Among the numerous disorders that make up COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is emphysema. Emphysema is a condition that slowly deteriorates lung tissue over time, notably by destroying the alveoli (small air sacs). Gradually, as a result of this injury, the air sacs burst, forming one large air pocket as opposed to numerous smaller ones. Because of the decreased lung surface area, air is trapped in the injured tissue, which prevents oxygen from reaching the bloodstream. This obstruction also slowly overfills the lungs, making breathing harder and more challenging.

 

Introduction to Emphysema:

 

Emphysema is a respiratory illness brought on by damage to your airways’ wall structure. An obstruction (blockage) can form, trapping air in your lungs. Your chest may look larger or barrel-chested if you’re experiencing an excessive amount of air lodged in your breathing passages. Your bloodstream receives less oxygen when there are fewer alveoli. At the end of each of the bronchial ducts (airways), which are located deep inside your lungs, are clusters called alveoli, which are tiny, fragile air sacs with thin walls. An average set of lungs contains 300 million alveoli. Air enters your lungs through your bronchial tubes and moves through the alveoli as you inhale.

As soon as air enters, the alveoli expand, take in oxygen, and send it to the circulatory system. Your alveoli contract as you exhale, expelling carbon dioxide from your body. Imagine your lungs as bubble wrap. Similar to the distinct droplets in bubble wrap, which is where the alveoli are. Eventually, if you’re diagnosed with emphysema, your alveoli will rupture. You create a sizable air pocket instead of a lot of little bubble wrap bubbles, much like a giant shipping air pillow.

 

Causes of Emphysema:

 

Tobacco use remains the primary manifestation of emphysema. In addition to damaging lung tissue, cigarette smoke irritates your airways. Cigarette smoke destroys your cilia and inflames your body. Swollen airways, mucus production, and trouble clearing your airways are all symptoms of irritation and damaged cilia.Either of the aforementioned modifications may cause difficulties with respiration. Emphysema has a number of causes, but nicotine is the primary one. These consist of:

• Marijuana
• Vaping and e-cigarettes
• Tobacco smoke.
• Air toxicity.
• Vapors of chemicals

 

Signs and Symptoms:

 

Emphysema can be present for a long time without any obvious signs or indicators. Emphysema’s main manifestation, difficulty breathing, frequently comes on progressively. The indication could not represent a problem unless it becomes problematic with routine tasks since you may begin staying away from things that make you feel tired or out of breath.

• Breathlessness, especially when engaging in vigorous activity
• Coughing
• Chest constriction
• Because there is too much mucus in your lungs, you have to clear a sore throat first thing in the morning.
• A persistent cough that occasionally produces phlegm, which can be clear, white, yellow, or greenish.
• Cyanosis is the darkness of either the lips or fingernails.
• Recurrent infections of the lungs
• Not enough energy
• Unintentional weight loss (later)
• Legs swelling

 

Diagnosis:

 

Emphysema and other chronic respiratory conditions are mostly diagnosed via a respiratory function assessment called spirometry. Emphysema may also be diagnosed using the following tests:

• A chest x-ray
• CT imaging.
• Further testing for respiration or function of the lungs

 

Homeopathic Treatment:

 

Emphysema damage that has already been done cannot be repaired, although homeopathy can aid in slowing the disease’s continued development. Cough and shortness of breath symptoms can be effectively treated with natural remedies.

• In circumstances involving emphysema, whereby a person has shortness of breath when moving quickly, Silicea is taken into consideration. Additionally, crouching and lying on one’s back cause shortness of breath. Additionally, a cough and chest pain are present. Day and night, people continue to cough. There may be a lot of expectoration along with the cough. The phlegm may emit an unpleasant odor.
• One of the best medications for emphysema treatment is ammonium carb. Ammonium carb is quite helpful for people with emphysema who experience shortness of breath when taking merely a few steps. In a warm room, breathlessness becomes worse.
• Emphysema patients who experience shortness of breath after light exercise greatly benefit from the use of Lobelia Inflata. Shortness of breath is also made worse by exposure to cold. The act of climbing and descending stairs might also cause breathlessness. There is a tightness and a feeling of fullness in the center of the chest. The foregoing symptoms make the respiratory tract seem dry.
• Carbo Veg is a well-known treatment for emphysema, which includes dyspnea, a cough, and excessive expectoration. During ferocious spells, coughing appears. When coughing, mucus clumps are expectorated. Expectoration is thick, stiff, and maybe greenish, yellow, brown, or purulent. Walking causes breathing difficulties. There is chest heaviness.
• When severe anxiety and breathlessness manifest in an emphysema patient, arsenic is a highly useful medication. Along with this, icy sweat, difficulty, and foaminess may form on the face. Breathing problems might occur while walking, exerting oneself, or even while lying down. By angling the chest forward, breathing becomes simpler. It’s possible to experience difficulty, foaminess, and little expectoration.
• Next on the list of recommended medications for emphysema is antimonium arsenicosum. Emphysema with severe dyspnea and cough responds favorably to it. When Antimonium Arsenicosum is required, eating and lying down are the two activities that make breathing difficult. Shortness of breath and a mucus-filled cough emerge.
• An excellent treatment for emphysema with dyspnea, cough, and brownish fetid expectoration is hepar sulph. Wrapping up warmly tends to alleviate the symptoms, which tend to worsen in cold weather.

 

Precaution:

 

Emphysema patients are eligible to participate in respiratory rehabilitation programs, also known as “pulmonary rehab.” These services:

• Give emphysema knowledge and information
• Introduce patients to a monitored fitness program that has been shown to reduce the symptoms of emphysema
• Enhance lung health by performing targeted breathing exercises
• Teach stress reduction strategies and provide guidance on adjusting to life with emphysema
• Emotional assistance through the sharing of common experiences.