EMPHYSEMA

What is emphysema?

Emphysema is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath. In people with emphysema, the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) are damaged. Over time, the inner walls of the air sacs weaken and rupture — creating larger air spaces instead of many small ones. This reduces the surface area of the lungs and, in turn, the amount of oxygen that reaches your bloodstream.

When you exhale, the damaged alveoli don't work properly and old air becomes trapped, leaving no room for fresh, oxygen-rich air to enter.

Most people with emphysema also have chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is inflammation of the tubes that carry air to your lungs (bronchial tubes), which leads to a persistent cough.

Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are two conditions that make up chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Treatment may slow the progression of COPD, but it can't reverse the damage.

Causes

Smoking is the number one factor. Because of this, emphysema is one of the most preventable types of respiratory diseases. Air pollutants in the home and workplace, genetic (inherited) factors (alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency), and respiratory infections can also play a role in causing emphysema.

Cigarette smoking not only destroys lung tissue, it also irritates the airways. This causes inflammation and damage to cilia that line the bronchial tubes. This results in swollen airways, mucus production, and difficulty clearing the airways. All of these changes can lead to shortness of breath.

Risk factors

Risk factors for developing emphysema, may include:

• exposure to high pollution chemical fumes or lung irritants

• a genetic condition called alpha-1 deficiency can lead to a rare form of emphysema called alpha-1 deficiency-related emphysema.

• history of childhood respiratory infections

• a compromised immune system, especially as a result of HIV

• rare disorders such as Marfan syndrome.

Types

There are three types of emphysema; centriacinar, panacinar, paraseptal:

1. Centriacinar emphysema affects the alveoli and airways in the central acinus, destroying the alveoli in the walls of the respiratory bronchioles and alveolar ducts.

2. Panacinar emphysema affects the whole acinus.

3. Paraseptal emphysema is believed to be the basic lesion of pulmonary bullous disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms of emphysema may include:

• Shortness of breath, especially during light exercise or climbing steps

• Ongoing feeling of not being able to get enough air

• Long-term cough or “smoker’s cough”

• Wheezing

• Long-term mucus production

• Ongoing fatigue

Homoeopathic treatment for emphysema 

Homoeopathy is a very effective mode of treatment for problems like emphysema. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. 

Homoeopathy aim is not only to treat diseases of lungs but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several remedies are available to treat diseases of lungs that can be selected on the basis of cause, sensations and modalities of the complaints. 

Here are few medicines in homoeopathic for emphysema:

• Ammonium Carb

• Antimonium Arsenicosum

• Arsenic Album

• Lobelia Inflata

• Carbo Veg

• Silicea

• Phosphorus

• Hepar Sulph

• Digitalis

• Ipecac

• Bryonia alba

• Calcarea carb

• Sulphur etc., 

None of these medicines should be taken without professional advice. 

For individualized remedy selection and treatment, contact BRAHMA MADHURYA HOMOEOPATHY CLINIC - +91-7057579595 or www.brahmamadhurya.com