Emphysema: Prevention and Treatment

Emphysema: Prevention and Treatment Module 1 
Respiratory Anatomy

Our lungs are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air we breathe and the blood in our body. Ensuring that lungs are functioning properly contributes to our overall well-being and keeps us healthy. Module one provides an introduction to the overall respiratory system, including the four phases of respiration. We will break down the symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and gain an understanding of the conditions associated with chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema and Bronchiectasis.

• Anatomy of the Lungs
• Mechanics of Breathing and Control of Respiration
• Pathway of Airflow
• COPD Symptoms
• Role of Inflammation

Emphysema: Prevention and Treatment Module 2 
Disease Diagnosis and Treatment 

COPD typically takes years to develop in order for a patient to notice any type of symptoms or abnormalities. Once the symptoms are presented to a doctor, a series of diagnostic tests, including a review of the patient’s medical history and a physical examination are usually performed. This week we take a look at tests used to diagnose COPD disorders and typical treatment methods for COPD. We will also examine the role cigarettes play in contributing to respiratory disorders and why it is so important to quit smoking. Making the decision to quit and altering lifestyles can be quite challenging, but this module illustrates important benefits to overall health and provides solid methods that have been used to aid in giving up cigarettes.

• Diagnostic Tests for COPD
• Conventional Treatments for COPD
• Quitting Smoking
• Cigarettes and COPD
• Reasons to Quit

Emphysema: Prevention and Treatment Module 3 Chapters 5 - 6
Dietary Therapeutics and Supplements

Understanding the role food plays in natural treatments for COPD is a very important. Without a change in diet, other steps for healing can be much less effective. Module three discusses how critical detoxification is in the healing process in order for dietary therapies, supplements and herbal medicines to do their part. This week we will discover how certain foods have a medicinal use for the treatment of COPD, what foods to avoid and how important raw foods are to improving overall health. Finally, we will explore the effects dietary supplements have on the body, as well as list particular actions the supplements are used for. 

• The Role of Nutrition
• Detoxification
• The Medicinal Use of Food for COPD
• Foods to Avoid
• Raw Foods

Emphysema: Prevention and Treatment Module 4 
Herbal Medicine, Breathing and Alternative Treatments

The last week of this course focuses on a variety of topics: the use of herbs in COPD, physical activity, breathing techniques and alternative treatments such as acupuncture and environmental factors. By examining a wide range of healing treatments and exploring how they affect the body, treating the symptoms of COPD can be much easier. We will gain an understanding of the various medicinal properties of herbs and the role they play in human health. And although exercise cannot reverse the damage done by COPD, we will cover how it helps strengthen muscles to extract oxygen more efficiently.

• Use of Herbs
• Breathing Techniques
• Aerobic Exercise
• Massage Therapy
• Acupuncture