COPD - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The COPD is an umbrella term for chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema - permanent, progressive respiratory diseases (also known as: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), thus characterized are exhaling impeded due to constriction of the bronchial tubes. In the course of a destruction of the lung tissue is then. This increasingly impair gas exchange and gets into the organism no longer sufficient oxygen.

Causes of COPD

The COPD is result of cigarette smoking - hence the colloquial term smoker Lung in around 9 out of 10 cases. Other causes such as. Infections or air pollution and occupational risk factors (dust, chemicals) can promote a COPD. Severity and course of the disease are also dependent on genetic factors.

In rare cases, a congenital disorder is based: the AAT deficiency. It is missing an important enzyme, the Alpha-1-antitrypsin (also: Alpha-1-Proteinasen inhibitor), which protects the sensitive pulmonary alveoli from harmful substances. Missing this fabric or works poorly, are the alveoli and Airways is constantly attacked by inhaled substances and progressively destroyed. Those involved, the complaints show but mostly at younger age (25-30).

Symptoms of COPD

Main characteristics of the disease are chronic cough in the morning mainly, discharge and increasing shortness of breath, especially when load - in advanced stages are impossible even short distances. In the course of the disease, the Airways narrow increasingly and it impeded breathing. Especially on the exhale, the air flow is restricted. Over the years, a feeling of "excess flatulence" the lungs developed in addition to the shortness of breath. The person concerned has the oppressive feeling constantly the last reserves of his lungs to breathe.

Other than asthma, COPD noiselessly comes - the disease develops over years or decades. Typical signs of asthma is, however, a sudden onset breathlessness. Asthma and COPD are connected while both with a narrowing of the Airways, but two different diseases which are treated differently.

Diagnosis

Any cough that lasts for longer than eight weeks, may indicate on a COPD, especially if the patient smokes: risk group are longtime smokers over 40 years, suffering from shortness of breath with strain, cough and discharge (AHA symptoms). The doctor will be mostly already the presumptive diagnosis of COPD from the described symptoms and medical history, secured mainly with the so called spirometry. This study allows you to assess the lung function by measuring the tidal volume, that can be exhaled in one second strongest effort after a maximum deep inhalation.

Even if the therapy can eliminate the cause, early diagnosis and therefore a timely treatment of COPD is important, so that the disease has not progressed. Early treatment is the fact that a COPD sometimes leads to considerable physical and social limitations for those affected and often to an increased mortality rate. Also the risk of cardiac disease is greatly increased.

Treatment of COPD

There is not a causal therapy of COPD to date. This means: the disease is not to cure, but you can slow down the progress and positive influence on acute deterioration. The aim of each treatment are better lung function, less shortness of breath and increased load capacity.

The most important measure is the smoking cessation to stop the slow decline in lung function. Physical exercise or pharmacological training also represent basic measures. It is still essential that the persons concerned under the guidance of learning how they can positively affect their breathing in everyday life. These include facilitating breathing techniques (lip brake, certain postures, coughing techniques) in peace, but under the conditions. To the drug therapy are mainly Bronchodilators (expand the Airways) and cortisone preparations (for inflammation) used to inhale.

Information on self help

1. The complaints seem to have often "banal". The typical symptoms of coughing and discharge be trivialized like patients.
2. An airway obstruction is not created from today to tomorrow, but over a long period of time. An asthma patient surrounded his lifestyle very quickly after an attack, however, COPD patients adapt to smoking, the complaints, without the causal evil, to give up.
3. So-called avoidance strategies are developed because of the shortness of breath. Although physical activity is important, people increasingly restrict their travel and everyday life is then mainly while sitting.
4. COPD patients have often already many attempts behind it, smoking to give up and are partly discouraged. Therefore lack the insight and a real effort to change the lifestyle and give up smoking.

Therefore, the parties concerned need information:

1. Knowledge of the disease, as well as effects of air pollution
2. Self control such as peak-Flowmetrie, run a leverage diary (available at the German League of breath way)
3. Information in dealing with hazardous situations (E.g. stays at high altitude, air travel, certain sports)
4. Sports and training therapy, because appropriate physical training leads to an increase in the performance of
5. A structured patient training for improving the ability of self management.

Coughing is not equal to cough

The cough is one of the symptoms of a cold. But is not equal to cough cough: whether dry cough or cough with phlegm for the treatment of cough of major importance. Cough is a self-cleaning - and defense mechanism of the respiratory system. This mechanism is supported by the movement of the so-called ciliated epithelium and mucus production, which then transport the impurities. In the course of inflammation of the bronchial tubes, it comes to an increased production of tenacious mucus, which can no longer transport the ciliated epithelium.

