AYURVEDA PERSPECTIVE ON EMPHYSEMA

Imagine a collection of tiny bubbles. As each tiny bubble pops, it combines with the neighboring bubble and a larger bubble forms. A similar process happens to the air sacs of the lungs - as the sacs rupture they combine to form larger sacs. Eventually large air spaces from, replacing the spongy elastic tissue of the lungs, and causing hyperinflation of the lungs.

Each time a sac ruptures, the surface area of the lungs diminishes, reducing oxygen absorption. Eventually, the lungs are not able to absorb enough oxygen for the body.

Complications

The chronic inflammation associated with emphysema causes excess mucus, which may be difficult to expectorate due to hyperinflation. This leads to solid mucus plugs that may become infected.

Emphysema is progressive and may develop into chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).

Risk Factors

However emphysema also develops in those who do not have exposure. A genetic disorder resulting in alpha-1-trypsin deficiency may predispose individuals to loss of elastic tissue, fibrosis, and emphysema.

Treatment

Oxygen therapy may slow the progression of the disease. Chronic hypoxia leads to pulmonary hypertension, which results in further detrioration and strain on the heart.

Serine protease inhibitors may reduce elastase enzymes that break down elastic tissue.

Lifestyle Tips for Clearing Morning Mucus

• Take a hot shower with the bathroom door closed to fill up the room with steam.
• Inhaling steam through the mouth for 10-15 minutes
• Taking an expectorant herb formula
• Inducing nausea and/or vomiting with mustard powder or lobelia (nausea and vomiting has a very strong expectorant effect)
• Gentle but vigorous pounding of the chest and back to loosen mucus