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. 
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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. ​​

How To Handle An Asthma Attack Without an Inhaler

Millions of people, both adults and children are known to suffer from Asthma. The common Asthma Medication prescribed by doctors include inhalers where the patient is required to take some puffs from the medical device to get relief. While every asthmatic should have an inhaler on hand, if you are like me, that means you don’t even know where your inhaler is. So here are 5 tips on what to do in case you have an asthma attack without an inhaler.

1. Drink plenty of un-carbonated, clean water. 

The lungs require water for pumping air. Not having sufficient water will mean no sufficient pumping of air. At the same time, only clean water should be consumed. Soup, coffee, and tea do not count in this regard and should be avoided. So if you are experiencing an attack make sure to get water immediately and drink it slowly.

2. Sit down and Sit up.

Sit down and then sit up straight. According to Medical News Today It is easier to breathe simply by sitting rather than any other given position. Do not lay down. Stay calm and seated until breathing is fully retrieved and is under control. Any work that the person has to complete can wait. 

3. Hold the middle finger. 

Wrap all fingers with your hand over the other hand’s middle finger and hold gently. This is termed to be an energetic, powerful Mudra which has been practiced for thousands of years. You don’t have to squeeze, massage, rub, or pull. Simply hold the finger, until breathing gets normal. It is recommended for a few seconds or minutes in some cases. It is definitely powerful and reliable. Click here to learn about 5 more mudras to help with your asthma

4. Place some sea salt (a pinch) on your tongue.

Place a pinch of sea salt on your tongue after having water (2 glasses) and allow it to dissolve right on the tongue itself. It is a strange, yet miraculous recipe. The order you do it in is very much crucial. It can be life saving. According to My Asthma Home Remedies Sea salt is a very powerful natural antihistamine. It can also be used in an inhaler, without harmful side effects of most medical drugs. Taking a pinch of sea salt with water helps to break the mucus plugs in the lungs, get rid of phlegm, and stop persistent dry cough that accompanies any asthma attack. It is also a natural antiseptic that helps the body fight germs and bacteria and helps maintain your body’s electrolytes in a healthy balance.


5. Doing something simple can help to bring down anxiety from the otherwise terrified mind. 

A big mistake people make during an asthma attack is that they go crazy with their breathing because they are so terrified. If you’re breathing really hard trying to catch your breath you may be making the problem worse. Calm down and try to pay attention to different objects in your surroundings and also try to trace curved lines using your eyes. It can be objects like vases, round table corners, lamps, etc. If nothing is found, then simply imagine curved lines, spheres and circles in air and trace those with your eyes. This will help you calm down and start to control your breathing more which should buy you more time to get to the hospital or find your inhaler. 

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. ​​

Thank you to everyone who helped us raise funds for Ellis Perez.
Because of your donations we are able to give Ellis $1,000 for their journey to get a double lung transplant!

How Will Your Donations Help Ellis?
You are helping Ellis move to North Carolina and pay for medical tests so they can be listed as a lung transplant patient and get a chance at a normal life.

About Ellis
To read more about Ellis' journey click here.

Donations
If you haven't donated to Ellis' fundraiser yet, it's not too late!
Donate here:

Reach Out
If you are a lung transplant patient that could use our help, please don't hesitate to reach out to us through the website, social media, or email (info@thesidfoundation.org).

Once again, a huge thank you to our donors for helping patients like Ellis Perez beat the odds and helping us change the statistics for lung transplant patients!

Eillis is a 23 year old artist from Minneapolis, MN whose talents include spoken word, visual art, writing, and theater. Ellis has published zines and is also working on a novel. When Ellis isn’t creating art, they enjoy reading, collecting old photographs, watching bad reality T.V. and spending time with their partner, Max, and dog, Tuck.

Unfortunately many of Ellis’ favorite activities like rollerblading and swimming with siblings are no longer possible due to Cystic Fibrosis (CF). CF damages organs like lungs and the digestive system by creating a thick layer of mucus that causes chronic infections.

Ellis has been in and out of the hospital almost every month for the last three years due to CF. They live with an oxygen tank by their side and take many medications to keep them going. Despite the best efforts of doctors and antibiotic treatments, Ellis’ lungs have had irreversible damage. There is only one option left: a double lung transplant.

“Transplant wasn’t an easy choice. It was something I thought about for a long time. Ultimately any risk was worth it if it meant I would get my life back which feels like it’s been lost to my disease the last two years.”

However, Ellis’ surgery is considered high risk so not many hospitals are willing to perform it. Ellis has to travel to North Carolina and get more testing done at a hospital that is willing to do the surgery before they can be listed for a lung transplant.

More than anything else, Ellis wants a normal life again. A life where they get to continue creating art and spending quality time with loved ones. A life with less pain and more joy. Ellis does have hope and big goals for the future like going back to school and playing kickball with their siblings. In the meantime, Ellis continues to fight and spend as much time with loved ones as possible.

“The best thing that’s come out of all of this is I really live like nothing is certain because it really isn’t. I spend time with people I love, I do things that bring me joy, I let myself rest when I need to.”

Ellis advises others who are suffering from similar health issues to never be afraid of being vulnerable and asking for help. They also advise going to therapy to help cope with the mental and emotional weight of living with a disease like CF.

Please help Ellis raise funds to move to North Carolina and pay for medical tests so they can be listed as a lung transplant patient and get a chance at a normal life.