Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Using Homeopathy
- Category: all
- Date: 19-12-2024
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition resulting from damage to the respiratory airways or other parts of the lungs. This damage may cause blockage in the airflow and inflammation, making it harder for a person to breathe. Coughing caused by COPD produces large amounts of mucus, breathing problems, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
However, since COPD is a progressive disease, its symptoms emerge slowly in the body and worsen over time. This shall limit the ability to do routine activities like walking, cooking, or taking care of yourself. To understand the disease further, it is necessary to understand the two main conditions of COPd;
Emphysema: Our lungs contain stretchy and elastic air sacs. When a person breathes in oxygen, these air sacs (alveoli) fill like a small balloon and deflate as the air goes out. Damage to the walls between many air sacs can make it harder for the lungs to move air out of the body, leading to emphysema.
Chronic Bronchitis: When a person suffers from repeated or constant irritation caused by inflammation in the lining of the airways, a considerable amount of mucus is formed. Increased mucus makes it hard to breathe, and this long-term condition is called chronic bronchitis.
Most patients suffer a combination of both conditions i.e. emphysema and chronic bronchitis. However, the seriousness of COPD varies from person to person and the proportions of each condition are observed in the body. Before indulging in homeopathic treatment for COPD, it is essential to know what causes it.
Rather than just treating the symptoms, Homeo Saga by Dr. Vikas Singhal focuses on both the physical and emotional well-being of the patient. Therefore, the treatment provided by Dr. Vikas Singhal aims to boost the body’s natural healing processes. Remedies are individualized and tailored to meet patient’s specific needs and condition. It will help to manage symptoms like breathlessness, coughing, and wheezing by reducing the frequency and intensity of symptoms.
Causes of COPD
COPD is caused when the airways in the lungs are damaged due to prolonged exposure to irritants like tobacco smoke or chemicals. For this reason, it is also referred to as ‘smoker’s disease’. Contrarily, researchers have also found that one in every four living persons with COPD has never smoked. This means that there are risk factors beyond smoking that should be considered.
Here are the segments of people who most commonly will have COPD;
People with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency have higher chances of COPD. This genetic disorder causes lung damage.’
People with a history of childhood respiratory infections are more prone to COPD at a younger age.
Excessive or continuous exposure to smoke from coal or wood-burning stoves is another risk factor.
Exposure to second-hand smoke such as passive smoking can increase the risk of COPD.
People above the age of 40 years and more are more susceptible to COPD as lung function declines with age.
While these are the primary risk factors that increase the risk of developing COPD, people living in lower-income groups or rural areas tend to develop COPD. But the good news is that the best homeopathic practitioner, Dr. Vikas Singhal suggests that people can reduce their risk for COPD by just taking a few steps;
Quitting smoke is the best to begin with. If it is difficult to quit, look for support programs and resources that will help.
Avoiding second-hand smoke or passive smoke exposure is also helpful. People with a frequent history of asthmatic attacks, colds coughs, and flu must avoid smoke exposure. In public places, they can look for non-smoking zones.
Updating vaccination is helpful in protecting against respiratory viruses. It is advisable to administer all necessary vaccinations like pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza vaccinations.
Appropriate protective equipment including a mask when exposed to chemicals, dust, and fumes helps to reduce COPD symptoms.
COPD Cases Diagnosed; The Disease Incidence
World Health Organisation has acknowledged Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as the leading global cause of death. Estimates from WHO revealed that nearly 65 million people suffer from moderate to severe COPD accounts. This accounts for 5 percent of deaths (i.e. 4109 deaths per 1 lakh individuals) around the globe, revealed WHO Burden of COPD 2020. The report also estimated the prevalence of disease between the age group 5 to 29 years ranging from 0.1 to 0.9 percent and the age group above 30 years ranging from 1.6 to 28.3 percent.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the second leading cause of death in India (et. Al. J Glob Health 2021). The study recognized active and passive smoking biomass fuels, environmental factors, and increasing age as the leading risk factors impacting people above the age of 30 years in India.
According to a study published by ICMR (2017) titled India: Health of the Nation’s States, COPD accounted for 10.9 percent of the total deaths in India. The study claimed that there were 55.3 million COPD cases reported in 2016 in India with crude prevalence highest in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir.
