Home Remedies and Herbs for Emphysema

Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).¹ COPD refers to a disease that makes it hard to breathe, with the two most common types being emphysema and chronic bronchitis.¹ In the case of emphysema, breathing becomes difficult because the air sacs in the lungs, called alveoli, have been damaged.² This leads to larger air space, which reduces the lung's’ surface area so that the body doesn’t get enough oxygen.³ The damage also causes air to become trapped in the lungs, making it difficult for new, oxygen-rich air to enter. COPD is the third-leading cause of death in the United States.⁴

What Causes Emphysema?

Emphysema is most commonly caused by cigarette smoke. Smokers who quit smoking decrease their risk of emphysema drastically. Those who already have emphysema can prevent the condition from worsening by not smoking.² 

However, you don’t have to be a smoker to be at risk of emphysema. If you are around cigarette smoke for long periods, such as if you live with someone who smokes, your risk increases. People who work in dusty environments may also suffer lung damage and get emphysema.⁴ Other indoor and outdoor pollutants, such as chemical fumes, fumes from heating fuel, or long-term exposure to car exhaust fumes can cause emphysema.⁵

Though it’s rare, genetic factors can play a role. This inherited version is called alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency emphysema, and it’s caused by a protein deficiency that helps protect elastic structures in the lungs.⁵

Emphysema risk increases with age, with most people experiencing the onset of symptoms between ages 40 and 60.⁵ 

Emphysema Symptoms

Emphysema symptoms appear gradually. It’s possible to have the condition for years without ever knowing it. Symptoms start with shortness of breath, but it may not interfere with daily tasks until long after you notice the onset of symptoms. Eventually, emphysema will lead to shortness of breath even when at rest.⁵

Emphysema symptoms can include:^2,4

• Shortness of breath
• Chronic cough
• Trouble breathing during exercise
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing
• Fatigue

Individuals with emphysema may also suffer from chronic bronchitis. This is a condition where the bronchial tubes, which carry air in and out of your lungs, become inflamed.³

Treatment options may include medications, inhalers, oxygen, and surgery.² Although treatment can slow the progression of emphysema and chronic bronchitis, it can’t cure the damage once it’s already done.³ Luckily, it is preventable by avoiding cigarette smoke and other lung irritants.

References

1. https://medlineplus.gov/copd.html
2. https://medlineplus.gov/emphysema.html
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/emphysema/home/ovc-20317003
4. http://www.uofmhealth.org/conditions-treatments/pulmonary/copd-emphysema
5. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/emphysema/symptoms-causes/dxc-20317007