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Emphysema
Description
Emphysema is the pathological or physiological enlargement
or over-distention of lung air sacs. This condition is usually
chronic and may be either localised or diffused. It is a
progressive disorder and treatment is aimed at increasing
the functional capacity of the lungs.
Emphysema can occur with
advanced age or can be the result of long-standing respiratory
ailments such as chronic Bronchitis or Asthma. It is found
predominantly in men over the age of forty-five. Evidence
has increasingly linked the disease to both hereditary factors
and cigarette Smoking.
Symptoms are difficulty
in breathing, a persistent Cough with thick sticky mucus,
and a bluish tinge to the Skin.
Nutritional Supplements
B Complex
Vitamin A (3)
Vitamin C (1)
Zinc (2)
References
1. Schwartz J, Weiss ST: Relationship between dietary Vitamin
C intake and pulmonary function in the first National Health
and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES1), American Journal
of Clinical Nutrition, 59(1), Jan 1994, p 110-114.
2. Anttinen H, et al: Prevention by Zinc of rat lung collagen
accumulation in carbon tetraChloride injury, Am Rev Respir
Disease, 132(3), Sept 1985, p 536-540.
3. Chan V, et al: Vitamin A levels and feeding practice
in neonates with and without chronic lung disease, Journal
of Perinat Medicine, 21(3), 1993, p 205-210. |
