are bluish in color, which is caused by low levels of blood oxygen.
• Malnutrition: In the advanced stage of this disease, patients’ muscles waste away slowly.

Most signs develop only in the advanced stages of emphysema when the symptoms are highly severe.

How Is Emphysema Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of emphysema is based on results that are found when a physical examination is done. Several tests are recommended by doctors to help in diagnosing the disease. These tests include the following:

• Blood Tests: These may help in showing changes in the number of red blood cells that are present in the body as it works harder to try to obtain oxygen from the lungs.
• CT Scans Or Chest X-Rays: These help in the identification of changes to the lungs. CT scans help doctors decide whether lung surgery should be performed.
• Pulmonary Function Tests: These help in the assessment of lung function.

While a physical examination is carried out, a doctor will ask certain questions which include:

• The patient’s history and status of smoking
• Whether the patient experiences shortness of breath and for how long
• What factors worsen factors of breath
• Whether the patient suffers from cough and if sputum follows cough
• The medical history of the patient
• Whether there is a family history of lung disease

What Complications Can Follow Emphysema?

The possible complications of this disease include the following:

• Pneumothorax: This is also known as collapsed lung (6). For patients with severe emphysema, this can be fatal as their lungs have become so weak.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: This is blood pressure that is abnormally high in an emphysema patient’s lung arteries (7).
• Giant Bullae: This is when empty spaces, known as bullae, develop in the lungs. Giant bullae can often grow to half the size of the lung and can become infected. Patients with this complication are at a higher risk of developing pneumothorax (8).
• Cor Pulmonale: This is when a part of the heart expands and weakens. This occurs when there is increased pressure in the arteries that connect the heart and lungs (9).
• Recurring Infections: Infections like influenza, pneumonia, chest infections, common cold, etc. occur more often in emphysema patients.

Although lung damage that has been induced by emphysema cannot be reversed, slowing or even stopping the progression of this deadly disease is possible through certain treatments including medications, supplemental oxygen, inhalers and/or surgery. Giving up smoking is considered to be crucial to fighting this disease since it is the primary cause.

Natural remedies and lifestyle changes can slow down the progression of emphysema. More research is required to find out the effectiveness of natural or herbal remedies, but they are thought to benefit those who are afflicted by this disease. It is important to remember to consult a doctor before using any remedy for the treatment of emphysema, especially in cases where medications have already been prescribed.

Here are twenty-five tips for using ingredients and making lifestyle changes that you can try out to naturally treat emphysema:

1. Lemon:

The juice of fresh lime or lemon is an effective way to treat this disease. All you need to do is drink 1 teaspoon of this juice several times a day on a regular basis. You can consume it between or before meals.

2. Garlic:

This is another great home remedy for the treatment of emphysema. Garlic has the ability to liquefy mucous. Congestion in the chest is cleared in this way through coughing. Taking 2 or 3 cloves of garlic every morning on an empty stomach can help in providing relief from the symptoms of emphysema. Adding a small amount of garlic to your fruit juices can also help.

3. Eucalyptus Oil:

Reducing congestion in the chest helps in relieving emphysema. Eucalyptus oil can help in eliminating congestion when you massage your chest with it on a regular basis (10). It is an effective way to alleviate the disease’s symptoms.

4. Rose Hip Tea:

Drinking rose hip tea regularly can help in releasing congestion in the chest as it stimulates cough. This tea also helps in alleviating other symptoms of emphysema.

5. Vitamins:

Increasing intake of foods that contain vitamins like C and E has been proven to be effective in the treatment of emphysema. You can also take supplements that have these two vitamins. You will notice that you gain relief from symptoms in a short amount of time.

6. Juice:

Fresh juice made from fruits and vegetables can help in combating emphysema. Drinking these juices on a regular basis will alleviate different symptoms as they are high in vitamin and mineral content.

7. Astralagus:

This is a Chinese herb that is known for its ability to effectively treat the symptoms of emphysema. It speeds up the process of healing in the bronchial tubes. Astralagus also helps you breathe better as it clears up the lungs.