Dry cough
In the first phase of infection, the bronchial tubes often react with coughing on every breath. The invading viruses - main triggers of a cold - attacking the lining of the bronchi and cause inflammation. First, neither excessive, even pathologically altered mucus is produced but in the bronchi. The still existing cough causes any relief at this stage of the disease - so it is also known as "unproductive".
The "dry" cough is very tiring and stressful, but usually after two or three days time. Best cough breastfeeding supplements help at this stage. They work according to different principles.
First, by a damping of the cough Center. Here the ingredients are codeine, dihydrocodeine or Narcotine.
In addition through inhibition of the cough receptors in bronchial mucosa or by reducing the transduction (Clobutinol, Pentoxyverin).
When choosing a cough tillers are to pay attention because some drugs can make tired to side effects. Herbal cough suppressant are Marshmallow root, Icelandic Moss, mullein, Mallow leaves, or plantain herb.

Whooping cough
After a few days of "productive" cough joins in this phase. Large amounts of mucus in the bronchi, which is ejected with the cough are formed. Passes the dry cough in a productive cough, called expectorants, so mucolytic agents, should be included. Cough suppressant is now counterproductive because they suppress the cough and therefore the mucus can not be removed. Who however at night can't sleep through, it actually makes sense before going to bed to take a cough suppressant is for.
The Group of mucus-dissolving agents, there are also different working principles:

1. Mukolytika - lower the viscosity of mucus, it is better transported (E.g. Bromhexine, Ambroxol, N-acetyl-cysteine).
2. Mucolytics - stimulate the production of thin mucus, liquefies the secretions (such as saponins, essential oils, potassium iodide, mucilages, Guaifenesin).
3. Sekretomotorika - inspire the action of the Cilia on (such as essential oils).
4. Hustenlöser are plant-based anise, ivy leaves, Primrose root, thyme herb, thyme herb, or licorice root.

Measures for cough
Just for the verschleimten cough, it is very important to drink enough liquid (at least 1.5-2 litres a day). Then also the mucus can be sufficiently liquefied and thus better transported. In addition, factors that can cause damage to the bronchial Mucosa, should be avoided. These include:

1. Cigarette smoke
2. Excessively dry air (overheated rooms)
3. Irritants in the air.

After about a week mucus flow and hence the cough should have normalised again. If the cough symptoms despite medical treatment have not improved, or the mucus turns yellow or green you must seek medical attention.

Sore throat - tips against the scratchy throat

Fall autumn temperatures and with them the first leaves, we go: swallowing, hoarseness scratching in the neck. Neck pain is a real people suffering torments in regularly of almost everyone for a few days of the year. The causes can be varied however. Neck pain is not a separate disease, but a symptom that can have many different causes. By far most viral throat inflammation behind however.

Causes of neck pain

Typical trigger of acute neck pain are usually caused by viruses, bacteria, more rarely cold diseases, inflammation of the tonsils or other inflammation of the mouth and throat -. Even more severe infections such as Scarlet fever or diphtheria announce themselves with sore throat. Hoarseness is an indication that the inflammation affects also the throat with his vocal cords.

In addition, such as severe inflammation in the esophagus or lymph node swelling in the area of the throat can lead to neck pain. Swallowing without neck pain can in turn have an allergic cause or be caused for example by a thyroid disease.

Treatment of neck pain

You can jump a slight cold with sore throat with home remedies. The symptoms do not improve after two to three days significantly, you should go to the doctor but necessarily. Chronic or recurrent throat infections and hoarseness attacks should be clarified by a doctor.

Drink a lot: make the sore throat soon disappear, is advisable in any case, plenty to drink. The mucous membranes are kept moist by the fluid, common cold viruses can multiply not so good. Medicinal plants affect germination-inhibiting, retarding the ignition and decongestant and own as tea or gargling. Herbal teas such as Sage, thyme, camomile and Mallow or the famous "hot lemonade" are recommended. Whether hot or cold is not crucial, and depends on personal preference.

Gargle with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon of salt in 0.2 litres of warm water) is also part of the tried and tested home remedies. Also Chamomile and Sage tea (taken in high concentration and long) are suitable for it.

Neck Wrap be used by many people to get relief. This is a kitchen towel with cold soaked up warm water (depending on needs), wrung out and placed around the neck, wrapped in a dry cloth or a wool scarf. The wet diaper should interact with between 20 and 30 minutes. Instead of water, and lemon juice or oil, cottage cheese or Savior Spitz ® are suitable.

Also a sweating after a hot bath has beneficial. An important step in the direction of reform is itself - but especially to keep warm your feet and neck -, anyway.

Homeopathic remedies help depending on the type of complaints - here a selection: Belladonna with burning sore throat, swallowing and swollen tonsils, Phytolacca radiating in the ear pain, Lycopodium, when first the right side of the neck is affected and Lachesis, when the pain to begin on the left side are localized.

A home remedy helps in the truest sense of the word: who has neck pain and feels uncomfortable or even fever, remains the best at home and treats herself to rest. That is often neglected.

