Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD is a condition that causes difficulty in breathing. COPD may result in bouts of coughing which produce a large amount of mucus. The individual could also experience breathlessness, tightness in the chest and wheezing. smoking is a very common factor that leads to COPD. Other factors that could contribute to COPD are inhalation of dust, fumes and polluted air. When we breathe, the inhaled air travels down to the lungs through the bronchial tubes. These bronchial tubes have tiny air sacs called alveoli. As we breathe in and out, the alveoli fill up with air and deflate. When COPD occurs, there is a reduced amount of air that flows through the airways. This could take place when the alveoli are unable to expand and contract. There may also be damage in the walls of the alveoli which is causing the problem. Sometimes there may also be inflammation in the lining of the airways or the there may be an excessive production of mucus in the bronchial tubes which causes a blockage.
Taking steam inhalations will loosen the secretions and reduce congestion. A very good expectorant that will loosen the mucus and make it easier to cough it up is eucalyptus. A few drops of essential oil of eucalyptus can be added to the humidifier. This will also make breathing less laborious. You can also add menthol oil to the water for increased effectiveness. A teaspoon each of onion juice and honey taken twice daily also helps to reduce cough. Other herbal solutions that are used to keep COPD under control are garlic, licorice and marshmallow. It is important to avoid anything that can irritate the airways such as exhaust or smoke. Using an air purifier will help to prevent and reduce irritants in the house. It is also essential to get as much as oxygen as possible. One way of doing this is to drink oxygenated water. Acupuncture therapy may also help to cope with COPD. Magnesium and vitamin C also helps to improve lung functioning. Many COPD sufferers find relief from drinking black tea, as it contains chemicals related to the stimulant theophylline which is also the basis of many modern remedies. However, it must be noted that before considering herbal and other natural remedies, COPD patients must consult their doctor first, to avoid any interaction of the natural remedies with current ongoing medication.
answered by G M