COPD and Asthma? What's the difference. How do I know I have COPD or Asthma? In this blog post we will compare and contrast COPD and Asthma so you have a better understanding of which is which.

COPD is a chronic lung ailment due to which the patient will feel difficulty to breathe since the lung airflow is affected. The symptoms of COPD are shortness of breath, coughing and clearing throat. COPD is irreversible and the causes of COPD are smoking and continued exposure to dust, harmful gases, chemicals and other air pollutants.

Asthma is a respiratory condition marked by spasms of bronchi. Due to the inflammation the airways in the lungs become narrow. Asthma leads to breathing difficulty as a result of an allergic reaction. Asthma will cause shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness. Asthma can be reversed by taking medical treatment and the patient can be back to normal breathing. Various substances can trigger asthma attacks. ​

Similar signs and symptoms
When we consider COPD Vs Asthma it is to be noted that there are a few common signs and symptoms – cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, anxiety, wheezing and intolerance. 

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Different signs and symptoms
In case of COPD, the breathing never returns to normal whereas in case of asthma the breathing returns to normal between attacks. COPD symptoms become more severe gradually whereas in the case of asthma the symptoms may or may not become severe. When compared to asthma, COPD will produce more mucus and phlegm. COPD will cause chronic cough and chronic blueness of lips and fingernail beds. This will not happen in the case of asthma. A person of any age can be affected by asthma whereas COPD normally occurs in those who are above 40 years. 

Causes: COPD Vs Asthma
COPD is caused either by cigarette smoking or lung irritants including toxic fumes, chemicals and dust that cause damage of lung cells. Both cigarette smoke and tobacco-smoke cause COPD. Inherited genetic factors such as alpha- 1 antitrypsin deficiency also cause COPD. 
The main cause of asthma is the immune reactions to asthma triggers that take place in the airways causing inflammation. Asthma gets triggered by cigarette smoking also. However, asthma triggers differ from patient to patient. The most common asthma triggers are airborne substances such as pollen, mites, dust, mold, pet dander and various other substances. 

Treatment: COPD Vs Asthma
The use of combined bronchodialators is the most widely accepted treatment for COPD. COPD patients can take vaccinations to reduce the risk of respiratory-track infections. Those who smoke are asked to get rid of the habit completely. Oxygen therapy can improve the survival of COPD patients. 
In the case of asthma, the doctor will discuss with the patient and will recommend the best treatment and the most suitable drugs. Medications include corticosteroids and short acting beta agonists. When exacerbations become severe, anticholinergic medications will be provided. In case the patient is desensitized to certain asthma triggers allergy shots will be prescribed by the doctor. 
Emergency treatment for both COPD and Asthma involves intravenous corticosteroids, incubation, mechanical ventilation and oxygen treatment.
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Prognosis and life expectancy: COPD Vs Asthma
In case of COPD prognosis will be from fair to poor and depends on how fast the disease advances over time. Generally, lifespan of COPD patients decreases. Prognosis for asthma is from fair to excellent. It depends on how well the patient identifies his/her triggers and his/her response to the medication.

​Conclusion

According to WHO estimates, 65 million people have moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). More than 3 million people died of COPD in 2005, which corresponds to 5% of all deaths globally.

Severe COPD can get to a point where your lungs may stop functioning and you may need a lung transplant. 
​
Did you know that lung transplants have the lowest survival rate among all transplants? Only about 50% of people live 5 years after having a lung transplant and patients have to take up to 50 pills a day!

We at The Sid Foundation want to increase that survival rate and help patients be able to afford that medication which is why we raise money for lung transplant research and development and lung transplant patients. 

We need your help in increasing the survival rate and helping lung transplant patients so please join the 200+ donors who have raised over $40,000 and donate what you think is fair to help lung patients everywhere.

If you donate $10 or more, we will send you a free Lung Girl comic book and put your name on our wall of donors so that you can be recognized for your contribution forever. ​​

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory lung ailment which will cause obstruction of airflow to and from the lungs. Apart from cigarette smoking, other causes for COPD include prolonged exposure to harmful gases, dust, chemicals or other air pollutants. Those who are affected by COPD are more vulnerable to lung cancer and cardiac ailments. The two most common lung ailments - chronic bronchitis and emphysema - can lead to COPD. 