In developed countries or high-income strata, cigarette smoking is the main cause of COPD. However, tobacco usage accounts for just half of the COPD cases reported worldwide. In developing countries, air pollution is the biggest contributor to this respiratory disease incidence. An evident example is the hazardous levels of smog in the national capital that prompts health warnings. Particulate matter which is less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter infiltrates the alveoli triggering chronic tissue damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation. For this reason, 886 deaths were recorded due to COPD in Delhi. This number shows an increase of nine times in 2022-23 as compared to the last 8 years.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency, is a genetic condition that leads to COPD as the liver fails to provide the protein (AAT) formed to safeguard the lungs. So, in cases where the body does not make enough AAT, the lungs get damaged by smoke, pollution, or dust easily.
Symptoms
Evidence from multiple studies has shown that the risk of COPD is higher among people with lower socio-economic strata. The risk also increases due to exposure to environmental or occupational dust. Despite these exposure risks, COPD symptoms are not visible in patients until it cause a lot of lung damage. Symptoms usually worsen over time and with repeated exposure to these risks. Here are a few symptoms that patients suffering from COPD may witness:
Trouble catching the breath
Frequent infection in the lungs
Wheezing or whistling sound while breathing
Continuing chronic cough with mucus which is usually white, yellow, or greenish in color
Chest tightness or heaviness
Lack of energy or feeling tired very often
Swelling in ankles, feet, or legs
Later stages may cause unintended weight loss
Treatment
Modern medication suppresses the oversensitive immune system and treats the inner organs of the lungs. Conversely, homeopathic medicine dilates the bronchi of the lungs and suppresses the excessive secretion of mucus. Although patients might require homeopathic treatment for longer, pathological research indicates that COPD homeopathic treatment is result-oriented and has proved to be more effective.
The homeopathic approach offers a supportive role for patients suffering from COPD. The approach can help to control the destruction of lung tissues. Homeopathic treatment focuses both on the physical and emotional symptoms of the disease. Therefore, the remedies are individualized and tailored in accordance with the needs of the patient and their physical condition. While the treatment provides symptomatic relief and prevents complications, it enhances the body’s immunity.
God bless the lungs, COPD is curable and preventable. Homeopathic medication tends to correct the defective gene and provide instant relief from COPD symptoms.
Homeopathic Treatment For COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is considered a progressive lung disorder that obstructs airflow. Further, viral or bacterial upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) may exacerbate the patient’s condition. Administering homeopathic treatment to COPD patients helps to reduce the frequency of upper respiratory tract infections. Following homeopathic medicines can be used to alleviate symptoms and improve the lung function;
Antimonium Tartaicum
Patients suffering from rattling cough and excessive cough in the chest (difficult to expel) benefit from this medication. Patients who experience wheezing, feeling of suffocation, shortness of breath, or tightness in the chest are recommended with Antimonium Tartaricum particularly helpful for older adults and those who feel weak, tired, and drowsy.
Arsenicum Album
Ideal for patients suffering from difficulty breathing especially at night or post-physical exertion accompanied with severe shortness of breath. Arsenicum Album can be administered. It is particularly suitable for people who feel anxious or restless. Homeopathic practitioners advise patients with dry and wheezing cough. The medication is also suitable for people who are affected in cold weather or harsh environments.
Carbo Vegetabilis
Also known as ‘corpse reviver’, Carbo Vegetabilis is a homeopathic medication administered to patients with advanced COPD. These patients suffer from extreme difficulty in breathing or feeling fatigued. In cases of extreme weakness or near-collapse, patients may experience cold sweats, a blush tinge to the skin, and breathlessness. Bloating and gas can also worsen breathing difficulties in COPD patients. Carbo Vegetabilis is known to improve oxygenation and relieve bloating and gas.
Lobelia Inflata
In some cases, COPD patients may witness nausea, dizzy, and symptoms with tightness in the chest. The symptoms are close to that of asthma and patients feel as they are unable to take a deep breath. Lobelia Inflata reduces tightness in the chest and improves difficulty in breathing. Patients with a history of tobacco use or those who are trying to quit smoking are advised with this medication.
Kali Bichromicum
Kali Bichromicum comes to the rescue for patients with chronic bronchitis with yellow sticky mucus that worsens in the morning. Such patients usually have excessive mucus production with a deep hacking cough and the medication with help to thin out and expel the mucus. The medication is also effective for sinus congestion and post-nasal drip.
Oscillococcinum
This homeopathic medication is useful for treating patients with symptoms of influenza. It accelerates the recovery process and reduces the incidence of URTIs and influenza-like symptoms. This medication has been commercially available in Tunisia for the past 34 years (National Library of Medicine 2021). The study revealed that Oscillococcinum has been recommended for patients who are susceptible to URTIs despite administering influenza vaccination.