8. Thyme:

This is an herb that you should add to your daily diet. It helps in the effective treatment of different respiratory diseases and can be used to treat emphysema as well. However, you should keep in mind that it should be avoided if you suffer from conditions like heart disease, anxiety or glaucoma.

9. Ephedra:

This is another herb that is highly effective in the treatment of respiratory disorders. To use it as a remedy for emphysema, take it in the form of tea. Regular intake of ephedra tea will help alleviate the symptoms of this disease. Like thyme, it should be avoided in the cases of glaucoma, heart disease, anxiety, etc.

10. Licorice Extract:

This helps immensely in boosting energy levels and helps in the improvement of the functions of different internal organs. However, you should keep in mind that you should not take licorice extract for more than seven days at a stretch as it can cause rapid increase of blood pressure.

11. Cordyceps:

The Chinese believe that the lungs and kidney are synergized and cordyceps follows this belief. It can be used as a natural remedy for emphysema as it has the ability to boost oxygenation for the kidneys, which in turn benefits the lungs. It also helps in slowing down the progression of lung disease. This mushroom is non-toxic and can be found in capsule form. Drinking the liquid regularly after soaking it in water is another great way to gain relief from emphysema symptoms.

12. Lobelia:

This is an herb that is known for its ability to treat emphysema in an effective way (11). It helps in eliminating mucous. This in turn alleviates shortness of breath and makes it easier for you to breathe. You can use lobelia as a natural remedy for emphysema by taking it in the form of tea on a regular basis.

13. Aniseed:

This natural remedy is known to be highly helpful in treating emphysema. This is because aniseeds have excellent expectorant properties. By mixing 5 to 10 drops of aniseed oil with 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, you can gain relief from the symptoms of the disease. To gain beneficial results, use it on a regular basis.

14. Amaranth:

This green leafy vegetable is highly effective for the treatment of emphysema. Drinking fresh juice that is extracted from amaranth mixed with honey can help in alleviating symptoms. Drink this juice on a regular basis to gain all the benefits that it has to offer.

15. Juice Detox And Fasting:

Eliminating toxins from your body by using juice detox is a great way to boost immune health. Fasting during detox can be doubly effective in the elimination of harmful toxins (12). For the follow-up diet, include foods like grains, nuts, seeds, fresh fruits in each meal. Drink a glass of buttermilk as well. Also consume lots of fruits like pineapples, oranges, papayas, peaches and pears.

16. Increase Sulphur Intake:

Sulphur is an essential mineral that plays an important role in maintaining a healthy body. It helps highly in the formation of the body’s protein structure and also plays a very crucial role in several metabolic processes. This mineral exists naturally in many forms and MSM is one that receives the most attention. It is a common part of the food chain and is bio-available and non-toxic. It is an effective remedy for the treatment of emphysema, which is why increasing your intake is important.

17. Increase Carotene Sources:

Experts recommend increasing dietary sources of carotene. This is why you should increase the intake of vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, yellow squash, etc. in your daily diet. Green leafy vegetables are also rich in this nutrient. By increasing carotene intake, you can effectively relieve the symptoms of emphysema as well as other COPD and reduce the discomfort that accompanies this disease (13).

18. Quit Smoking:

As already mentioned, quitting smoking completely is important for the alleviation of emphysema symptoms since it is the primary cause of the disease. Since loss of lung tissue occurs at a faster rate among smokers compared to those who do not smoke, it is important to quit smoking. It will help in slowing down the rate of loss.

19. Use Breathing Techniques:

Patients of emphysema have trouble breathing properly, which is why it is important to use different breathing positions and techniques to help you breathe more efficiently. Diaphragmatic breathing can help in increasing the levels of blood oxygen in your body and reduce shortness of breath. Experts recommend practicing the 4-7-8 Breathing Exercise to improve breathing efficiency and allay anxiety that is associated with shortness of breath.

