COPD and Emphysema

COPD and/or emphysema are both very long term and progressive lung diseases. Living with this condition makes life difficult and wonder where you are getting your next breath-a very scary feeling. What happens in either breathing problem is that lung tissue is destroyed more and more. This is why it is an obstructive lung disease. Bronchioles, which is the tissue around your smaller airways, are all destroyed. This is because the airways do not hold their shape when breathing out.



Emphysema or COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the US. It changes the lungs in many ways. Both the alveoli, which is the tiny structured air sacs in the lings are burned out, and the same thing happens to the bronchioles in conjunction with alveoli. The less alveoli you have, (of which there are millions), then the breathing becomes more difficult.

What destroys these two important structures? The first thing is cigarette smoking. Smoking cigarettes slowly burns out the lungs the longer and more you do it. If you have sudden problems breathing after smoking for so many years, it is best to stop, or stop even before the problem starts. This is about the most destructive habit for the lungs.

When you have shortness of breath or a "smoker's cough," as it is commonly called, it should be taken seriously.

Other symptoms are the tongue, or fingernails, and even your skin turning blue. This is usually labeled as cyanosis and is very serious.

Tips to help you have better breathing with copd are:

STOP SMOKING. Stopping will bring a tiny bit of relief if you already are into having either of these problems.

Try some mild exercise. Slow walking will do you good for 15 minutes.

Diet and Nutrition. By choosing nutritious foods, this will help make your health better overall. Taking off excess weight that you have will surely make breathing a little easier.

Triggers Try and stay out of really hot and humid weather, and think of possibly getting an air purifier. A lot of times this device clears up extra pollutants in the air in your home.

Medications help by your doctor. A maintenance inhaler such as Atrovent may help you. It has been known to cause bronchial spasms in some people. Another helpful maintenance medication is Spiriva. It is inhalation powder and taken once daily for airways which are becoming very narrow. Talk to your medical professional about these options, and also tune in to the doctor video here with suggestions on better breathing control and medications. Raising Glutathione is our Best Cellular Defense against Fatigue, Stress, Pollution, Disease, Viruses and Pre-Mature Aging, for Healthy Immune System Function. Learn more by clicking

Asthma is another breathing problem for many people.

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