Living Again With COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (also called COPD) is a chronic lung disease that includes two main illnesses – chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This devastating condition, which affects more than 16 million Americans, is our nation’s fourth leading cause of death. The diseases that fall under the umbrella of COPD are marked by restriction of airflow to the lungs. Emphysema is a prime example. Most often caused by smoking, this disorder involves the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. When these structures are compromised, less oxygen is inhaled with each breath. To make up for this lack, the lungs overinflate, filling in the chest cavity and causing shortness of breath and obstructed breathing.

Emphysema is often accompanied by chronic bronchitis or other pulmonary disorders that further narrow the airways and fill them with viscous mucus, making breathing even more difficult. Conventional medicine has little to offer patients suffering with COPD. A home remedy may provide relief!

Ginger tea can provide part of the answer in the control of phlegm production. This herbal remedy was used in ancient Chinese medicine to treat a multitude of respiratory disorders, and it has proven particularly effective at breaking up mucus. In addition to the ginger tea iodine helps get the phlegm out. The iodine therapy that can give some much needed relief is potassium iodide (SSKI). This simple compound helps thin the mucus, enabling patients with chronic lung disorders to get the phlegm out. So why aren't these therapies used more often? Because they are natural compound cannot be patented and nobody makes any money off them. Nevertheless, SSKI is still one of the best expectorant available.

Glutathione can offer the long-term additional help. While the ginger tea and SSKI really help, by far the most effective therapy is inhaled glutathione. Free radical damage plays a role in COPD, and glutathione is one of nature’s most potent antioxidants. Patients with chronic lung diseases have low levels of all antioxidants including glutathione, so it only makes sense that this powerhouse would be beneficial. Glutathione can even reverse damage. The key is to deliver glutathione directly to the lung tissues, and the only way to do this is to inhale it. The liquid form of glutathione is placed in a nebulizer, which is a machine that turns liquid into vapors. It is then taken into the lungs by breathing through a mask or mouthpiece. The entire process is quick and easy. It is generally used twice a day

Most people with COPD just accept it. We want you to know there’s hope. Ginger tea is available in health food stores. The suggested dose of SSKI is three to six drops diluted in water daily. You can get it from the Tahoma Clinic Dispensary at tahoma-clinic.com SSKI should not be used by anyone with an iodine allergy and as alway you need to consult your physician before using products of this type. And you need to be aware that high doses of iodine for prolonged periods may suppress thyroid function, so have your thyroid checked periodically. Inhaled glutathione can be used at home but does require a prescription. Since many MD's do not subscribe to these therapies you may need alternative medecine physician. To find alternative physician in your area who may be willing to prescribe it, visit acam.org and do a search.
[tags]COPD, glutathione, phlegm,shortness of breath,pulmonary disease,chronic bronchitis[/tags]