Abstract

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISORDER: AN OVERVIEW ON CAUSES AND TREATMENTS THROUGH MODERN AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICATION

Disha Dutta* and Neha Chauhan

ABSTRACT

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) is recognized by inflammation of alveoli and lung parenchyma with the involvement of neutrophils, macrophages, and cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Various reasons which leads to COPD includes cigarette smoking, exposure to irritating gases, genetically low levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin protein which is synthesized in liver and secreted into bloodstream to help in protection of lungs. Symptoms of COPD are tightness in chest, cough leading to mucous formation, or harsh cry while breathing, shortness of breath especially when exercising. People with COPD have higher chances of developing cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer and other abnormalities. Treatments includes use bronchodilators and anticholinergic drugs like Tiotropium bromide, antioxidants like glutathione, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and selenium Olodaterol is recently combined with tiotropium, is available in the form of metered inhaler. There are some natural treatments also like taking Omega-3 Fatty acids, vitamin C, Magnesium, Carnitine, Ginseng, Comfrey, Yoga Massage, and Acupressure etc. New methods of treatment need to be developed as there are no available drug therapy which can reduce persistent progression of disease. In particular, drug delivery systems should be developed to control the underlying inflammatory and destructive processes Inorder to achieve more targeted and reduced side effects. Various researches on developing such new drugs and techniques are being under process. Also there is a need of creating general awareness among the people regarding COPD, change in lifestyle is also required, in order to minimize the disease.

Keywords: COPD, NAC (N-acetyl cysteine), phytomedicines, LABA(long-acting beta2 agonist)/LAMA(long-acting muscarinic antagonist).