What is COPD?

The term ‘chronic obstructive pulmonary disease’ (COPD) was introduced to bring together a classification of clinical syndromes associated with the destruction of the lung and airflow obstruction. COPD causes severe shortness of breath, which can result from chronic bronchitis, emphysema or both. 

Chronic bronchitis is defined as a constant cough and excessive mucous production that lasts for at least 3 months for more than two consecutive years.  Emphysema is characterized by damage to the lungs, which causes them to lose their elasticity, forming pockets of dead air called bullae.

 
Signs and Symptoms of COPD:

• Ongoing cough, often with phlegm that may be ‘hard to bring up’ 
• Excessive mucous production and impaired ability of eliminate mucous
• Shortness of breath on exertion and eventually at rest 
• Progressive difficulty exhaling and wheezing
• Recurrent respiratory infections  
• Decreased exercise tolerance

An Integrated Approach to COPD

What is Complimentary Medicine?

At the ICIM, practitioners include Osteopathic Doctors, Biologists, Herbalists, Homeopaths and Naturopathic Doctors.  One of the differing features of natural medicine compared with conventional medicine is its philosophical foundation.  The premise is that there is an inherent healing power in nature and in every human being.  It is the physician’s role to enhance this within their patients.  The doctrine can be better understood by becoming familiar with the principles of Naturopathic Medicine.

• The Healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae)
• First, do no harm (primum non nocere)
• Find the cause (tolle causam)
• Treat the whole person
• Preventative medicine
• Wellness
• Doctor as teacher

Naturopathic Doctors at ICIM, treat patients after taking a full health history.  A complete physical exam is also performed as deemed necessary by the doctor in response to the patient’s chief complaint.  A visit with a Naturopath is usually 60 minutes and the patient is then treated according to an individualized plan.

Integration of Conventional Treatment with Natural Medical Approaches to COPD.

Areas to focus on:

• Prevention and management of infection
• Sputum expulsion – expectorants
• Immune system building
• Body strengthening
• Diet and Nutrition
• Quitting Smoking

Diet

• Phlegm in the lungs is often increased by weak digestion (weak spleen-pancreas qi –Chinese Medicine) that causes mucus.  It can also result from too much mucus-forming food.  The general diet should consist of foods that digest easily and do not add any further mucus burden.  These are vegetables, fruits and sprouts; small amounts of legumes, grains and almonds.

Nutritional Supplementation

(Supplements may have side effects or interact with medications, so they should be taken only under the guidance of a knowledgeable health care provider. Be sure to speak to your physician about any supplements you are taking or considering taking.)

Bromelain is a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes found in pineapples.  It can help reduce cough and diminish mucus production from respiratory infections. 

Magnesium deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of developing lung disease.  Eating foods rich in magnesium or taking magnesium supplements will reduce your chances of developing emphysema.  Foods rich in Magnesium should be a regular part of a healthy diet.  These include whole grains, legumes and green leafy vegetables.

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant.  Because it is water soluble, it provides protection in all body fluids, within every cell of the body, and is highly concentrated in the brain to protect against brain aging.
It aids in proper immune function, detoxifies toxins and helps the body handle stress.  Vitamin C also reduces the frequency and intensity of bronchial spasms in asthmatics.  Because it is anti-viral, it may help reduce the frequency of infection in COPD patients.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids are very important for not only a healthy heart – by increasing cardiac workload and decreasing cholesterol - but also for improving respiratory function.  In asthmatics they mediate the inflammatory pathway, preventing the extremely inflammatory pathways. They are essential for rebuilding and producing new cells.  Good sources are found in salmon oil and flaxseed oil. 

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may help dissolve mucus and improve symptoms associated with COPD.  Smokers may also benefit from supplementation of NAC.  It can improve lung function tests in patients with chronic lung disease.

