Health
9 Foods to Eat While Healing From COPD Symptoms
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is the umbrella term comprising progressive lung disorders- chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Both these conditions involve blockage of airflow from the lungs and have various underlying causes, including air pollution and exposure to dust. Individuals with COPD experience symptoms such as coughing up mucus, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Alongside following the suggested treatment course, incorporating certain foods into one’s meal plan can help fight the disease. Types of COPD COPD occurs in two forms – chronic bronchitis, characterized by long-term cough, and emphysema, involving damage to the air sacs. Chronic bronchitis Chronic bronchitis occurs due to inflammation and swelling of the bronchial tubes, causing the accumulation of mucus along the tube lining and narrowing of its opening. Moreover, the bronchial tubes comprise small, hair-like projections called cilia, which expel mucus from the airways. However, chronic bronchitis damages these cilia, furthering mucus accumulation. Chronic bronchitis is typically diagnosed when an individual experience cough for at least three months a year for two consecutive years and tests negative for tuberculosis and other lung conditions. Emphysema Emphysema involves the eventual rupture and damage of air sacs or alveoli, leading to large air spaces forming in the organ.
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