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| Four Seasons Hemet Herald | DECEMBER 2018 | 15 Ask a Question WHAT IS CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)? The symptoms and signs of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) include a heavy wheezing cough or a cough that brings forth large amounts of mucus (often called smoker's cough); shortness of breath, especially with sports and chest tightness. Some of the symptoms and signs of COPD are identical to the symptoms of other conditions and diseases; however a doctor will be able to confirm whether it is COPD. If one has COPD, he or she may have the flu or influenza frequently. If symptoms of COPD are bad, there may be swelling in ankles, feet, or legs; a bluish color on the lips due to a low blood oxygen level, and shortness breath. Symptoms and signs of COPD usually worsen gradually over time. At first, if the symptoms and signs of COPD are light, one may tend to barely notice them. Over time, the symptoms and signs of COPD may become more severe and it is time to consult a doctor. For example, one may get shortness of breath just simply walking to the car. How severe one's symptoms and signs of COPD are depends on how much lung damage has been done. If one continues to smoke, the damage will occur more rapidly than if he or she stops smoking. If one is having a hard time catching his or her breath or talking, fingernails or lips are turning gray or blue, mentally struggling or showing signs of an irregular heartbeat, please consult a physician. Herbal Treatments: Ginseng is an herb used to treat COPD symptoms. Some studies showed that ginseng helped when a person's COPD is in a stable stage. Some users claim they were able to breathe better. Red Sage, is another traditional Chinese herb that is used by some COPD patients. Some believe that it helps with inflammation that happens in the airways as a result of the disease. Red sage has also been shown to be an antioxidant that protects blood vessels that have been weakened by COPD. Thyme is an herb traditionally used in cooking; thyme has been shown to clear the airways of animals by lessening mucus buildup. It's also believed to cause airways to relax, which is crucial for better breathing. One of the elements that causes thyme to be helpful is essential oils that are released from this herb; they are thought to have potential antioxidant benefits. Turmeric is a spice commonly used in curry dishes. Turmeric is prized among herb users for its antioxidant benefits and ability to decrease inflammation. The beneficial compound present in turmeric is known as curcumin, which is believed to help by reducing inflammation in COPD patients' airways. This herb has also been used for many years in Chinese medicine. For any questions Jennifer Trebler Partridge at (951) 663-1060. Four Seasons Pets Do you have an adorable fur baby? Send your photos with captions to Louise Ceccarelli at Louise.Ceccarelli@fsresidential.com Daisy can't believe baseball season is over! Submitted by Dave Scott