Emphysema is a lung condition that makes it hard to breathe. It occurs as the small air sacs in your lungs called alveoli get damaged over time. These air sacs stretch when you inhale and contract when you exhale, bringing air in and out of your lungs. But in Emphysema, these sacs become less stretchy and break down. This creates large air pockets in the lungs where air can not escape, making it difficult for you to get fresh air and remove carbon dioxide.
Emphysema is caused mainly by smoking but also by air pollution, dust, and some chemicals. As this condition gets worse, it can cause your chest to expand and give you a barrel-shaped look. Additionally, it reduces the amount of oxygen your bloodstream can take in, making you feel short of breath, particularly during exercise.
In case you have a persistent cough, wheezing or trouble breathing during light tasks, it is important to see a physician. Early detection and treatment can manage the symptoms of this condition and improve your overall health.
Emphysema is a serious disease that affects mainly your lungs and makes breathing difficult. Smoking is the most common cause but there are several other factors that might contribute to Emphysema progression.
The most common causes of Emphysema are:
Smoking: The most common cause of Emphysema is cigarette smoke. It contains substances which irritate and damage lung tissue cells, particularly the alveoli. This damage is usually permanent and becomes worse with continued smoking.
Air Pollution: Air contaminants coming from cars and industrial exhausts and other environmental pollutants may irritate and damage the lungs causing Emphysema.
Occupational Exposure: Workers in industries, welding or mining sectors who are exposed to organic dust, chemicals or toxins are at increased risk for Emphysema.
Genetic Factors: Genetics such as Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency might also be a major factor. This condition leaves the lungs without a protective protein that can prevent them from being damaged.
Age and Lung Growth: In individuals with complete lung growth, Emphysema may occur as the lungs begin losing function due to age related changes that may worsen the effects of other risk factors.
Respiratory Infections: Regular and serious respiratory infections may cause lung damage, inflammation and Emphysema.
Emphysema wears down the lung tissues, especially the alveoli, making breathing difficult. This damage progresses slowly and symptoms are often only apparent after extensive lung damage has occurred. Recognising the signs early may help manage the condition.
The most common symptoms of Emphysema are:
The most common symptom is shortness of breath, which occurs initially during physical activities but can become persistent with time.
A persistent cough that may or may not produce mucus; often called a smoker's cough.
A whistling or squeaky sound when breathing (especially during exhalation) indicates narrowed airways.
A feeling that you can not breathe deeply or completely, like your chest is being squeezed.
Production of a substantial amount of clear, white, yellow or greenish mucus.
Feeling unusually tired or exhausted, which may affect daily activities because the body must work harder to breathe.
A higher susceptibility to colds, flu and pneumonia because the damaged lungs can not fight off infections as effectively.
The chest may become more rounded and larger than normal as the lungs expand to take in the extra air.
Increased energy expenditure due to breathing causes unexpected weight loss and muscle weakness.
Lack of oxygen in the blood results in bluish colour of the lips or fingernail beds.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Emphysema using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
Personalised Ayurvedic Remedies: Herbal blends formulated to balance the body’s energies and improve your mood.
Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness: Relaxing techniques to improve your mental health and general well-being.
Ayurvedic Treatments: Procedures like Panchakarma and therapeutic massages that detoxify the body and promote emotional health.
Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations: Expert advice on diet and lifestyle adjustments for better health outcomes.
Ayurveda provides different herbal cures for serious lung issues including Emphysema, which makes breathing difficult. These traditional medicines aim to restore balance in the body and improve lung function with naturally healing herbs.
Tulsi (Holy Basil): Tulsi is a sacred herb, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that clear the airways and reduce inflammation in lungs. Tulsi is consumed with tea or used in steamed inhalation to ease breathing.
Vasaka (Malabar Nut): Vasaka is especially good for respiratory health as it has expectorant properties that clear phlegm and facilitate better breathing. It is commonly consumed as a juice or in powdered form.
Pushkarmool (Inula Racemosa): Known for its bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory properties, Pushkarmool is used for many respiratory conditions and is helpful for those who have Emphysema.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra): Licorice soothes the throat and is an effective expectorant. It loosens and expels mucus and reduces inflammation in the respiratory tract.
Ginger: Regular consumption of ginger in your diet can control the symptoms of Emphysema by reducing inflammation and removing pollutants from the lungs.
Pippali (Long Pepper): Pippali is another useful herb for lung health, promoting circulation to the lungs and restoring respiratory function.
Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula): Haritaki is often taken with other herbs to balance Vata and increase lung capacity and respiratory health.
You can lower the risk of Emphysema by giving up smoking, avoiding secondhand smoke, and by restricting your contact with air pollutants, industrial dust and chemical substances.
Emphysema is diagnosed after reviewing medical history, physical examinations and tests such as chest X rays, CT scans and pulmonary function tests.
Yes, moderate exercise, especially cardiovascular and breathing exercises can improve lung function and stamina.
Early signs include increased shortness of breath during physical activities, mild, persistent cough and frequent mucus production.
Even though smoking is the primary cause, Emphysema may also be brought on by exposure to dust and chemical fumes, air pollution, and genetic factors.
A diet loaded with antioxidants in the form of vegetables and fruits can lower inflammation and support lung health.
An Ayurvedic diet for Emphysema includes warm cooked foods, less dairy and spices that reduce inflammation such as turmeric and ginger.
Regular check-ups, at least annually or as directed by your doctor, are important to monitor lung health and adjust treatments.
Emphysema can not be cured but symptoms can be controlled with appropriate treatments and lifestyle changes.
Yes, techniques like pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing can expand lung capacity and ease breathing.
Nasya (nasal therapy), Pranayama (breathing exercises) and herbal steam inhalation help with respiratory symptoms in Emphysema.
