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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

10 Things About COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term breathing disorder. It has severe effects on the lungs and the lung-associated organ, the heart. Here are ten things that you may not know about COPD:

1. COPD, A Multifaceted Disease

Three conditions, Emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory asthma can cause Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. These diseases result in damage to the lungs at the alveolar level. The human lungs cannot fully inflate, so there is less mixing of oxygen in the blood. The patient is also not able fully to exhale the air.

The result is air trapping in the lungs, which causes coughing. Coughing worsens the situation. Long-term coughing breaks the weak alveolar walls, and the condition exaggerates.

2. Treating COPD May Require Surgery

Treatment of COPD involves the use of medicines, which provide relief to the lungs. Some people also require oxygen to get instant relief.

Is there a permanent solution to this disease?

Doctors say that a patient can go for a surgical session for the permanent treatment of COPD. In this surgical treatment, the surgeon removes the damaged parts of the lungs, and thus creating more space for the lungs to function in a better way.

If the patient’s condition is severe, there might be a need for a lung transplant.

3. Eat Well to Fight COPD

Research studies support that one can better understand COPD by following certain diet plans. A person should consume the food, which has the following nutrients in an adequate amount:

  • Omega 3 fatty acids
  • Antioxidants
  • Magnesium
  • Selenium
  • Zinc
  • Vitamin A, C, and E

These nutrients help in fighting against the symptoms chest congestion giving relief to the lungs. A Mediterranean diet has been recommended for COPD patients.

4. Exercise Regularly

While extreme physical activities can aggravate symptoms of COPD, regular moderate exercise can increase the functional capabilities of the lungs.

5. COPD may be Fatal

COPD is a chronic disease. It results in the deaths of millions of people in America, but the fact is that it is not a death sentence. One can take preventive measures to slow the degenerative affects. When one takes preventive measures for this disease, scientific studies support that one can survive for years with this disease.

6. Genetics And COPD

Research shows that as COPD runs in families, meaning it has a relation with the genetics. When a person lacks the protein, Alpha 1 antitrypsin, that protects the lungs, they may be at a higher risk of suffering from COPD.

Sometimes, the count of Alpha 1 proteins are normal, but the protein has an abnormal shape. This may result in their malfunctioning, or they not successfully reaching the lungs, resulting in COPD.

7. COPD Is Not Just For Smokers

It was a belief that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has a relation with just smokers. However, the studies reveal that this disease has a connection with drugs or chemical exposure.

If a person has exposure to the smoker’s environment or intakes toxic chemicals like silica, cadmium, or mercury, there are high chances of COPD development.

8. Silent COPD

A large number of populations suffer from COPD without the awareness of the severity of the disease. It is because it is a slowly progressive disease and appears at the age of 50s in a person.

If a person suffers from coughing with mucus for a long time, testing for COPD is recommended.

 9. Natural Supplements In COPD Management

In addition to a good diet, some supplements give immediate relief against COPD. The use of IV magnesium and N- acetylcysteine (NAC) also improve the symptoms of COPD. This protein has a structural resemblance to the lung’s protective protein and plays a role as an antioxidant. So, both collectively help to cope with COPD.

10. Deal With Flare-ups

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease gets severe when a person does not deal with the flare-ups. The symptoms aggregate due to the bursts in the lungs. If the flare-up worsens, you may need medical attention.

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