An estimated 15.7 million people in America struggle with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). COPD is an ongoing, progressive condition that weakens the lungs and makes it harder to breathe.
There are many ways to treat COPD depending on the type and severity of the symptoms. Find out some of the best ways to improve COPD without using medication in this guide.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COPD is a condition that causes ongoing inflammation in the lungs and airways. It can be caused by existing respiratory conditions like asthma or emphysema. COPD can also be the result of lifestyle factors like smoking or exposure to environmental toxins.
COPD symptoms can range from mild to debilitating. Patients who have COPD often experience the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Chest tightness
- Chronic infections
- Difficulty exercising
- Shortness of breath
Left untreated, these symptoms will continue to progress until COPD drastically affects your ability to breathe. This can lead to a diminished quality of life.
Treating COPD
To manage COPD symptoms, it is essential to get the right treatment as early as possible. After a COPD diagnosis, you will want to establish a treatment plan that works to alleviate your symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
Many cases of COPD are treated with prescription medication. However, a growing number of people want to treat their condition without medication. The following are some of the best ways to approach COPD treatment without using medicine:
Leading a Healthier Lifestyle
One of the simplest ways to reduce your COPD symptoms is to change your lifestyle. Removing factors that contribute to your symptoms can help you breathe easier and avoid a rapid progression of the disease. This includes quitting smoking, cutting out unhealthy foods, and leading a more active life.
Lung and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Another treatment method that doesn’t involve prescription medication is respiratory therapy. Lung therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation can help expand your airways over time. These therapeutic methods can also expand the healthy alveoli within your lungs to hold more air when you breathe.
Regenerative Medicine
An innovative way to address COPD without medication may be through regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy. Methods like stem cell therapy can help reduce inflammation and lead to new, healthy cell growth. This may decrease the frequency and severity of your COPD symptoms over time.
