The high prevalence of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) demands serious attention, as this silent yet chronic condition affects thousands of people worldwide. The scariest part about it is that it mostly goes undiagnosed until it largely starts impacting your daily life. COPD is defined as a troublesome lung condition that causes breathing difficulties.
Fortunately, COPD is treatable. And, the proven remedies of Ayurveda offer the best long-term results for managing the disease and improving lung health. Unlike other medicines, Ayurveda follows a holistic approach, therefore eliminating the condition right from its root.
Staying alert about a few early signs can help in managing the disease before it turns worse.
Chronic cough: A persistent cough that usually lasts for weeks or months, and is often accompanied by mucus or phlegm.
Shortness of breath: Even simple activities make breathing difficult.
Wheezing: A high-pitched whistling sound when exhaling, especially after exertion.
Increased mucus production: Experiencing more mucus production, which can result in frequent coughing.
Fatigue: Feeling really tired and exhausted, more than you used to - this happens because the body uses more energy to breathe.
COPD is a progressive condition and typically develops in the four following stages:
Stage 1 (Mild COPD): Symptoms are mostly mild and hardly noticeable. You will experience cough and mild shortness of breath during physical activities.
Stage 2 (Moderate COPD): Breathing becomes more difficult with a cough that often produces mucus and a slow decline in your overall energy levels.
Stage 3 (Severe COPD): Lung damage becomes more extensive and chronic cough, increased mucus, and fatigue worsen, with more frequent respiratory infections.
Stage 4 (End-Stage COPD): Breathing becomes extremely difficult, often requiring supplemental oxygen. Severe lung damage, and complications like heart or respiratory failure are highly likely.
As COPD advances symptoms become more difficult to deal with, so much so that they start impacting your daily life.
Severe shortness of breath: Even minimal physical activities such as speaking, dressing, or eating, you will find it struggleful to breath.
Chronic cough with excessive mucus: Cough that just doesn’t go away with a significant increase in mucus, making it necessary to clear your throat frequently and difficulty breathing.
Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired and weak, making it impossible to complete everyday tasks. This happens as your oxygen levels have reduced and the body has to work harder to breathe.
Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet: As the heart struggles meet the body's demand for oxygen, it can lead to swelling in the lower body parts.
Frequent respiratory infections: Increased risk of pneumonia, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections as your lungs are unable to perform their function properly.
Coughing up blood (Hemoptysis): Noticing blood while spitting or blood-streaked mucus indicates an infection, lung cancer, or a ruptured blood vessel.
Cyanosis: A bluish tint on the lips or fingertips, which means low oxygen levels in the blood.
Chest tightness: A sensation of tightness or heaviness in the chest, which makes breathing even more difficult.
Early diagnosis and right treatment with Ayurveda can ensure your lungs are healed and you are able to live a better quality of life