Daily cough and production of sputum are the signs of chronic bronchitis. Air passes through the bronchial tubes to and from the air sacs of the lungs which are also known as alveoli. Inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes is called chronic bronchitis. Alveoli are the smallest air passages of the lungs and when the alveoli are destroyed as a result of cigarette smoking or exposure to irritant gases or air pollutants, the condition is called emphysema. 

COPD can be treated and if detected earlier, treated properly and managed correctly, those affected by this disease can control the symptoms to a great extent and lead a comfortable life. Proper treatment, as well as managing of COPD, is essential to avoid the risk of associated conditions. 

Here are a list of Signs and Symptoms of COPD

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Symptoms and signs
Difficulty in breathing, wheezing, and production of sputum are considered as basic symptoms of COPD. Exposure to smoking or air pollutants is the main cause of COPD and if the exposure continues for a long period of time the disease is likely to worsen. In most of the cases, by the time the symptoms of COPD appear it might have inflicted considerable damage to the lungs. If a person has daily cough and production of sputum for no less than three months in a year for two consecutive years it can be taken as a symptom of chronic bronchitis. 

Those affected by COPD will experience shortness of breath, especially during physical activities. Wheezing and tightness of chest also indicate COPD. There will be an excessive quantity of mucus in the lungs of those affected by COPD and as a result, COPD patients have to clear their throat daily in the morning. Chronic cough and production of clear, white, yellow or green sputum are also signs of COPD. 

If the lips and fingernail beds get bluish, it is to be taken as a sign of COPD. This phenomenon is called cyanosis. COPD patients are prone to frequent infections of the respiratory system. The patient will experience a lack of energy and may also experience gradual weight loss. Swelling of ankles, legs, and feet is also a sign of COPD. The symptoms of COPD may get worse for a few days and such episodes are called exacerbations.

If you have been seeing any of these symptoms lately please talk to your doctor to see if you have COPD. The earlier it is detected and the faster it is treated the better and more comfortable life you will have.

​​Conclusion

According to WHO estimates, 65 million people have moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). More than 3 million people died of COPD in 2005, which corresponds to 5% of all deaths globally.

Severe COPD can get to a point where your lungs may stop functioning and you may need a lung transplant. 
​
Did you know that lung transplants have the lowest survival rate among all transplants? Only about 50% of people live 5 years after having a lung transplant and patients have to take up to 50 pills a day!

We at The Sid Foundation want to increase that survival rate and help patients be able to afford that medication which is why we raise money for lung transplant research and development and lung transplant patients. 

We need your help in increasing the survival rate and helping lung transplant patients so please join the 200+ donors who have raised over $40,000 and donate what you think is fair to help lung patients everywhere.

If you donate $10 or more, we will send you a free Lung Girl comic book and put your name on our wall of donors so that you can be recognized for your contribution forever. ​​

There are various COPD stages. Determining the right stage of the disease is a must, so that the proper form, mode, and intensity of treatment can be determined. Medications, lifestyle changes, the tools, and accessories used for keeping symptoms under control; all are decided upon the detection of the stage of COPD. 
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Spirometry test determines COPD stages
There is a proper test to determine what stage the disease is in. This test is called the Spirometry test. A grading obtained through the test tells the COPD stages. There is a grading system called the GOLD classification under the Spirometry test, which exactly pinpoints the stage of COPD as follows:

• Mild suggested by Grade I
• Moderate suggested by Grade II
• Severe suggested by Grade III
• Very severe suggested by Grade IV

Depending on the COPD stages findings the course of treatment is determined by doctors. 

Problems from advancing COPD stages
With advancing stages of the disease the following problems get aggravated:

• Respiratory infections worsen with advancing stages. Common cold symptoms, flu, and in serious cases pneumonia catches quickly and stays for long.
• Heart and pulmonary problems increase.
• Due to increased tension in arteries of lungs, blood pressure also increases.
• Lung cancer
• Anxiety attacks
• Depression

Susceptibility to catch these problems increases, and the body’s power to fight against them decreases, while the complications increase from multiple problems associated with advancing COPD.
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How the disease progresses with the stages
In the mild stage, the shortness of breath is felt but often ignored. At times the patient would not really notice anything significant other than coughing and expulsion of some mucus at times. Not all patients understand the problem in this stage; however, the lungs get affected inside.
In the moderate stage, the problem with breathing worsens and gets noticeable. Patients would notice breathlessness after any brisk activity or even after any normal activity. This is the time when most patients start noticing that they have this problem with breathing and that they are getting less oxygen and are fatigued often.
In the severe stage, the airflow to and from the lungs is poor, and shortness of breath is too much. The patient won’t be able to do normal exercises at this point. At times symptoms get too serious which is referred to as exacerbation.
The very severe stage comes with life quality getting poor due to very limited airflow, frequent symptom attacks, and extreme difficulty in breathing.

