Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD

When you have copd and can not sleep at night is there anything I can do?
(25 Aug 2009)

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COPD is the abbreviation used to refer to a group of lung diseases known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. As the name suggest COPD causes a blockage in the air flow, thus making it extremely difficult for the sufferer to breathe normally. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the main conditions that lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

As COPD is a pulmonary disease, it damages the airways of the sufferer’s body, this leads to an alteration in the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide passed into and out of the lungs. COPD when not treated in time causes permanent damage to the lungs, and is one of the leading causes of illness and death all around the world. COPD most commonly affects people who are chain smokers.

Once a person’s lungs are damaged, they cannot be repaired; therefore the treatment of COPD lies in minimizing further damage and controlling the existing symptoms.

COPD is mostly brought about by an impaired functioning of the pulmonary system. This obstruction in the circulation of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body causes the lungs to deteriorate. Smoking, occupational fumes and pollution are the leading causes of this condition. However, the narrowing down of the bronchial tubes can also cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In some cases, recurrent bouts of acid reflux is also said to lead to COPD. The decrease in the amount of alpha-1-antitrypsin which is a protein can also cause COPD; however, this is a genetic disorder and is rare in occurrence. Since COPD is a pulmonary disease affecting the lungs, a proper medical examination of the condition by a professional doctor is imperative. Home remedies in this case may only help in speeding up recovery and maintaining a healthier life style. Once you treat the underlying cause of your condition, you will be able to sleep well too.

In most cases smoking, pollution and occupational fumes are direct causes of COPD. Therefore, if you smoke, you will need to quit immediately. In case of pollution or occupational fumes, you may wear mask that will protect you from the harmful gases.

If you experience frequent colds and nasal blockages, you will have to boost your immune system. Increasing your dietary intake of magnesium, vitamin c, L-Carnitine and Coenzyme Q10 will prove beneficial for this purpose.

You may also use eucalyptus oil in order to clear your airways. The best way of doing this is by adding a few drops of this oil into boiling water and inhaling the steam. You may also use a humidifier for this purpose.

Practicing yoga daily will also help you treat your condition effectively.

answered by c on 25 Aug 2009, 5:41:02

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD

When you have copd and can not sleep at night is there anything I can do? (25 Aug 2009)

When you have copd and can not sleep at night is there anything I can do?
(25 Aug 2009)