Emphysema

Emphysema is the irreversible destruction of the alveolar walls that reduces the surface area available for gas exchange and decreases the lung's elastic recoil.

Decreasing the area for gas exchange would mean that proper oxygenation of the blood and proper unloading of carbon dioxide for discharge to the atmosphere cannot be achieved.

The elastic recoil of the lung is necessary in passive exhalation as well as in forced exhalation. Reduction of the elastic recoil would mean that your lungs cannot exhale the carbon dioxide out properly and retain a larger volume.

As a result, people with emphysema often have difficulty of breathing and shortness of breath. They exhale thru pursed lips and often have cyanosis of the lips and nail beds. They also have limited exertion and easily get fatigued with minor activities.

Emphysema together with chronic bronchitis is a pulmonary obstructive disease and is classified under the category of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD.

Patients with this condition have significant obstruction to breathing to such an extent that they require constant reliever and controller medications. You can think of this condition as a severe form of asthma that does not go away.

For severe cases of emphysemas, some patients need a portable oxygen supply where ever they go.

Emphysema and COPD are diseases that are most commonly acquired through prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke. Aside from being carcinogenic, cigarette smoke has been shown to cause havoc in our lungs by way of the multiple negative effects it has on normal lung processes.

It destroys the normal muco-ciliary clearance mechanism in the airways that clears out the trash from your lungs. It increases the amount of mucus formed by the mucus glands in the air passages making them thicker and harder to remove. It inhibits anti-proteases and releases proteolytic enzymes responsible for the destruction of alveolar walls. It triggers irritant receptors causing the constriction of the airways thereby limiting air movement. These are only some of the ways cigarette smoke can cause COPD.

There can also be a genetic cause of emphysema and it is the deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin. This enzyme inhibits the proteolytic action of trypsin on the alveolar walls and prevents emphysema. Only 2 percent of emphysemas can be attributed to this enzyme deficiency.

Natural Cures and Home Remedies for Emphysema

The anatomical changes in emphysema are irreversible so most of the home remedies and natural cures are for the symptoms rather than for the disease itself. It is recommended that you seek professional care for treatment for Emphysema.

Stop Smoking

Smoking causes emphysema so naturally stopping smoking is the best natural cure for the obstructive symptoms in emphysema.

This is considered as the best treatment and prevention on how to get rid of emphysema symptoms.

Studies show that the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), which is the determinant of obstructive disease, decreases after smoking cessation and can revert back to normal non-smoker levels with time.

Anti-Asthma Medications

Bronchodilators, like albuterol are highly effective in relieving dyspnea and are a common home remedy for the symptoms of COPD and emphysema. Primatene Mist is an over the counter (OTC) inhaler. Bronkaid and Primatene also come in tablet form as an asthma medications to help open blocked airways. 

Air Cleaners

Inhaled oxygen is necessary for severe emphysema and can be the only home remedy for its most severe symptoms. Until that becomes necessary using an air filter in the home may be helpful to remove pollutants and dust that may aggravate delicate lung tissue.

Lagundi

The leaves of the lagundi plant (Vitex negundo) commonly known as the Chinese chaste tree is one natural cures of emphysema, as they also have medicinal effects against asthma and bronchitis. Chrysophenol D is the active component and has antihistamine and muscle relaxant properties.

It is widely used in folk medicine, particularly in South and Southeast Asia. This natural cure is prepared by boiling a half cup of chopped leaves in 2 cups of water for 10-15 minutes. Lagundi tea is said to reduce fever, reduce phlegm and alleviate shortness of breath and wheezing. Drink the resulting tea 3 times a day.