Bronchitis and COPD Flashcards
Bronchitis
Bronchitis: Acute or chronic inflammation of the bronchi:
Associated with environmental irritants, inducing:
* Mucosal oedema, infiltration with macrophages and neutrophils.
* Hypertrophy of bronchial glands.
* Hypertrophy / hyperplasia of bronchial smooth muscle.
* Irreversible scarring of the airway walls, reducing airflow.
Bronchitis: Symptoms
- Hacking unproductive cough, becoming productive within days (thick, yellowy mucus).
- Fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, headache, runny or blocked nose, muscle pain.
Bronchitis: Avoid
Reduce bronchial irritants:
* Stop smoking, avoid dust / smoky atmospheres
Dietary exclusions:
* Reduce sugar, salt, saturated fats, cows’ dairy, wheat, processed foods, additives, preservatives, colourings.
* Avoid mucus-forming foods:
* Known allergens / intolerances;
* Histamine-rich foods
Bronchitis: Include
- CNM Naturopathic Diet and include easy-to-digest foods e.g., soups.
- Fluids
- Mucolytic foods e.g., garlic, onions, cinnamon
- Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme from pineapple decreases airway inflammation, is mucolytic and has potential as an anti-viral agent.
Bronchitis: Nutrients
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Zinc
Bronchitis: Vitamin A
Dose: 5000iu/d
- Maintains mucous membrane integrity and promotes
mucin secretion - Enhances T cell proliferation; reduces lung inflammation.
Bronchitis: Vitamin C
Dose: 3-10g/day
- Increases T cells, interferons and natural killer cells.
- Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation of airways.
Bronchitis: Vitamin D
- Moderates pulmonary inflammatory responses.
- Enhances innate immune responses to pathogens.
Bronchitis: Zinc
Dose: 15-30mg/day
- Antiviral and antibacterial
- Maintains mucous membrane
- Maintains phagocytic and NK cell function.
COPD
A chronic inflammatory response of the lungs
causing airflow limitation due to airway and functional lung tissue damage that is progressive and not fully reversible.
Combination of two main pathologies:
* Emphysema: Dilation of alveolar sacs by destruction of alveolar wall, leading to collapse of alveoli during expiration = breathlessness.
* Chronic bronchitis: Inflammation and thickening of bronchial lining with mucus hyper secretion = cough and wheezing
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Causes and risk factors:
- Smoking: Predominant cause (approx. 90%).
- Exposure to lung irritants : Air pollution, industrial chemicals, dusts, etc., genetic susceptibility.
COPD: Natural Approach
Quit smoking
Healthy weight
* Overweight puts greater pressure on the heart and lungs.
* Underweight impedes ability to maintain normal body function. COPD is associated with weight loss and risk of sarcopenia and pulmonary cachexia physical activity, metabolic changes).
COPD: Avoid
- Avoid refined grains and sugar, fast foods, processed foods, saturated fats, take-aways, soft drinks, alcohol.
- Avoid mucus-producing foods: Known intolerances, cows’ dairy.
COPD: Include
- Due to the increased work of breathing, eating can impact haemoglobin and worsen dyspnoea contributing to anorexia and early satiety.
- Include nutrient-rich, easily digested foods e.g., fresh juices, broths.
- Fruits / vegetables
- Herbs: turmeric, ginger and garlic.
- Good fats : omega 3 fatty acids ( (↑ energy, anti inflammatory)
- Quality protein is essential ( sarcopenia risk )
COPD: Nutrients
N-aceytl cysteine
EFA
Shiitake
Cordyceps