Probiotics are used to replenish good gut flora that has been destroyed by used of Antibiotics necessary to fight bacterial infections in COPD patients.  Our immune systems depend on a healthy intestinal lining, and we have naturally occurring bacteria, which help digest food and enhance immunity.  Antibiotics kill both the bad and the good bacteria.  Without these ‘good guys’ our guts can become more permeable and immunity becomes compromised.

 
Botanical Medicine

The use of herbs is a time-honoured approach to strengthening the body and treating disease.  Herbs, however, contain active substances that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements or medications.  Take herbs under supervision of a knowledgeable medical professional.

Herbal Tinctures

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) is a herbal remedy for respiratory ailments including bronchitis.  It is considered an effective expectorant, meaning that it helps to clear mucus from the lungs.  Homeopathic doses work very well and are very gentle.

* Take any of the above herbs with honey to sweeten its taste.  Honey is said to clear mucus and help with cleansing.

Formulas (Ayurvedic Herbal Formulas)

Licorice and Ginger Formula (nourishes lung and stops coughing, reduces wheezing)

Tumeric Tincture (stops inflammation and phlegm)

Trikatu – The Three Spices Formula (stimulates sluggish digestion, clears mucus and increases circulation

Teas

Ginger tea is warming and aids in digestion.  It promotes circulation and also has antibacterial properties. It may also inhibit inflammatory processes such as those occurring in patients with COPD.

Licorice tea
Elderberry tea is a delicious tea that treats coughs, bronchitis colds and flu.  It helps to support the liver and rid the body of toxins.

Essential Oils 
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) is an expectorant, which means it loosens phlegm in the respiratory passages, making it easier to cough up mucus from your airways.

Castor Oil Packs
Use warm castor oil packs on the chest and back to help reduce mucus and enhance breathing.  To make a castor oil pack, place a cup of castor oil in a pan and warm it, but DON’T boil it.  Saturate a piece of flannel or cotton with the oil and apply the cloth to the affected area.  Place a piece of plastic over it, and then apply a hot water bottle on top.  Keep the pack in place for 30-60 minutes as needed.  This is good for the immune system too!
                       

Blood Analysis

Blood is a life-sustaining fluid that circulates through the heart and blood vessels, and is essential part of the human body. It transports oxygen from the lungs, nutrients from digestion and hormones from glands throughout the body.  The condition of your blood is a good indicator of your internal health not always expressed externally. Underlying factors contributing to the cause of lung pathology may be observed in the quality of the blood.  Examining your blood in its living state may indicate various systemic causes contributing to COPD and other disease. For more information about Blood Analysis at ICIM click here.

Medical Infrared Thermography

Medical Thermography is used as a method of research for early pre-clinical diagnosis and control during treatment of homeostatic imbalances.  The intrinsic safety of this method of analysis makes infrared thermography free from any limitations or contraindications.  Infrared Medical Thermography is very suitable in assisting diagnosis because it is fast, reliable, non-invasive and absolutely safe for patients and doctors.  Infrared Thermography was applied during the last epidemic if atypical pneumonia (SARS) at airports for monitoring asthma, allergies, bronchitis and influenza.  Combined with a comprehensive health history, and conventional lab testing, Medical Thermography is recommended. (It is especially advisable to patients with radiation sensitivity or life risk exposure to radiation).

TCM

In Chinese Medicine, qi (vital life force or energy) from the lung spreads to the pores of the skin and upward to the nose and mouth. In patients with COPD, this system is adversely affected. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine is an effective tool used to support smoke-quitters and management of symptoms associated with lung disease.

Lifestyle

Quit Smoking!
Simply by quitting smoking you will gain long-term health benefits.  Acupuncture in combination with herbal therapy is particularly useful as a supportive therapy to quitting smoking.
 

Exercise

Exercise moderately on a regular basis; walking is best.  Heavy arm exercises are not advisable, since they require the muscles needed for breathing to do double duty. Light arm work is helpful.  Regular exercise increases endurance, improves circulation and generally leads to a reduced level of breathlessness.  Start out with what you are able to do, even if it is one minute/hour/day and build on that. Yoga and tai chi would be beneficial.