​​Conclusion

According to WHO estimates, 65 million people have moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). More than 3 million people died of COPD in 2005, which corresponds to 5% of all deaths globally.

Severe COPD can get to a point where your lungs may stop functioning and you may need a lung transplant. 
​
Did you know that lung transplants have the lowest survival rate among all transplants? Only about 50% of people live 5 years after having a lung transplant and patients have to take up to 50 pills a day!

We at The Sid Foundation want to increase that survival rate and help patients be able to afford that medication which is why we raise money for lung transplant research and development and lung transplant patients. 

We need your help in increasing the survival rate and helping lung transplant patients so please join the 200+ donors who have raised over $40,000 and donate what you think is fair to help lung patients everywhere.

If you donate $10 or more, we will send you a free Lung Girl comic book and put your name on our wall of donors so that you can be recognized for your contribution forever. ​​

Before discussing COPD treatment, the first thing you must understand is that COPD actually has no permanent cure, and only can be kept under control while symptoms can be limited from getting worse. All medications and treatments for COPD are meant to keep symptoms under control and limit the progression of the disease to advanced stages. With long term treatment and significant changes in the lifestyle and diet etc, the quality of life of the patient with COPD can be improved to good extent.

​Medicine based COPD treatment
The basic COPD treatment starts with bronchodilators. These medicines work by dilating the respiratory tracts and air sacs in the lungs so that the mucus produced inside can be expelled out while the irritation inside which causes intermittent coughing can be soothed. When these things get controlled then automatically irritation inside the air sacs and respiratory tract subsides and airflow gets better. As a result of this, breathing improves.
The other medicines used are:

• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and mucus production.
• Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitors to relax respiratory tracts and lungs and lower infections.
• Theophylline for smoother breathing and avoiding flare-ups in advanced COPD.
• Supporting antiviral and antibiotic medicines to lower the infections.
• Pneumococcal vaccine, flu cots, and whooping cough vaccine help avoid COPD and yearly shots limit symptoms.

Oxygen therapy in COPD
The next level of treatment deals with oxygen therapy, where oxygen is externally provided to the patient through an oxygen tube or mask. The oxygen cylinder provided is portable, and the whole apparatus is portable so that the patient is not restricted to the bed all the time. In advanced cases, when lips and fingernails of the body turns bluish due to extreme oxygen deficiency, the patient may have to rest in bed and get oxygen therapy until their health improves.

Surgery of the lungs
Surgery is the next level of COPD treatment needed in serious and advanced cases of COPD. Some parts of the affected lungs get removed, and some damaged air sacs in the lungs are reduced in size to get things better. Surgery may also include removing the upper part of the lung, or lung transplantation.
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Important lifestyle changes
Definitely one of the most important parts of COPD treatment to be accompanied by any stage of treatment and medication is a lifestyle change. A change in lifestyle and diet, quitting smoking, and avoiding respiratory irritants and pollutants in the air, can bring on significant improvement in symptoms. That’s why whatever medication and treatment one takes in COPD, a lifestyle change on serious scale is a must to see actual improvement.

​Conclusion

According to WHO estimates, 65 million people have moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). More than 3 million people died of COPD in 2005, which corresponds to 5% of all deaths globally.

Severe COPD can get to a point where your lungs may stop functioning and you may need a lung transplant. 
​
Did you know that lung transplants have the lowest survival rate among all transplants? Only about 50% of people live 5 years after having a lung transplant and patients have to take up to 50 pills a day!

We at The Sid Foundation want to increase that survival rate and help patients be able to afford that medication which is why we raise money for lung transplant research and development and lung transplant patients. 

We need your help in increasing the survival rate and helping lung transplant patients so please join the 200+ donors who have raised over $40,000 and donate what you think is fair to help lung patients everywhere.

