What meds or help can I get for emphysema?
441338
there are several types of meds, some pills, but most are inhalers, depending on how emphysematous your lungs are. I will tell you that this will help you more if you stop smoking or stop being exposed to second hand smoke. the type of physician you need is a pulmonologist. good luck.
711288
Please, stay away from the meds. I've had two friends wind up in the emergency room from pills- not 'overdoing' it or anything. Try green tea, ginseng, anything natural
596462
hi i am real familiar with this disease as i have had it for over 10 yrs now, you need to go to msn groups and join the group for copd, they are a terrific group of people and can help you out with support or web sites that you can visit for info. good luck with your search and remember to take one day at a time, there is no cure for this disease but, you can get better and live a half way normal life.sm
516139
When I gave up smoking I took horseradish and garlic capsules and they loosened the congestion on my lungs and I was able to cough up all the phlegm and get rid of it quickly. They can be bought at a health food store or chemist. Hope this helps and good on you for giving up.
342960
cold turkey, the patch, gum, zyban. not sure how long you been smoking. but if you been smoking for a while and a heavy smoker. take zyban or take anti-depressants to help w/ the w/ draws. that's what my mother had to do to quit smoking.
601357
Hello, \n   Have also COPD, diagnosed in 99, was able to finally shed 30 lbs last year.  For muscle pain (muscle spasms) I take Magnesium and Potassium.  Keeping active (have to push myself) also helps me alot. If you have access to a Pulmonary Rehab Program, try it, had a total positive affect on me. Please contact me if you wish to exchange more info. Also would appreciate learning anything you have done with positive effects...thank you and\n\nTake care and better breathing to you...
878296
Hi,  Im feeling ya.. I used to go to the hospital and be admitted about every 3 months for a few days.  Even the treatments in the ER didnt stop the wheezing.  HOWEVER.... Last November my DR. prescribed a new medicine for me.  Its called Advair discus.  You just inhale on this little disc morning and night and nothing else.  No pills, breathing treatments, inhalers, and no wheezing!!  Im telling ya, it is a miracle drug.  I have been wheeze free for a year now.  For me thats incredible.  I havent even had to use  my inhaler once.  Ask your doctor...It really works...really  Good luck and I wish you health.  Debi
337366
Q. What is Emphysema?\nFAQ\n\nFrom Stacey Lloyd,\nYour Guide to Lung Diseases.\n\nA.\n\nEmphysema is a lung disease in which the walls of the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs fracture or burst. As these alveoli break, the remaining alveoli become enlarged to make up for the loss. This results in a fewer number of alveoli, with many enlarged. \nWhen alveoli are enlarged, they loose their elasticity. A loss of elasticity in the alveoli results in the inability to eliminate air from the lungs. Therefore, patients must use force (energy) to expel this air. \n\nFurthermore, the loss of elasticity in the lungs affects the smaller bronchial tubes. To push air out of the bronchial tubes, a higher pressure must be developed inside the chest. \n\nThis higher pressure tends to collapse the smaller bronchial tubes, making it even more difficult to empty air from the alveoli. \nCoughing becomes very difficult and ineffective in expelling mucus, leaving the lungs more susceptible to lung infections, such as pneumonia. \n\n( http://lungdiseases.about.com/od/emphysema/f/emphysema_expl.htm )\n\nWhat causes emphysema?\nEmphysema can be caused by one or a combination of these things:\n\nCigarette smoking: Most cases of emphsyema are caused by cigarette smoking. Cigarette smoke reaches deep into the lungs and causes permanent damage. If you have emphysema from cigarettes, the best way to stop your lung damage is to quit smoking as soon as possible. It's never too late to quit smoking. \nAlpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency: Some people have emphsyema because of a rare genetic disorder called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency. People with Alpha-1 are missing an enzyme that protects their lungs. Some people with Alpha-1 deficiency get emphysema without ever having smoked. Other people get emphsyema from the combination of smoking and having Alpha-1 deficiency. \nAir pollution: There is some evidence that air pollution can contribute to people getting emphysema, especially if the person also smokes. ( http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/a-z/emphysema-emphyseme/index_e.php#causes )
867982
This is a great medication, I was around when it was just introduced in the clinical setting and after, there are a lot of people who have regained lung volumes! Thought never to be able to happen with copd patients.\nThe answer is right about not using atrovent, what it does is because sprieva is a longer acting atrovent they compete for the same receptor and if you have too much atrovent in there the spireva is just wasted and useless.\n\nspiriva is great!
198315
i might be able to help if you want it. there are some herbs that can help with your problems. contact me and i will give you a list of them. herbs do cost but not as much as rx meds. but my information is free.
254573
try zantac.  \nMy ex said jalapenos work, too, but I think he's insane.
921504
Wish I could help. But am not sure on how much longer she can live. Sounds pretty bad though. Pneaumonia with emphysema is very dangerous. Each ALONE is dangerous. I wish I could help you. Hope for her to get to doing better soon.
893763
Hi Andrea, Here is some comforting news but not to the specific question . I have advanced emphysema myself and will be searching for more information myself.Tulane University's Center for Gene Therapy has received a $9.5 million federal grant to develop treatments using adult stem cells for emphysema, cystic fibrosis and asbestos-related lung disease. \nThe AMA does not recognize this treatment for COPD/emphysema. The FDA does not approve nor disapprove, as it is a treatment. The FDA does not regulate treatments.\nLive Cell Therapy Treatments have been practiced in Europe for more than 50 years successfully and in Mexico for 20 years.
512034
I smoked for over 40 years and now I am suffering from something they call EMPHYSEMA, and I am on oxygen to help me breath. I discourage anyone who whats to take up the habit to really think it over. Do you really want to get up coughing in the mornings or wonder where your next smoke is coming from when you run out. No matches and you got to have a smoke no one around with fie to light your smoke up you get to where you think you will climb the wall. I can go on and on but I think you get the picture.
688880
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency: Some people have emphsyema because of a rare genetic disorder called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency. People with Alpha-1 are missing an enzyme that protects their lungs. Some people with Alpha-1 deficiency get emphysema without ever having smoked. Other people get emphsyema from the combination of smoking and having Alpha-1 deficiency. Be sure and ask your doc for the test - there is treatment if you have the deficiency. \nWarm regards,\nCarol
339790
Nebulizers can be extremely helpful to those who have to deal with asthma. Nebulizers are going to save you countless trips to the emergency room! Check with your doctor to see if you can receive one a trial basis before making the actual purchase of a nebulizer. Try http://www.ebay.com to see if you can purchase one that is less expensive. Happy Breathing.
287446
You should avoid caffeinated coffee, tea and cola. They make you lose more fluids than you gain. Stay clear of cigarette smoke. Eat chicken soup or drink hot tea to relieve chest congestion. Try eating hot, spicy foods such as hot peppers or curry to thin the mucus; plug in the vaporizor.