COPD 101.

Transcription

1 COPD 101

2 COPD 101 For anyone recently diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or anyone who cares for a loved one with the disease, the details can be confusing. While there is no cure for the disease yet, there are treatments to help people live with COPD, help control their symptoms and feel better. The first step? Understanding the disease. Welcome to COPD 101. COPD is a name that covers lung diseases with one thing in common breathing problems that get worse over time. Many people think their breathing problems are a normal part of getting older, but symptoms that don t get better are not part of aging. That s why the best way to find out if you have COPD (or a similar condition) is to see the doctor. There are a handful of symptoms to look out for, according to U.S. National Library of Medicine 1, to discuss with your doctor: Trouble breathing or problems catching your breath Wheezing often A cough that doesn t go away Coughing up mucus Shortness of breath, especially when walking or exercising 1

3 COPD is not... COPD is not part of normal aging, so the symptoms must not be ignored. A simple test can help your health provider diagnose COPD. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians 2, it is also not: Coronary artery disease, heart failure, cystic fibrosis or other lung ailments, but they all have some of the same symptoms. Each ailment needs different treatment or medication. Early and exact diagnosis is important so the proper treatment is given as soon as possible. Always a sign of smoking. When someone has COPD, it doesn t mean they are, or were ever, a smoker. The disease can be caused by second-hand smoke, polluted air, breathing in dust and chemicals from work places or genetics. A reason to give up. Millions of people maintain their independence and enjoy life by properly managing their COPD. Learn more about portable oxygen solutions that provide freedom, independence and peace of mind at To gain a better understanding of COPD, read on. Because COPD is an umbrella term covering more than one respiratory ailment, it is important to understand the differences in diseases and how they affect you. Once you understand the basics of COPD, it is easier to treat its symptoms and live a healthy life. 2

4 Here we take a look at the two main types of COPD: Chronic Bronchitis & Emphysema Chronic Bronchitis One of the two main diseases classified as COPD, chronic bronchitis is the inflammation of the lining of the airways or bronchial tubes. Chronic bronchitis restricts air flow to and from the lungs on a constant basis, causing heavy coughing and phlegm. 3 Acute bronchitis, on the other hand, is usually accompanied by a cold and clears up in one or two weeks and is not considered COPD. Causes of Chronic Bronchitis While cigarette smoking may be the most common cause of chronic bronchitis, according to the American Lung Association 4, airways may also have been irritated initially by bacterial or viral infections. Bob Messenger, RRT, Clinical Respiratory Education Specialist for Invacare Corporation, says there are several other ways people may develop chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis can be caused by industrial exposure to dust or fumes basically workplace pollution, he says. At risk are those with jobs such as coal mining, grain handling and metal molding. Anything that irritates the lungs can cause chronic bronchitis, Messenger adds. It is important to note that chronic bronchitis is not caught or developed suddenly. Don t dismiss a persistent cough as smoker s cough. Constant colds can be damaging to your respiratory system. Look out for a cough that is worse in the morning and in damp, cold weather, or a cough that brings up an ounce or more of yellow mucus

5 Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis Symptoms of chronic bronchitis include chronic cough, chronic production of large quantities of mucus and frequent bronchial lung infections, Messenger says. If chronic bronchitis is ignored, symptoms will worsen over time. It is imperative to speak with your doctor if you experience a constant cough or the production of large amounts of mucus. If chronic bronchitis goes untreated, several issues may arise: Excess mucus is produced constantly The lining of the airways becomes thickened An irritating cough develops Air flow may be hampered The lungs become scarred Airways create an ideal breeding place for infections Treating Chronic Bronchitis As long as the symptoms are not ignored, chronic bronchitis can be diagnosed early. The disease can then be managed so that you can live a full, active life. Different medications are used to treat chronic bronchitis, Messenger says. They can help reduce the production of mucus or fight infections. Others are inhaled steroids to help prevent airway swelling. Once chronic bronchitis progresses, Messenger says, you may need supplemental oxygen. Portable oxygen solutions allow you the mobility and independence you need to get out and moving more often. With it, you can continue to work outside the home, travel, participate in social activities, play sports, socialize and maintain your independent lifestyle.

