Everyone knows that smoking is bad for you. The manufacture of the cigarette even print the warnings right on the packs! Still some people, an estimated that a total of 1 billion people smoke worldwide an average of a pack or two per day. An average of 6 million people per year die of cigarette smoking related deaths. That’s about 1 in 10 people sadly. The numbers are staggering. So you would think that would make people rethink smoking because it causes so many fatal disease like Cancer, Emphysema, and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) just to name a few. Emphysema is under the umbrella of the COPD diagnosis. When someone has this disease it gradually damages the air sacs or alveoli in the lungs. Smoking is the main cause of Emphysema, but you may have the disease for many years before you develop symptoms. Once the air sacs rupture, and deflate is when a person can have trouble breathing. There isn’t any way to cure Emphysema once you have it, and reverse the damage but you can find treatments that help alleviate the symptoms.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Some scary symptoms that you might develop are shortness of breath, confusion, or a blue tint to the mouth or lips. This is due to the lack of oxygen to your lungs. The shortness of breath can occur even when your body isn’t moving. So see your doctor right away to develop a treatment plan if you develop any of these symptoms. Risk factors for the disease include smoking, second hand smoke, age, occupational hazards, and pollution. You might need to make changes to your lifestyle and habits to better control your disease.
Regular Treatment By a Doctor
Some treatments may include an oxygen tank, breathing treatments, inhalers, or medication. A combination of more than one treatment may be your best plan of attack. You doctor will be able to treat the symptoms you are having so that you can live a more comfortable lifestyle. Although the disease won’t go away, it can go into a state of remission where you are experiencing symptoms on a daily basis.
Alternative Therapy: Halotherapy or Salt Therapy
Halotherapy or salt therapy helps to open up the damaged air passages allowing the person with Emphysema to be able to breath a little easier. It’s a worthwhile treatment to consider, and many spas or wellness clinics are championing this treatment for people with respiratory issues that are severe or even in the first stages of the disease. If you have Emphysema and are still smoking, the absolute best thing you can do for your health is to quit. Develop a plan of attack on quitting smoking whether it involves the patch, nicotine gum, therapy, or a smoking cessation program. Many local hospitals and community centers offer these types of program for free, so it’s best to investigate what is offered in your local town. Quitting on your own is tough so don’t be afraid to seek out the support you need to stop smoking. You’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll be able to breathe.
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