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Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema (COPD)
By Dr. Jonathan V. Wright
Just in case you're still smoking, it's certainly best to quit! Both "mainstream" medical practitioners and natural medical practitioners agree on this point."Mainstream" medical treatment usually includes drugs which dilate the bronchial tubes, taken by mouth and by inhaler. Prednisone, a synthetic corticosteroid not found in nature, is often used as an anti-inflammatory. Synthetic corticosteroids are often used in inhalers. In some cases, iodinated glycerol is used. When chronic bronchitis and emphysema are severe, inhaled oxygen is frequently used.
Natural and nutritional therapies can improve chronic bronchitis and emphysema and reduce the need for drugs. Since emphysema involves tissue destruction and scarring, it cannot be completely reversed.
To keep your bronchial secretions as "loose" as possible, improve coughing, and lessen exacerbation of bronchitis, N-acetylcysteine [N-aah-see-till-sis-tay-een] and potassium iodide are both very helpful. Nacetylcysteine is available through most natural food stores. Potassium iodide is usually prescribed as "SSKI", saturated solution of potassium iodide.
I usually recommend N-acetylcysteine at 500 milligrams, three times daily. If it's used for several months or more, it's best to add zinc picolinate 30 milligrams and copper sebacate 4 milligrams daily to the supplement program, as it's otherwise remotely possible that N-acetylcysteine can slowly "use them up" in the body.
Potassium iodine also inhibits the growth of bacteria, viruses, molds and yeasts. Since it accumulates in the bronchial secretions, it reduces the number and severity of bronchial infections. Potassium iodide or SSKI is prescribed at 3 to 6 drops daily, and taken in water or juice. If you have any problem obtaining a prescription, you can contact a doctor skilled and knowledgeable in natural and nutritional therapies through the American College of Advancement in Medicine. I'll give you their number later on in this message.
Vitamin A helps to maintain the health of the cells which line the bronchial tubes. It improves their structure and helps improve the quality of mucous production. I usually recommend 50,000 units daily of vitamin A. (Beta-carotene won't do the same job.) I also recommend one tablespoon of lecithin and one tablespoon flax oil each daily. Capsules are available if you don't like the oils as liquids. These supplements help improve the surface properties of the lung cell. Vitamin E 400 units daily should be taken along with these supplements.
Copper helps to maintain tissue elasticity. Since emphysema usually involves the progressive loss of elasticity in lung tissue, I usually recommend copper sebacate, 4 milligrams daily, to slow this process a little.
If you have chronic bronchitis or emphysema, it's important to reduce your chances of infection. As you've read, potassium iodide helps this effort. Goldenseal, an herb available in natural food stores is also useful in reducing recurrent infection. I usually recommend 1 to 2 capsules, twice daily, along with vitamin C, 2000 milligrams, each time. These last two supplements can be used indefinitely to reduce the infection rate.
It's always wisest to use a good general multiple vitamin-mineral supplement along with individual nutrients.
When chronic bronchitis and emphysema are severe, inhaled oxygen is used as part of natural treatment, too. However, an increasing number of naturally-oriented physicians, including myself, find that improving tissue oxygenation with intravenous hydrogen peroxide adds an additional and very valuable dimension-to oxygen treatment. I've seen many individuals with "blue" lips and fingers return to a normal pink with this treatment, making it obvious that tissue oxygenation is improved above and beyond what the damaged lungs can do with inhaled oxygen. Of course, this treatment must be given in careful doses by a physician skilled and knowledgeable in it's use. To find one, call "IBOM" at 405-178-1266, or write Box 13205, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73113.
Because of differences in age, sex, metabolism or potential allergy, these diet and supplement therapies may not be suitable for you. Consult a health care professional skilled in nutritional and natural therapies. To locate one near you, you might call the American College of Advancement in Medicine at 800-532-3688 or the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians at 206-323-7610.
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