20. Be Physically Active:

Making sure that you stay physically active is one of the most important things when you suffer from COPD like emphysema (14). It can help in managing the various symptoms that come with it. Although it seems counterintuitive to exercise when you suffer from a condition that causes breathing problems, experts say that exercising regularly can actually help in strengthening the muscles in the respiratory system and improving breathing as well as overall endurance and strength. Any activity like gardening, walking or even shopping can be beneficial.

21. Eat Healthy:

Needless to say, eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet can be highly effective in treating emphysema and gaining relief from its symptoms. It will help you in maintaining a healthy weight which in turn will help you breathe without any problems. You do need a special diet to deal with emphysema or any other COPD, but experts recommend limiting your intake of salt, eating a wide variety of foods that are healthy and frequently eating smaller meals. These will all help in proper weight maintenance.

22. Reduce Stress:

The symptoms of emphysema and other COPD like shortness of breath can be exacerbated by stress. This is why it is crucial to manage stress levels in your life. It is difficult to avoid all stress but you can attempt to reduce the stressors that you are exposed to and practice being relaxed and calm. Experts recommend taking some time out to unwind, mentally and physically by doing things that you enjoy and find soothing.

23. Protect Yourself:

If you are a patient of emphysema and other COPD, it is very important to make sure that you protect yourself from situations that can cause aggravation of symptoms. Bronchospasm, which is the condition when the muscles in the walls of airways get constricted suddenly and shortness of breath occurs, can be triggered by cold air. This is why it is important to avoid cold air whenever possible. You should also make sure that you wear a face mask that protects you from cold air before you step outside. Symptoms can also worsen with respiratory infections so you should stay away from crowds whenever possible. If it is necessary for you to be in a crowded area, experts recommend wearing a surgical mask.

24. Manage Emotions:

It is only natural that the changes in your life that are brought on by emphysema, or any other disorder that is a part of COPD, will make you experience certain tough emotions. Depression, anxiety, anger and grief are normal responses to illnesses that are chronic, but it is still important that you make an attempt to manage them. Experts recommend socializing, taking part in activities that you find enjoyable and going for walks on a frequent basis to help you in dealing with emotional difficulties.

25. Avoid Tight Clothing:

As mentioned earlier, one of the problems that patients of emphysema experience is difficulty in breathing. Clothes that are too tight, especially around the chest and waist areas, can increase this difficulty and discomfort. This is why you should avoid wearing excessively tight clothes. Collars and ties should be avoided as well to make breathing easier for you. Making sure that your clothes are loose, particularly in the chest and waist areas, will lessen the difficulty you face in breathing and keep you more comfortable as well.

Once you have developed emphysema, it is irreversible. In fact, the condition will continue to worsen progressively. While curing emphysema is not possible, you can slow down its progression and gain relief from the different symptoms with proper treatment. Using natural remedies is a safe and effective way to achieve this. However, as with using this form of treatment for any condition, it is important to make sure that you talk to your doctor before starting the use of any natural remedy.

Apart from using herbs and foods, it has already emphasized that making changes in your lifestyle is equally important (15). This condition can take a toll on you, both physically and mentally. This is why tips for lifestyle changes have been included among the natural remedies provided above. They are some of the most effective ways to relieve symptoms and slow down the rate of progression of the disease. If the herbal remedies given do not have any effect, you should continue with the lifestyle changes and use conventional treatment.

Although home remedies can have a huge impact on how you feel, you need to make sure that you make regular visits to your doctor to gain help with management of emphysema symptoms. Needless to say, it is important for you to follow your doctor’s advice to treat your disease because it is the steps you take at this time that can help make breathing easier for you and ensure that you live a more active and longer life. If you face emotional difficulties, take to your doctor so that a form of therapy can be recommended to help you.

Apart from making use of natural remedies, you should consider joining a support group for people who suffer from emphysema. They can be a great source of information about coping strategies as well as new treatments that have been developed for the disease. By being around other people who are going through a similar experience, you can prevent stress, anxiety, depression, etc. and learn to cope with living with this disease. You should also make sure that you practice healthy habits and keep your focus on living a long and healthy life even though you have to live with emphysema.

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by Maanasi Radhakrishnan via STYLECRAZE