Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD could not be cured. Nonetheless, with proper medication and therapy it can be kept under control. along with standard medications, COPD patients could prevent shortness of breath with the help of certain alternative therapies.
COPD treatment
Breathing exercises
Shallow breathing tends to worsen the breathing problems inCOPD patients. COPD patients are advised to adopt belly breathing or breathing with the diaphragm. This deep breathing process helps to fill the lungs with enough air. to facilitate deep breathing, COPD patients are often advised to practice pursed lip breathing. In this process, you inhale air through your nostrils and exhale slowly through your pursed lips.
Hot mud bath
Mud baths are usually recommended for people suffering from joint and lower back pains and skin problems. in a recent Italian study, researchers found that hot mud bath is also beneficial for people suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Thermal mud bath could improve respiratory muscle endurance in COPD patients. It improves breathing. Researchers believe that certain trace elements such as bromide and iodide present in the mud bath and the temperature of the mud bath could improve the function of the damaged lungs.
Herbs for COPD
Certain herbs could be combined with conventional therapies to improve the symptoms of COPD. to strengthen the immune system and to prevent flu and cold that exacerbate your breathing problems, you can take Echinacea. in traditional Chinese medicine, Asian Ginseng is used for treating the symptoms of COPD. This herb might improve the lung function. It can improve the immunity and lower the risk of lung infections, which might be fatal for people with chronic respiratory problems.
Moreover, ginseng could improve stamina and overall quality of health of people with COPD. Ginger, a common culinary herb might be beneficial for people with chronic respiratory illness. This spice could clear the lungs and remove congestion rapidly. in addition, ginger is a natural antibiotic. It can lower the risk of respiratory infections in COPD patients. People with COPD might consider using licorice as a natural expectorant.
However, COPD patients should consult their physicians before taking any herbal medication.