If you donate $10 or more, we will send you a free Lung Girl comic book and put your name on our wall of donors so that you can be recognized for your contribution forever. ​​

​When those who have COPD get infected and their condition becomes serious, they have to be hospitalized immediately. Such situations can be avoided by providing the patient with a proper COPD diet. Moreover, when the patient is on a proper diet, the body will respond to the treatment in a better way. 

Complex carbohydrates are ideal for those who suffer from COPD. The patients who want to reduce weight should consume more fresh fruits and vegetables. Those who want to increase their weight can opt for a variety of whole-grain carbohydrates, fresh fruits, and vegetables. The ideal COPD diet may include milk, eggs, cheese, meat, poultry, fish, nuts and dried beans. The patients should avoid or strictly limit the consumption of sugar, candy, cake, and soft drinks. They must consume daily 20 – 30 grams of fiber which is available from fruits, veggies, bread, nuts, seeds, and pasta. In order to keep the respiratory muscles strong, the patients have to include proteins twice in their daily diet. Those who want to lose weight can go for low-fat protein sources like lean meat and low-fat dairy products. Protein with a higher fat content like whole milk, whole milk cheese, and yogurt are ideal for patients who want to gain weight.

Fats
COPD patients are advised to avoid or limit foods that contain trans fats and saturated fats. They should also avoid food items such as butter, lard, hydrogenated vegetable oils, fried foods, pastries, crackers, and cookies. The COPD diet should contain mono - and polyunsaturated fats free of cholesterol. These fats are liquids at room temperature and they are obtained from plant sources like canola, corn oils and safflower. Those who want to lose weight should consume limited quantity of these fats and those who want to gain weight can add these fats to their diet daily.

​Sodium
COPD patients who have high BP also should drastically reduce sodium in their diet since sodium may cause swelling and consequently BP will increase. ​

Vitamins and Minerals
General-purpose multivitamins should be included in the COPD diet. Normally, people with COPD take steroids, but long-term consumption of steroids will increase calcium requirement. In such situations, the patients should go for calcium supplements that include Vitamin D. Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are the best sources of calcium. 

Fluids
COPD patients should be sure to drink plenty of water daily. Apart from keeping the body hydrated, water will keep the mucus thin so that it can be removed very easily. 6 – 8 glasses of water should be included in the daily COPD diet. The quantity may be spread over the entire day.

COPD patients should avoid foods that will cause gas or bloating. 4 – 6 small meals a day make the ideal COPD diet. The patients should eat more food early in the morning and drink water 1 hour after meals. 

​Foods to be avoided
COPD patients should strictly avoid fried foods, aerated drinks, too much salt, dairy produce, cured meats, cold cuts, and sugar especially.

COPD patients should focus heavily on their diet as it will be the best way for them to decrease their symptoms and live a much better life. ​

Conclusion

According to WHO estimates, 65 million people have moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). More than 3 million people died of COPD in 2005, which corresponds to 5% of all deaths globally.

Severe COPD can get to a point where your lungs may stop functioning and you may need a lung transplant. 
​
Did you know that lung transplants have the lowest survival rate among all transplants? Only about 50% of people live 5 years after having a lung transplant and patients have to take up to 50 pills a day!

We at The Sid Foundation want to increase that survival rate and help patients be able to afford that medication which is why we raise money for lung transplant research and development and lung transplant patients. 

We need your help in increasing the survival rate and helping lung transplant patients so please join the 200+ donors who have raised over $40,000 and donate what you think is fair to help lung patients everywhere.

If you donate $10 or more, we will send you a free Lung Girl comic book and put your name on our wall of donors so that you can be recognized for your contribution forever. ​​

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
 
COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and is a fatal disease that affects the lungs. The disease is diagnosed by a simple, easy test called spirometry. Normal breathing of the patient is affected due to severe obstruction of lung airflow. Unusual shortness of breath and forced expiration are the signs of COPD. Those who want to know COPD meaning should not confuse this disease with cough and the production of sputum. All those who cough and get sputum are not diagnosed with COPD. Though low peak flow is a symptom of COPD other lung ailments also have the same symptom. Hence specific tests are necessary to confirm COPD. By conducting the spirometry test the physicians measure the depth of the patient's breath and also the speed at which air moves into the lungs as well as out of the lungs. COPD is considered as a chronic progressive lung disease which cannot be cured completely. Early detection, proper treatment, and lifestyle changes can reduce the severity of COPD though the disease is irreversible. 

