COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
I have been on oxygen for about 5 or6 or more years. My emphysema doesn't seem to get any worse or better. But I am satisfied with staying right where I am. I am on three or four liters. I live at 6500 feet and I believe if I were at sea level I would not even have to be on oxygen. The times that I have problems with the emphysema, I get rid of them by using the SSKI. At about three or four dollars for a bottle that lasts actually months one cannot beat it. It is a rare Dr. that is aware of SSKI. Only doctors that are well up into the years are aware of it. Before we had all the antibiotics, it was used regularly. I have a hunch that it will work on resistant bacteria. I don't think these resistant bacteria are aware of SSKI. But for what ever reason, I would not ever be without SSKI.
http://www.drugs.com/cdi/sski-drops.html
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/COPD_Emphysema/forum/20621691-sski-and-discouraged
SSKI is a brand name or common term for Potassium Iodine. I think the SSKI stands for Saturated Solution Potassium Iodide. The drops are an expectorant (thins mucus), and a chemical method to protect and treat the thyroid gland.
Dogman feels very passion about it and presents strong anecdotal evidence that it has helped him. However, it should only be used with caution and never without checking with your physician or pharmacist. If abused both the Potassium and/or the Iodine can lead to serious side-effects and it has a long list unfavorable interactions with common medications many of us are already taking.
While Im glad it works so well for Dogman, frankly in my humble, totally medically unqualified opinion unless thick mucus and dyspnea are the only issue; taking no other major medications; and extra potassium is not a problem - I would avoid it. There are safer ways to loosen and thin mucus.
Here's an interesting article explaining what it is;
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/what-is-sski/
As gnott pointed out; the sodium potassium part of it, is used as an expectorant, so i can understand how it may help get the "crud" out.
and
Iodine has been used to fight bacteria & fungus' for many years, so I can see where this may help fight off infections....especially yeast/fungus type infections.
(I can remember my mom "painting" my throat with iodine in the old days when I got sick).
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-35-iodine.aspx?activeingredientid=35&activeingredientname=iodine
However, for those on many blood pressure medication it is not recommended. And of course for those with thyroid medications it could be counteractive.
In addition to granny's link I looked it up on webmd & medicinenet=
http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-11101/sski-oral/details
http://www.medicinenet.com/potassium_iodide-oral/article.htm
from what I read it should need a prescription, but now days one can buy just about anything on the internet.
Dogman, I think it is great that you have found something that helps you so well. Many of us are interested in alternative medications in our battle with this disease. Thank you for the suggestion.