Bryonia
Also known as bryony is a gourd plant family can treat chronic conditions like liver diseases, cancer, COPD, and arthritis. This plant-based homeopathic remedy has 12 different species. It is primarily effective for people suffering from dry hacking cough and rusty sputum. However, the symptoms may seem to be aggravated with any sort of motion or warm temperatures.
Aconite
Patients suffering from bronchitis and showing symptoms of frequent sneezing, coryza-like symptoms, restlessness, or excessive perspiration are advised with aconite. Various species of Aconitum are found in nature and one must be careful as it acts as a medicine and sometimes as a posion. Extreme caution is required while administering this medicine. It is used to treat patients under the influence of weather, numbness, influenza, or cold with congestion. Patients with acute sudden fever and pulsating headaches may also be recommended with the medication.
Bacillinum Burnett
Bacillinum is most suitable for patients suffering from chronic non-tubercular diseases. It is especially administered by the elderly suffering attacks of suffocation at night or people suffering from lung diseases. It relieves the congestion of the lungs.
Belladonna
Atropa belladonna is a crucial ingredient of many medications and is also taken as a supplement. Remember the last time you got your checked and the doctor dilated the eyes? Belladonna is the ingredient to dilate the eye. The plant is so toxic that just by touching it, a person can get irritation on the skin. However, despite being toxic, belladonna has medical benefits. It helps to cure fever, cough cold, and flu, inflammation, joint and back pain, and sore throat.
All of the treatments mentioned above are suitable for different conditions and symptoms of COPD. Patients are advised to administer doses of these medications only under the guidance of a homeopathic practitioner. For this purpose, Dr. Vikas Singhal at Homeo Saga prescribes suitable treatment to patients after deeply studying the symptoms of patient along with their physical condition.
Why Take Homeopathy Treatments
Developed in the late 1700s in Germany, homeopathy is a medical system that is based on the belief that the body can cure itself. It beholds the basic belief of ‘like cures like’. In simple words, something that brings on symptoms in a healthy body.
It claims to stimulate the healing response to the disease but should not be confused with immunization. Unlike immunization, homeopathy is a holistic approach and is not based on specific antibody or germ-fighting cell formation
It is commonly used in many European countries wherein patients are treated with tiny amounts of natural substances like plants and minerals with the believe to stimulate the natural processes. For instance, red eyes bring water to the eyes and so they are used to treat allergies in homeopathy. Poison ivy, white arsenic, and arnica (a simple herb) are used for making homeopathic medicines.
Further, homeopathic practitioners do potentization i.e. they add water to these ingredients to weaken the ingredients and shake the mixture. In homeopathy, it is believed that dilution in water lowers the dose yet, the lower the dose, the more powerful becomes the medicine.
It is a holistic system of medicine that considers treating the whole person while looking into the history of the disease, the lifestyle, and personality of the patient, and hereditary factors. As the patient visits the homeopathic doctor, a homeopath may ask them numerous questions about their emotional, mental, as well as physical health before prescribing a remedy.
Patients who wish to take homeopathic treatment must know that sometimes symptoms may temporarily get worse before getting better. However, this aggravation of symptoms is a part of the treatment. Consult your homeopath if the symptoms tend to worsen or if the patient is consuming conventional drugs along with it.
Benefits of Homeopathic Treatment
From choosing homeopathy for chronic conditions to minor injuries, it is safe for individuals of all ages. As patients begin their journey towards effective healing, they must discover the benefits it shall provide. Dr. Vikas SInghal has spent more than two decades to deliver the following benefits to his patients;
Natural Medication: Since homeopathic medication has natural substances in highly diluted form, the medicine can be prescribed to everyone including pregnant women and babies or the elderly. It poses minimal risks of side effects.
Tailored Treatment: Homeopthic treatment are tailored to the individual. For instance, given the number of medicines available for COPD, a patient will be advised a medication only after understanding the personality traits and conditions. This personalized approach in the treatment process helps to achieve effective and precise health outcomes.
Holistic Approach: Treatment is not just about the superficial symptoms and for this reason homeopathy treats the whole person considering the emotional, physical, and mental well-being.
Relief From Respiratory Symptoms: In patients suffering from wheezing and excessive mucus production remedies like Antiminium Tartaricum are helpful.
