Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) most refers to not one but two conditions, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, a “marriage made in Hell” that results in obstruction of airways and compromised oxygen transport in the lungs. Smokers and reformed or ex-smokers often have touches of both.

Chronic bronchitis is the result of inflammation and thickening of the linings of the bronchial tubes, which gives rise to a chronic, mucus-producing cough and some degree of dyspnea or shortness of breath. Emphysema arises when the alveoli or tiny air sacs in the lungs began breaking down and otherwise deteriorating, which also culminates in bouts of dyspnea or shortness of breath.

Conventional or standard medical care includes over-the-counter drugs such as guiafenesin (Robitussin®) to help to thin mucous, and bronchodilators such as albuterol (Proventil®, Ventolin®), iprtropium (Atrovent®), and metaproterenol (Alupent®); oral and inhaled corticosteroids, and mucolytics or mucus busters such as Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst).

Supplemental oxygen, breathing rehabilitation and surgery including lung volume reduction surgery or a lung transplant are recommended in some instances.

Smoking lies at the root of the majority of cases of emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and as such it goes without saying that those who smokes should stop. For person with COPD, cessation of smoking will not reverse the disease, but it may help preserve remaining lung function.

COPD sufferers should likewise limit their exposure to environmental respiratory irritants such smog, dust, smoke or soot-filled air, and such.

Some persons with COPD have been found to suffer malnutrition despite a good diet and adequate dietary intake of nutrients. A high intake of dietary carbohydrates has been linked to increases in carbon dioxide production, which causes COPD sufferers to experience reduced exercise tolerance and increased dyspnea or breathlessness. Conversely, scientists who followed men who consume a great deal of complex carbohydrate fruit over a quarter century found that they were at lower risk of developing lung diseases. In light of this, some doctors feel that persons with COPD should eliminate refined sugar but not fruit from their diet.

In at least one study, long-term reduction of some COPD symptoms occurred when patients identified and avoided allergenic foods and, where appropriate received desensitization treatment for airborne allergies to pollen and such.

Many studies have shown that persons with COPD are in a state of oxidative stress, meaning they do not have antioxidant defenses capable to dealing with the free radicals they produce in their bodies. One 2004 study noted that, “Whereas patients with COPD undergo increased oxidative stress during exacerbations and in stable periods, their serum concentrations of antioxidant vitamins A and E decrease during exacerbations. Our findings suggest that the administration of vitamins A and E may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of the harmful effects of COPD.”

During the late 1980s, biological theorist Dr. Anthony G. Payne advocated a combination of fairly high dose oral vitamin C, CoQ10 (Ubiquinone), and anti-inflammatory Wobenzym®     and bromelain therapy for COPD, along with a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids but low in saturated fats (Fish), fruits and vegetables (Paleolithic or Stone Age type diet). A handful of WWII era veterans with COPD being treated at the V.A. hospital in Dallas opted to try this approach under the supervision of their private and V.A. doctors. The results of respiratory function tests done periodically over the course of a two year period revealed significant improvements in various measures of lung function. Patients reported less reliance on inhalers and a decreased need to use various standard COPD drugs.

During the early 1990s, Japanese researchers found that low dose CoQ10 (90 mg of CoQ10 per day, given for eight weeks) use by people with COPD led to no change in lung function, but did increase oxygenation of their blood and boost their exercise performance and heart rate. Other studies have shown that high dose L-carnitine (2 grams daily) improved respiration in COPD patients while exercising.

Readers interested in a knowing about a form of CoQ10 that is better assimilated than most others on the market, should take a look at CARDIUM.

For persons with bronchitis, excess mucus production is a big issue, something N-acetyl-cysteine has been shown to help. Inhaled NAC is, in fact, used in hospitals to treat bronchitis. In various double-blind studies, oral NAC has also proved effective albeit results may take six months to fully materialize.

There is another aspect of NAC, beyond its mucolytic properties, that deserves mention. NAC raises levels of glutathione levels in users. Glutathione is an antioxidant compound that some researchers have shown is depleted in those with COPD and in smokers in general. This said, oral glutathione tends to be ineffective because it winds up broken down in the body (into its 3 constituent amino acids) and thus doesn’t reach tissues intact. However, there is patented form of glutathione that does, namely TH-QUEEN.   

Various herbs may also be helpful in managing COPD symptoms. In one double-blind trial ivy leaf extract was shown to be as effective as the mucolytic drug ambroxol for chronic bronchitis.

Many herbal expectorants such as Mullein, wild cherry bark, and elecampane are reputed to help COPD sufferers promote the discharge of mucus, and in some instances to soothe and protect mucous membranes.

Readers are advised to run the use of any herb or herbal product by their pulmonologist to insure that there is no conflict with prescribed drugs or contraindications due to co-existing medical conditions or issues.  

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