Emphysema

Also known as:  Pulmonary Emphysema

Emphysema is an ailment of the Lungs characterized by Cross-Linking, over-distention and destruction of the Lungs' Alveoli (small air sacs).  It is caused by long-term damage (enlargement) to the Alveoli of the Lungs by Free Radicals and reduces the elasticity of the Lungs.  Emphysema patients suffer from increasingly impaired breathing ability (a feeling of being out of breath during routine physical activity) and frequent Coughing.

Most Emphysema patients have already lost 50% to 70% of their functional Lung tissue before they become aware that they have Emphysema.

Medically, Emphysema is described as a form of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

 Emphysema is the fourth leading cause of death in Western nations.

Emphysema is an ailment that is extremely difficult to reverse.

Alkaloids

 Theophylline may alleviate the discomfort associated with Emphysema (due to its ability to stimulate Respiration). 

Amino Acids

 Carnitine (2,000 mg per day) may increase Exercise capability in Emphysema patients.  ^[1]

 Cysteine may break down the Mucous associated with Emphysema in the Respiratory Tract:  ^[2]

 Cysteine may enahnce the function of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (destruction or inactivation of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin is involved in the development of Emphysema).

 The N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) form of Cysteine (1,800 mg per day) has been successfully employed for the treatment of Emphysema (it may break down the excessive Mucous produced in the Respiratory Tract).  NAC may also help to prevent Emphysema.  ^[3]

Carotenoids

 Crocetin may be of assistance to Emphysema patients (due to its ability to enhance the deliver of Oxygen to the body’s tissues - the delivery of Oxygen to tissues is impaired in Emphysema patients). 

 Lycopene may inhibit the ability of Tobacco to cause Emphysema.  ^[4]

Enzymes

 Alpha-1 Antitrypsin may help to prevent the destruction of the elastic fibers of the Alveoli of the Lungs (components of Tobacco Smoke inhibit the production of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin and this is the underlying mechanism for Tobacco smoking causing Emphysema).  ^[5]