Experts Now Warn COPD Complications Can Be Life-Threatening

(Newswire.net — February 21, 2022) Orlando, FL — On a global scale, moderate or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects more than 65 million individuals. It is worth mentioning that in the U.S. alone, it happens to about 16 million people.

Unfortunately, millions of sufferers are left unaware that they have this progressive lung disease. In the next 50 years, its rate is projected to increase worldwide. In 2015, it has further been found to be responsible for 3.2 million deaths globally.

There are medications available for this condition. However, it is important to avoid its culprits such as smoking and exposure to pollutants like chemicals, dust, and fumes.

Experts say that in cases of COPD, there is usually damage in the air sacs in the lungs. It is important to realize that such damage causes negative effects on the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide inside the body.

Once it occurs, it leads to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing.

Health authorities warn against the complications of COPD that may develop over time, and one is pneumonia. When pneumonia occurs, it results in symptoms like chest pain, cough, and a fever. 

Aside from pneumonia, COPD may also lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This is a life-threatening condition characterized by severe inflammation of the lungs. It usually leads to rapid breathing, severe shortness of breath, confusion, and fever.

It is worth noting that COPD also affects the psychological aspects of health, and this is due to the fact that it can lead to depression. 

In a study involving 76,020 individuals, it has been found individuals diagnosed with COPD had nearly two times higher rates of depression.

Scientists continue to carry out studies to learn more about the best treatments for COPD. It is worth noting that there are actually plant-based remedies found to work wonders in helping those with this condition.

One of these remedies is milk thistle, which is widely studied by researchers. It is worth mentioning that this natural remedy contains silymarin and silibinin, which are found to work wonders in protecting the body, especially the liver, from diseases.

Studies have shown silymarin aids in fighting chemical stress and inflammation. Experts warn against both as they have been found to contribute to the onset of liver diseases. 

When it comes to lung protection, milk thistle has been found to keenly reduce the inflammatory changes caused by smoke exposure.

In this research, mouse subjects were exposed to the equivalent of 1.5 packs of cigarettes smoked per day for four weeks. Through this exposure, the subjects were found to experience profound increases in inflammation.

Due to the anti-inflammatory effects of milk thistle, it is speculated to reduce high levels of inflammatory cell infiltration, obstruction of airways, and thickening of the airway walls. 

To experience its benefits, it is wise to consider the use of Divine Bounty Milk Thistle (https://www.amazon.com/Milk-Thistle-Supplement-Standardized-Extract/dp/B01LWI4A51).