Different lung diseases
Those who try to understand COPD meaning should first of all note that COPD denotes different lung diseases like emphysema, refractory asthma and chronic bronchitis. Increasing breathlessness is the basic characteristic of this disease. Though COPD is currently incurable, proper management of the disease will enable the patient to considerably reduce the severity of breathlessness and lead an active life for many years. Shortness of breath and coughing could indicate COPD. Those who notice these symptoms should immediately consult their doctor and undergo the spirometry test. Though symptoms of COPD differ from patient to patient there are a few common symptoms like shortness of breath, frequent cough with or without mucus, increased breathlessness, wheezing and tightness of the chest. There are also different types of COPD. 

Other factors to consider
Though COPD’s meaning is more related to increasing breathlessness while conducting the test for diagnosis of COPD it is advisable to consider other things as well. It is to be noted whether the patient has a cough and in case he/she coughs do the cough brings out mucus most of the time. In case the answer is "yes" the COPD of the particular patient is of chronic bronchitis type. This type of COPD will respond to various medicines. If the COPD is of the emphysema type, the lungs of the patient will be larger and stretched out. It is possible to decrease the size of the enlarged lung by providing proper treatment. COPD patients who suffer due to other ailments such as heart diseases, high BP, diabetes, heartburn or depression are required to manage COPD in various different ways.

Conclusion

According to WHO estimates, 65 million people have moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). More than 3 million people died of COPD in 2005, which corresponds to 5% of all deaths globally.

Severe COPD can get to a point where your lungs may stop functioning and you may need a lung transplant. 
​
Did you know that lung transplants have the lowest survival rate among all transplants? Only about 50% of people live 5 years after having a lung transplant and patients have to take up to 50 pills a day!

We at The Sid Foundation want to increase that survival rate and help patients be able to afford that medication which is why we raise money for lung transplant research and development and lung transplant patients. 

We need your help in increasing the survival rate and helping lung transplant patients so please join the 200+ donors who have raised over $40,000 and donate what you think is fair to help lung patients everywhere.

If you donate $10 or more, we will send you a free Lung Girl comic book and put your name on our wall of donors so that you can be recognized for your contribution forever. ​​

Asthma as we all know sucks but what sucks even more than asthma is the very real possibility of it leading to a lung transplant. In this article, we are going to go over how asthma can lead to a lung transplant.

There are airways in the human body that transports air from and to the lungs. Asthma is a chronic disease where the inside walls of the airways, commonly known as the bronchial tubes, gets inflamed or swollen. Due to this inflammation or swelling, the airways become quite sensitive to different irritations. It also increases the susceptibility of the airways to a different allergic reaction. To date, there is no full cure for an asthma patient but with proper asthma medication, it is possible to help the person lead a normal life. 

How asthma attack the lungs?

A person suffering from asthma has their airways of the lungs swollen or inflamed. Thus, these people are oversensitive to any changes in their environment. If there is a ‘trigger’ there are high chances that asthma attacks will be intense. This trigger can be anything, a cold-weather or some exposure to dust, pet dander, or air congestion. 
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When the patient breathes in the trigger the airways that are already affected swells more. Thus, the air inside cannot move in and out of the lungs properly. With time the muscles that are wrapping the airways also get tightened and thus breathing becomes tougher. This is known as an asthma attack.
The symptoms of narrowing of the airways are wheezing, coughing, breathlessness, and tightness in your chest. The larger airways of lungs have cartilage in their walls which will prevent any collapse during such attack, but the smaller bronchioles and the bronchi do not have this support. In these smaller airways, there may be mucus-secreting cells. Due to secretion from the mucous membranes, the smaller airways are sometimes blocked. Thus, the efforts to move air in and out become tougher and there is a huge problem in the lungs. There will be breathlessness and wheezing if the lungs are affected in such a situation. 

Does it lead to a lung transplant?
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A lung transplant may very well be needed if with time the airways become narrower and the patient suffers more and more. In the early stages, inhalers and other medications help and most of the asthma medications do prove much fruitful. However, an estimated 11 people die every day from asthma which means that a lot of lives can be saved if more asthma patients took advantage of lung transplants.
Different research and conditions have shown that lung transplants may not cure a patient suffering from asthma totally, but what it can do is give the patient a ton of relief and a much better life.

​​Conclusion

1 in 12 people have Asthma as it’s one of the most common lung diseases in the world. 

