COPD is a common form of chronic lung disease found all across the world. It is the abbreviation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder. Pulmonary refer to lungs. It includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Bronchitis is discussed separately. Here we will focus on Emphysema.
Emphysema is a chronic progressive disease of lung. It is caused by destruction of tissue surrounding air sacs (alveoli) in lungs. Due to this, alveoli cannot retain air inside them ultimately leading to shortness of breath.
Causes of COPD:
Major causes include smoking and pollution.
Symptoms of COPD:
Patients suffer lack of oxygen and excess of carbon dioxide in lungs. Patient exhibit shortness of breath. Symptoms usualy get increased by physical activity Eventually it will occur after any physical exertion.Lateron the patient may complain of rapid breathing (tachypnoea). They may also lose weight. The anteroposterior diameter of chest may increase (barrel chest).
Diagnosis of COPD:
Diagnosis of COPD is done by the doctor with the help of clinical examinarion and some simple tests, which include:
- Spirometry (Lung finction test)
- X-ray chest
- Complete blood count
- Blood test to rule out tuberculosis
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy offers good supportive role in cases of Emphysema. Homeopathy can control further destruction of the tissues in lungs. In addition it enhances body’s immunity. Thus symptomatic relief and prevention of complication are main achievement by homeopathy.
In severe cases supplementary oxygen may be beneficial. Homeopathy can also reduce need for bronchodilators, cortisone and antibiotics (in case of infection).