RESPIRATORY ALIMENTS

Respiratory Ailments that are common and can be treated by traditional Thai and Chinese medicine. 

1.Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)is an umbrella term used to describe two primary types of obstructive lung disease that used to be classified separately: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. 
Emphysemadevelops when the tiny air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) become damaged and less elastic. This reduces the ability of the sacs to move oxygen and other gases between the air that is breathed in and the blood. This can lead to a lack of oxygen in the blood (hypoxia) and a buildup of toxic waste products. 
Chronic bronchitisis a condition where the lining of the bronchial tubes becomes irritated and inflamed. The swelling can make it more difficult to breathe and cause an overproduction of mucus. 
The symptoms of COPD vary based on which type you have. Common symptoms can include: 
 
- A frequent or chronic cough 
- A cough that produces a lot of mucus 
- Wheezing 
- A squeaking or whistling sound when you breathe 
- Shortness of breath that is worse with activity 
- Tightness in your chest 
- Sensitivity to respiratory infections like colds or flu 
- Weight loss 
- Weakness 
- Swelling in your legs and feet 
- A blue tinge to your lips or fingernails (cyanosis) 

2.Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a condition that develops when the windpipe (bronchial tube) gets irritated or inflamed. In response to the inflammation, the lining of the bronchial tube may produce too much mucus as it tries to coat the area, and can make it difficult to breath. 
 
Inflammation can also cause swelling of the airway, which will cause it to narrow and makes it harder to breathe. 
Symptoms are: 
- A frequent cough that produces mucus 
- Wheezing 
- A whistling or squeaking sound when you breathe 
- Shortness of breath (especially with activity) 
- Tightness in your chest 
- Fever (acute bronchitis only)

3.Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a contagious airborne disease caused byMycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium that grows and divides inside of cells.The infection which starts in the lungs, causes nodules known as tubercles, or Ghon focii, which are spots left by dead infected tissue. With time, the disease can spread to other areas of the lungs and may cause areas of the lung tissue to die off, creating cavities. Bacteria can also spread to other organs, including the kidneys, brain, and spine. Symptoms are: 
- A cough that lasts longer than three weeks 
- Weight loss 
- Poor appetite 
- A cough that brings up blood or mucus 
- Weakness 
- Fatigue 
- Fever 
- Night sweats

4.Asthma  

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes breathing problems when the airways become narrowed by inflammation or blocked by mucus. The severity of the conditions varies from person to person, but most people take daily preventive medication to control their symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Symptoms are: 

- Wheezing 
- Coughing 
- Tightness in the chest 
- Shortness of breath    

5.Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited, life-threatening disorder that damages the lungs and digestive tract. It is caused by a defective gene that triggers the production of thickened mucus that clogs airways and blocks the secretion of digestive enzymes. Symptoms that can develop are: 
 
- A cough that does not go away 
- A cough that produces thick mucus or blood 
- Wheezing 
- Shortness of breath 
- Frequent respiratory or sinus infections 
- Nasal polyps 
- Slow growth in childhood or poor weight gain 
- Constipation 
- Greasy or foul-smelling stools

6.Lung Cancer

There are two main types oflung cancer: small cell and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Non-small cell lung cancer, the more common and slower-growing of the two, consists of different subtypes, mainlylung adenocarcinoma,large cell lung carcinoma, andsquamous cell carcinoma of the lungs. Small cell lung cancer, which is less common and more aggressive, is further broken down into two subtypes, small cell carcinoma and combined small cell carcinoma. 

7.Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can range from mild to life-threatening. It is commonly caused by bacterial or viral infections but can sometimes be due to fungal infections or aspirating (inhaling) a substance into the lungs. Treatments may include prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications and breathing treatments. Symptoms are: 

• Fever
• Chills
• A cough that produces phlegm
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Chest pain when you cough or breathe
  
• Nausea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Diarrhea       

8.Emphysema

Emphysemais a type of COPD that occurs when the tiny air sacs in the lungs lose their elasticity. These sacs are made to inflate and shrink and stretch with each breath, which allows air to move in and out of them. 

 
If you have emphysema, these sacs have been damaged and cannot stretch when you breathe. As they become damaged and die off, your lungs have fewer working parts to move oxygen from the air you breathe into your blood.
 
Smoking is a leading contributor to emphysema, but exposure to other pollutants and chemicals can also cause it. Age and obesity are also risk factors for emphysema. Symptoms are:

• Frequent coughing
  - A cough that produces a lot of mucus
  - Wheezing
  - Shortness of breath that gets worse with activity
  - A whistling or squeaking sound when you breathe
  - Tightness in your chest

For more information in English, please contact Peter on 0811944826 or email to pgbarton@hotmail.co.uk