Boosting Lung Health: Homeopathic treatment helps to enhance overall immunity and improve lung function. Homeopathy minimizes the risk of infections such that it reduces COPD symptoms.
Enhanced Self-Healing: Homeopathic remedies stimulate the human body’s natural ability to heel and therefore the body takes action against the ailment. This makes the treatment process more sustainable.
Pollution Defense: In today’s age when pollution haunts most Indian cities, homeopathy comes to the rescue. Homeopathic treatment can help the body adapt to a polluted environment while reducing hypersensitivity.
Preventive Potential: As prevention is always better than cure, homeopathy can be used as a prevention to strengthen the body’s aversion to infections and diseases.
Lifestyle Tips Accompanying Homeopathic Treatment
The COPD homeopathic treatment is multidimensional as it targets the symptoms, it aims to boost the body’s natural healing processes. It is advised to follow some remedies to improve the effectiveness of the treatment.
Quit Smoking immediately
Smoking has been a significant cause of COPD-related deaths. Tobacco irritates the airways within the lungs. Further, inflammation and obstruction of the airways can narrow them. Active smoking reduces the effectiveness of inhaled steroids that doctors might prescribe to treat severe COPD.
Improve Quality of Air In the Home
Air Irritants in a home like pesticides, chemical cleaning products, dust, paints and varnishes, can make breathing more difficult. Households with patients of OPD must limit contact with household chemicals and open windows to increase the airflow of the house space. Further, air filtration systems can prevent the growth of dust mites, harmful mold, and mildew. It is also advised to vacuum dust and wash bed linens regularly.
Regulating Breath- Practice Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises can improve COPD symptoms, and the capacity of the lungs, and reduce shortness of breath. Incorporating following breathing exercises can help to strengthen the lungs over time and combat COPD. Most importantly, anyone can practice these exercises without consulting a teacher.
Yoga Se Hi Hoga
The simplest breathing exercise detailed by ancient yogis is pranayama. It involves different types of rhythmic deep breathing techniques beneficial for both mind and body. The lungs are normally strong and gain strength with suitable pranayama, but improper practice might make them weaker. Quoting the Yoga Chudamani Upanishad, “Just as the lion, elephant, and tiger are brought under control slowly and steadily, similarly, the PRANA should be controlled”.
Pursed-Lip breathing
Pursed-lip breathing is another means wherein a person inhales through their nose and exhales through tight pursed lips. The process helps the lungs take in more oxygen and take out more carbon dioxide. Hence when the airway stays open for longer, it helps to clear out stale air, slowing the breathing rate. It is not advisable to practice pursed-lip breathing during exercising, walking, lifting, and climbing stairs. Rather, if it is pursued during reading, sitting at a desk, watching television, or waiting in a line, the breathing becomes stress-free and natural.
Here are a few steps to pursue this technique;
Begin by relaxing the shoulder and the neck muscles.
Now, breathe in slowly through the nose while keeping the mouth closed. Here it is not important to breathe deeply.
Next, pursue the lips as if one is trying to blow a whistle or gently blow a hot drink.
Lastly, breathe out slowly through pursed lips for four seconds.
While performing this breathing exercise, patients are advised not to force the air out of the lungs, rather they should exhale for a longer time than inhaling.
Controlled Coughing
Controlled Coughing takes place deep within the lungs. This helps to carry mucus through the airways without leading them to collapse. The technique works best when a patient feels that mucus is in the airway or the patient is using a bronchodilator. Here is a perfect guide to this technique to benefit the lungs;
Sit straight and lean slightly forward on a chair and keep both feet on the floor.
Now fold your arms across the belly and breathe slowly through the nose.
As the patient leans forward and exhales, he or she can press arms into the belly.
After this, slightly open the mouth to cough twice or thrice. Try to keep coughs short and sharp.
Lastly, inhale slowly through the nose and rest.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Diaphragmatic breathing is often referred to as belly breathing. It strengthens the diaphragm- the most crucial muscle used for breathing. In patients suffering from COPD, the air gets trapped in the lungs and pushes on the lungs. For this reason, patients tend to use their neck, back, and shoulder muscles predominately while breathing. This technique requires practice as it might be tireful to begin with. Patients can begin the exercise for 5 minutes thrice a day and slowly increase the practice time in each session. Here are the steps they can follow;
Begin lying on the flat surface but make sure that the head supports as you bend the knees.
Place one hand just below the ribs and the other in the middle of the chest over the sternum or the breastbone.