6 Emphysema The second of the two main diseases that fall under the COPD umbrella is emphysema. While chronic bronchitis affects the lining of the bronchial tubes, emphysema affects the air sacs in the lungs. According to the Mayo Clinic, emphysema turns the spherical air sacs clustered like bunches of grapes into large, irregular pockets with gaping holes in their inner walls over time. This reduces the surface area of the lungs and, in turn, the amount of oxygen that reaches the bloodstream. 5 As the disease progresses, the elastic fibers that hold open the small airways that lead to the air sacs are also slowly damaged, making it difficult to remove the air in the lungs. Causes of Emphysema While tobacco smoking is the most common cause of emphysema, it can also be caused by smoking marijuana, air pollution, manufacturing fumes or coal and silica dust. 6 Emphysema is caused by many of the same irritants as chronic bronchitis, Messenger says. Workplace fumes, chemical irritants and air pollution can all cause emphysema and chronic bronchitis. And you usually don t get one disease without a component of the other. To avoid emphysema, quit smoking if you still participate in the habit, and try to avoid second-hand smoke, fumes, dust and pollution. 5 emphysema/ds emphysema/ds00296/dsection=causes

7 Symptoms of Emphysema Those with emphysema will most likely feel like air is trapped in their lungs, Messenger says. And this is because it is indeed trapped in the lungs. Because the main symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath, which begins gradually, many people go years before knowing they have emphysema. Emphysema often causes a severe sense of shortness of breath, difficulty with exhalation and becoming easily winded with exercise, Messenger says. However, the disease will eventually cause shortness of breath during simple daily tasks and even while the body is at rest. It is important to see your doctor if you ve had shortness of breath for several months or if the shortness of breath is getting worse or interfering with your daily activities, according to the Mayo Clinic. 7 The Mayo Clinic also insists on calling 911 if you experience: Shortness of breath so intense that you can no longer talk Blue or gray fingernails or lips A decline in mental alertness Tachycardia or a very fast heartbeat Treatment of Emphysema Once you are diagnosed with emphysema, you may be encouraged to take part in a pulmonary rehabilitation program, which will teach you breathing exercises and techniques to improve your breathing. This can then improve your health and your ability to remain physically active. To slow the progression of emphysema, stop smoking and avoid other respiratory irritants, like those from exhaust, paint, perfumes, incense and candles. You should also exercise regularly, protect yourself from cold air and avoid respiratory infections whenever possible. 8 Those with severe emphysema may be prescribed supplemental oxygen. In this case, you should use your oxygen as much as your doctor prescribes, particularly when you exercise. Using portable oxygen solutions can help you remain active and independent, even with COPD

8 Reducing Your Risk of COPD According to Messenger, there are several steps you can take to better your chances of avoiding COPD. Stop smoking. This is the single best thing you can do. If you don t smoke, don t start. Stay away from second-hand smoke (others who are smoking). Avoid other indoor air pollution like fumes from a wood burner, kerosene heater, oil stove or anything that causes a strong odor. Open a window or door slightly to let these fumes out. Avoid outdoor air pollution. Spend less time outdoors on days when the air pollution index is high. Take any medicine and breathing treatments that your doctor has prescribed. See your doctor right away if you start to feel more short of breath, cough more or if the color of your mucus changes. And, most importantly, talk to your doctor about portable oxygen solutions to help you remain independent with COPD. Those with symptoms or questions about their condition should consult a doctor right away. A medical professional can clear up any confusion and teach you how to control flare-ups, sudden worsening of symptoms, and feel and live better with COPD.

9 If you are diagnosed with COPD, there are also steps you can take to remain happy and healthy, Messenger says. Take your medications as your doctor has prescribed. Maintain a proper diet. Eat 5-6 small meals each day instead of three larger meals. Establish a way to remain active. Talk to your doctor about a workout routine. To learn more about COPD and how to live a healthy, independent life with portable oxygen solutions, visit The Do More With Oxygen community is a resource for an independent and active life with oxygen.