Severe Asthma can get to a point where your lungs may stop functioning and you may need a lung transplant. 
​
Did you know that lung transplants have the lowest survival rate among all transplants? Only about 50% of people live 5 years after having a lung transplant and patients have to take up to 50 pills a day!

We at The Sid Foundation want to increase that survival rate and help patients be able to afford that medication which is why we raise money for lung transplant research and development and lung transplant patients. 

We need your help in increasing the survival rate and helping lung transplant patients so please join the 200+ donors who have raised over $40,000 and donate what you think is fair to help lung patients everywhere.

If you donate $10 or more, we will send you a free Lung Girl comic book and put your name on our wall of donors so that you can be recognized for your contribution forever. ​​

Asthma is considered to be a long term (chronic) lung disease which narrows and inflames the airway. Millions of people of all ages and genders are known to be affected with this ailment across the globe. This ailment is also said to contribute towards untimely deaths. It develops mainly during childhood. 


Symptoms
People suffering from this ailment show symptoms like wheezing, breathing problems, allergies to strong smells and dust, coughing, chest tightness, etc. Although the reasons why Asthma develops have not yet been confirmed, there are cited environmental and genetic factors which contribute towards this condition. Symptoms might differ from one person to another along with its intensity. 

Classification
It is classified into two major types, namely, intrinsic or non-atopic and extrinsic or atopic. Aggravation by allergens is what mainly causes the symptoms to develop. People suffering from intrinsic type are not aggravated or induced by external allergens, while those having extrinsic asthma suffer from wheezing attacks once they come across the allergens inducing inflammation or causing allergy. 

JOIN 200+ DONORS WHO'VE DONATED OVER $40,000 TO HELP LUNG TRANSPLANT PATIENTS. DONATE WHAT YOU THINK IS FAIR. MOST PEOPLE DONATE AT LEAST $10

Causes
There are cited several conditions which are known to cause this ailment. 

• Family history: If someone in the family has been suffering from this ailment then most likely it is passed on through the bloodline.

 

• Early childhood lung disease: Preterm children or babies develop lung infections and tend to have sensitive airways that inflames very easily, thereby causing attacks. 

 

• There may be plenty of allergens in the locality that might cause allergens to the airways, thus causing inflammation or aggravation. 

 

• Attacks may develop when coming face to face with animal dander.

 

• Passive or active smoking: Whether you smoke or are around smokers can have a big impact on whether you suffer from asthma or not. 

Therefore, Asthma is chronic condition which affects the lungs. People deviling this ailment tend to have this condition in their body. However, asthmatic attacks tend to occur only if certain elements ‘triggers’ and initiate it. Moreover, this particular condition is yet to have a proper and thorough cure. Triggers are to be avoided and Asthma Treatment should be started at the very earliest time possible once it is diagnosed. Only then can it be controlled and ensured that it does not become chronic in nature.

Conclusion

1 in 12 people have Asthma as it’s one of the most common lung diseases in the world. 

Severe Asthma can get to a point where your lungs may stop functioning and you may need a lung transplant. 
​
Did you know that lung transplants have the lowest survival rate among all transplants? Only about 50% of people live 5 years after having a lung transplant and patients have to take up to 50 pills a day!

We at The Sid Foundation want to increase that survival rate and help patients be able to afford that medication which is why we raise money for lung transplant research and development and lung transplant patients. 

We need your help in increasing the survival rate and helping lung transplant patients so please join the 200+ donors who have raised over $40,000 and donate what you think is fair to help lung patients everywhere.

If you donate $10 or more, we will send you a free Lung Girl comic book and put your name on our wall of donors so that you can be recognized for your contribution forever. ​​

Being one of the most common lung diseases among millions of people all over the world, asthma doesn’t have to be treated with strictly medications. Here is a list of homemade remedies that you can use to ease your asthma symptoms.

Mustard oil

It helps to relax the respiratory tract. It should be used with some camphor and gently massaged on the upper back and chest region. The passages offer immense relief and normal breathing is restored. It does help to subside the symptoms fast and efficiently.


Ginger 

This is regarded to be a commonly used relaxant and is known to reduce airway inflammation. It provides relaxing effects and helps prevent asthmatic attacks. It also improves effects of specific Asthma Medication and promotes muscle relaxation. Ginger can be consumed in different ways:

• It can be taken mixed with salt.
• Pomegranate juice, honey, and ginger juice can be taken in equal amounts mixed thoroughly together. For the best effect, take 1 tbsp 3 times a day.
• 1 Tbsp of ground ginger mixed with half a cup of water and consumed before going to bed is also a beneficial use of ginger.