Further, it is advised to breathe slowly through the nose,
Lastly, tighten the muscles below the ribs. Breathe out slowly with pursed lips and then repeat.
Food Regulates Breathing; Food For COPD
The human body changes food to energy through a process known as metabolism. During this process, the oxygen and food get converted into energy and carbon dioxide. People suffering from COPD require more energy to exhale carbon dioxide as muscles may require at least ten times more calories. Therefore, it is recommended that people suffering from COPD consume more fat and less carbohydrates to breathe easily.
When the body metabolizes carbohydrates, it tends to produce more carbon dioxide for the same amount of oxygen use. Comparatively, when the body metabolizes fat, it produces the least carbon dioxide. Of course, no single food will supply all the nutrients and one needs a balanced diet. Since a well-nourished body is better at handling diseases, people with COPD should monitor weight. Health complications might aggravate due to being overweight or underweight.
Here are a few food tips one can follow if a person witnesses short of breath;
Eat slowly and chew the food well. Consuming smaller bites might be helpful.
Maintain proper posture while eating food. It is advised to sit straight while eating.
If breathlessness is there, rest before beginning the meal. It is also advised to take small breaks between the bites.
COPD patients should avoid food that causes gas or bloating as they tend to make breathing more difficult.
Lastly, drinking liquids with meals might make one feel too full. So, limit liquids with meals or drinks after meals.
Homeopathic medications are oral medications and are essentially taken from the mouth through pills or globules. Therefore, the medicine gets absorbed in the oral cavity and acts from the mouth. For this reason, it is suggested that the mouth should remain clean from food articles with strong fragrance and taste. So here are a few food articles to avoid;
Drinking alcohol, chewing, or smoking tobacco must be avoided with homeopathic medicines.
Coffee, garlic, and mint leaves have strong odors and tastes. Patients are advised to avoid them while consuming treatment. However, coffee beans are used for grinding the crude extracts, in some cases, coffee may not be restricted.
Sour foods like sour fruits or curd have to be avoided necessarily for skin disorders,
Artificially treated foods and foods made with preservatives must be avoided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to cure COPD completely through homeopathy?
Although COPD is a chronic condition, homeopathy cannot cure it completely. It slows down the progression of COPD alongside the conventional treatment. However, it helps to manage symptoms like cough, breathlessness, and wheezing.
Can you lead a normal life with COPD?
Yes, with proper treatment and by following lifestyle modification tips, people can live a normal life and maintain their quality of life too.
What is the role of homeopathy in COPD management?
Homeopathic medication and treatment offer supportive care by providing symptomatic relief. It prevents lung damage and reduces dependency on steroids and bronchodilators.
Is homeopathic medication safe?
Homeopathic treatment is generally safe and has very minimal side effects. Thus, it is suitable for COPD patients. It is recommended that patients take proper dosage of medication as prescribed by an experienced homeopathic practitioner only.
How does homeopathic treatment help COPD patients?
Homeopathy works by strengthening the human body’s immune system. It reduces the intensity of symptoms and its frequency. so, remedies are tailored according to the specific symptoms, conditions, age factors, and overall health of the patient.
Should homeopathic treatment for COPD be used alongside conventional treatments?
Inhalers and some other medications can be used in conjunction with the homeopathic medication. However, patients are advised not to administer doses without consulting medical practitioners.
Are the results from homeopathy visible soon?
Since homeopathy is a gradual process, patients may witness relief within a few weeks. The duration of getting cured depends upon the severity of the health condition and also the individual’s response to the given remedy.
How much do homeopathy medicines cost in India?
The cost of medicines varies on the type of medicine being used for the condition of the patient and the brand recommended. Yet compared with the costs of conventional drugs, remedies are cost effective ranging from INR 50 to INR 150 for a small bottle. Complex formulas may cost up to INR 200 to INR 500.
Why Homeo Saga International the best homeopathic clinic?
Homeo Saga International stands out as a beacon of hope and healing. With roots finely planted in Chandigarh, the clinic has garnered acclaim for its commitment to patient’s well-being. Dr. Vikas Singhal encompasses a deeper understanding of homeopathic principles for chronic conditions.
Why Dr. Vikas Singhal from Chandigarh is best for the treatment of COPD and the best homeopathy doctor?
COPD is a debilitating chronic respiratory disease that leaves patients feeling breathless and compromised. Dr. Vikas Singhal uses homeopathy to stimulate the human body’s natural healing abilities to cure this chronic disease. He studies each patient’s symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors to prescribe remedies.