COPD Salt therapy and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a general term which includes the conditions Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. Both can cause the obstruction and narrowing of the airways. In this case the word Chronic refers to the fact that it is persistent (i.e. always present) as opposed to acute. The difference between the symptoms of Emphysemia and Bronchitis is the latter is inflammation of the bronchi (the airways of the lungs) while Emphysemia is damage to the smaller airways and airsacs (alveoli) of the lungs. Because Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysemia often occur together the term COPD is used to describe the way the airways are affected by the two diseases.

What are the symptoms of COPD?

The first symptom to develop is the cough. Rather than presenting as chronic at first it tends to come and go in the initial stages. The sufferer finds themselves producing a lot of sputum. This is due to the fact that because the airways have become damaged they produce more mucous. Over a period of time it will take a hold and become more persistent (chronic). Many people misread the symptoms as ‘smokers cough’ in the early stages of the disease, but when the subsequent breathlessness becomes apparent patients become more concerned.

Like the onset of coughing, the breathlessness is likely to present itself gradually. The wheezing and shortness of breath perhaps will only show when the patient exerts themselves. Onset can be over a period of years but at its peak the breathlessness can be very distressing to the patient. Chest infections also become more common.

How Salt Therapy helps patients with COPD

Salt therapy has been used in eastern European countries as a complimentary medicine and alternative therapy for lung and breathing problems and skin problems for many centuries. Now the benefits of this ancient natural therapy are becoming known in the western world and here in the United Kingdom.

The great benefit of Salt Therapy is it is totally natural, safe and drug-free. It can be used as a complementary treatment to prescribed medications. When Salt Therapy is used as a complimentary treatment, it can increase the effectiveness of, and reduce the need for prescribed medications.

It has been clinically proven that inhalation of salt aerosol can help to cleanse the respiratory system of the human body and to speed up the elimination of toxins. These breathable salt particles penetrate into the bronchial tree in the form of finest crystals. Dry saline aerosol works as a “bronchial brush” for the airways.

It is also a well known decongestant. It reduces inflammation, and hence it widens the airway passages, restoring the normal transport of mucous secretion and free blockages in the bronchi and bronchioles leading to rapid elimination of the residual tar and foreign allergens. When Salt Therapy is used as a complimentary treatment, it can increase the effectiveness of prescribed medications, and decrease the amount prescribed medication.