Many people draw when a sore throat on over-the-counter pain medication from the pharmacy, to be quickly "in use". Without medical consultation none of these funds should be used for more than three days.

You should go to the doctor if...

1. Sore throat for more than three days
2. the discomfort associated with shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or strong swallowing problems associated
3. Pain mainly on one side of the neck, or after loading the voice
4. the lymph nodes swollen are strong
5. finding it difficult to open the mouth wide
6. the body temperature is persistently increased (38 degrees centigrade for more than three days) or fever over 39 degrees Celsius in adults or above 40 degrees Celsius in children is measured
7. Sore throat with rash on face or body or raspberry discoloration of the tongue are connected
8. You are suddenly or strongly hoarse
9. Sore throat very often occur (in adults more than four times per year) and home remedies do not work.

Dry cough - what to do?

Dry cough (dry cough) frequently occurs in the context of a cold, can have other causes. The coughing attacks are perceived as distressing and Rob those affected often at night to sleep. We reveal what causes behind dry cough can put and what helps against dry cough. We here present both over-the-counter and prescription medications as effective home remedies.

Cold as possible cause

Cough is no stand-alone picture of the disease, but a symptom that may occur in the context of various diseases. Dry cough can indicate inter alia on asthma bronchial asthma, an inflammation of the pleura as well as a disease of the heart or stomach. As well, certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors, a dry cough can trigger. Dry cough occurs most often in the course of a cold.

Dry cough: Haunting in the night

A cold viruses enter the body, become lodged in the mucous membranes and cause inflammation in there. Become irritated mucous membranes in the throat, the cough reflex is triggered by a neural signal on the cough Center. When the mucous membranes are no longer lit, also the cough no longer occurs.

Cough that occurs in the context of a cold, distinguishes between dry tickly cough (unproductive cough) and cough (productive cough) discharge. Dry tickly cough occurs in the first phase of the infection and is often very difficult to feel. Only in the second phase, when the educated mucus can be coughed out, those affected by the cough feel relief.

Dry cough in children

Not only adults, but also children are affected by dry cough. A cold is the cause, treatment with home remedies is recommended for milder diagram first. Make as a parent also making sure that your child takes sufficient fluid to.

Stop the cough over a period of time or in addition to fever and pain occur, you should consult a doctor. This can determine the exact cause of irritable cough--possibly this may indicate bronchial also an allergy or an early asthma. In children under two years of age, just in case always a doctor should be consulted on.

Home remedies for dry cough

As home remedy for dry cough, care must be taken exactly like other cold symptoms to a sufficient fluid intake. Instead of drinking larger amounts at once, you should best small SIPs tea or soup to take. Watch out also for a sufficiently high air humidity in the rooms: Ventilate regularly and adjust if needed a bowl of water on the heater.

In addition, there are various home remedies for dry cough:

1. Onion syrup: Slice an onion into pieces and also give some honey or sugar. Allow at least an hour pull the bulb and take then breakfast, lunch and dinner each one tablespoon of onion broth.
2. Hustentee: among other teas in the varieties of Mallow, Coltsfoot, fennel and oregano are recommended. Or you mix yourself a Hustentee made from different ingredients together: take, for example, ten grams Icelandic Moss, as well as five grams of aniseed, hibiscus roots, Coltsfoot, Lungwort, plantain and licorice.
3. Inhalation: Inhaling helps dry cough to moisten the dry mucous membranes and thus calms the cough reflex. Suitable accessories are including table salt, camomile or thyme.
4. Potato wrap: Give several warm, mashed potatoes in a towel and wrap it around your chest. Previously, check the temperature of the wrap on a resistant body. Wear the wrap as long as you feel the heat as pleasant.

Drugs used for dry cough

Drugs used for the treatment of dry tickly cough, which satisfy the coughing (Antitussives). Some drugs reduce the cough Center, others inhibit the cough receptors in the bronchi or reduce the transduction. Suitable medication with the active ingredients are codeine, dihydrocodeine, dextromethorphan, Narcotine, or Pentoxyverin.

Drugs with codeine, dihydrocodeine, or Narcotine are available by prescription. Codeine and dihydrocodeine should not be used for a longer period, since you can make depending on. Because the cough reflex is an important protective reflex, dry cough medicines should be taken only, if the cough is so pronounced that a treatment with home remedies has no effect.

Herbal medicines

There are also various herbal products available for treating dry cough. They are slightly less effective than the above mentioned drugs, have also no unpleasant side effects. Treat cold-induced dry cough, herbal products enough usually. Among funds with Marshmallow root, plantain herb or Mallow leaves have proven.

Recommended Moss pastilles are Icelandic. Through the sucking of pastilles, moistens the mucous membranes in the throat and alleviated the cough reflex. In addition, the slime-forming sugars in the Icelandic ensure MOSS that settles a protective film over the dry mucous membranes. As a result they can calm down and the dry cough subsides.