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Perhaps you've just found out you have emphysema. Of course, you know you have to quit smoking, today. But perhaps you don't know much else about emphysema treatment. And what about zinc?

The most important thing to do is:

Find out as much as you can about how to cope with living with emphysema symptoms. The disease itself if not curable, but there are certainly a number of emphysema treatments that can ease symptoms.

Armed with this knowledge - and the determination to quit smoking and live a healthier lifestyle - you can improve the quality and length of your life.

Zinc for Emphysema Treatment

One thing to consider as an emphysema treatment plan is zinc. Avoiding respiratory infection is a major concern for those with emphysema, and zinc is proven to support the immune system so the benefits are clear. Besides avoiding infection, emphysema patients may actively promote immune health by taking antioxidant supplements such as zinc.

Using zinc preventatively to maintain and restore health, and to prevent both viral and bacterial infections, is of paramount importance in emphysema treatment. Zinc maintains the health of epithelial tissue. Epithelial tissue includes skin as well as lung tissue. Zinc promotes wound healing and keeps bodily tissues healthy in general. While a healthy diet that includes zinc is a foundation for good health, zinc supplements may be needed to keep the levels consistently high enough and ease emphysema symptoms.

Studies indicate that zinc concentration in blood plasma is lower in heavy smokers and after injuries and other stressful events. Those who take diuretics, and who also suffer emphysema symptoms, may need supplementation because zinc is lost through excess urination. Those with emphysema need to reduce their exposure to secondhand smoke, lung irritants (such as chemical fumes), and undue stress. If stress is unavoidable, antioxidants such as zinc can be taken in supplement form to support immune health.

Impaired absorption of nutrients in elderly patients suffering emphysema symptoms may also cause zinc deficiency. Studies indicate that vitamin and mineral supplementation promotes immune function and decreases the rate of infection in people of all ages, but may be particularly important in the elderly.

The Bigger Picture

Zinc needs to be considered as part of an overall emphysema treatment plan that includes special breathing techniques, taught by a respiratory therapist, and daily exercise. Even taking 10-minute walk three times a day improves not only capacity to work and eases emphysema symptoms, but also improves state of mind and immune function. Besides taking antioxidants such as zinc for emphysema treatment, getting enough rest is important in immune function as well.

Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke are by far the best approaches in emphysema treatment and in preventing a rapid decline in lung function. Emphysema is directly caused by smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.

Colds and other infections are much more common in smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke. Taking zinc to either prevent or to reduce the severity of a cold or infection makes a lot of sense. Consult your doctor immediately if you get sick and also suffer from emphysema symptoms. Also let the doctor know about any zinc supplements you are taking.

With emphysema, focus on promoting your general health, especially in terms of immune health. The body needs sufficient levels of antioxidants like zinc to prevent oxidative stress. Zinc enhances the absorption of vitamins A and D: two other effective antioxidants that need to be considered as part of an overall emphysema treatment plan.

Taking zinc as part of an emphysema treatment plan to maintain health makes good sense.