Garlic 

Garlic consumption can help clear the air passage, thus allowing the person to breathe better. Boil garlic (15 cloves) in 1 cup of milk and take once a day every day to derive the best results.



Coffee 

Caffeine present in coffee tends to act as bronchial tissue dilator, thus clearing off air passages. Hot coffee also helps to breathe properly. Don’t go overboard however cause caffeine is also very addictive.

These homemade asthma treatments are completely safe and can be prepared in the kitchen with ingredients that are used on a daily basis for cooking. They will also help you not be so dependent on medications for asthma relief.

​Conclusion

1 in 12 people have Asthma as it’s one of the most common lung diseases in the world. 

Severe Asthma can get to a point where your lungs may stop functioning and you may need a lung transplant. 
​
Did you know that lung transplants have the lowest survival rate among all transplants? Only about 50% of people live 5 years after having a lung transplant and patients have to take up to 50 pills a day!

We at The Sid Foundation want to increase that survival rate and help patients be able to afford that medication which is why we raise money for lung transplant research and development and lung transplant patients. 

We need your help in increasing the survival rate and helping lung transplant patients so please join the 200+ donors who have raised over $40,000 and donate what you think is fair to help lung patients everywhere.

If you donate $10 or more, we will send you a free Lung Girl comic book and put your name on our wall of donors so that you can be recognized for your contribution forever. ​​

Asthma absolutely sucks, however what sucks more than asthma is all the potential medication one has to consume to treat it. People with more severe asthma have to use inhalers, pills, pain killers, and some have to walk around with a machine attached to their body. Here are some natural treatments you can use to decrease the amount of medication you have to take.

1. Natural Supplements

Chronic body inflammation that causes asthma may at times deplete the crucial nutrients in asthmatics. Therefore, people with asthma should take in natural supplements that offers them all the minerals and vitamins essential to their immune system. Click here for a list of great natural supplements for asthma

2. Natural Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that may be able to help prevent and treat some illnesses. Promoting a healthy digestive tract and a healthy immune system are their most widely studied benefits at this time. These are also commonly known as friendly, good, or healthy bacteria. The antibiotics in your medicine however tend to destroy these bacteria. Therefore, supplementing with probiotics is sure to help heal Asthma from within. Click here to view a list of healthy probiotic foods.

3. Eat Better Fats

Those suffering from asthma need to pay proper heed to fats. Good fats are termed to be anti-inflammatory, with omega 3 fatty acids playing an important role. Increase intake of fish oil supplements or fish, olive oil, & nuts and decrease consumption of processed foods such as canola oil, fast food, and sugar.

4. Eat Healthier

The major inflammation sources that cause asthma are the foods we eat. Consume more anti-inflammatory foods such as vegetables, apricots, papaya, onions, tomatoes, and pumpkin. Some foods to avoid are dairy products, citrus fruits, wheat, sugar, preservatives, and dyes.

5. Anti Asthma Your Environment

Asthma is an inflammatory reaction taking place when exposed to irritants and allergens. All irritants and allergens that might trigger asthmatic attacks should be removed including aerosol sprays, chemicals, certain medications, animal dander, pollen, perfumes, molds, and sulfates. Basically make sure you consistently do some spring cleaning.
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These natural asthma treatments will help a lot with your asthma and even better will allow you to at least decrease the amount of medication you have to take.

​Conclusion

1 in 12 people have Asthma as it’s one of the most common lung diseases in the world. 

Severe Asthma can get to a point where your lungs may stop functioning and you may need a lung transplant. 
Did you know that lung transplants have the lowest survival rate among all transplants? Only about 50% of people live 5 years after having a lung transplant and patients have to take up to 50 pills a day!

We at The Sid Foundation want to increase that survival rate and help patients be able to afford that medication which is why we raise money for lung transplant research and development and lung transplant patients. 

We need your help in increasing the survival rate and helping lung transplant patients so please join the 200+ donors who have raised over $40,000 and donate what you think is fair to help lung patients everywhere.

If you donate $10 or more, we will send you a free Lung Girl comic book and put your name on our wall of donors so that you can be recognized for your contribution forever. ​​