cancel
Showing results for 
Show  only  | Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Connect with others living with health conditions

Myths and Facts about COPD

Myth: COPD Is Always Caused by Smoking

"COPD symptoms, such as a cough, shortness of breath, and frequent lung infections are among the most frequent symptoms experienced by long-term smokers," Dr. Wagner added. "While emphysema and chronic bronchitis are usually caused by smoking, there are other causes of COPD as well, such as progressive forms of asthma or exposure to lung irritants like gases, fumes, secondhand smoke or air pollution."

Myth: COPD Only Occurs in Older People

COPD is more common in older people who have smoked for many years, but a simple test called spirometry may detect early changes from COPD in younger people.

"Spirometry is a lung function test that involves blowing into a small machine to measure lung capacity," Dr. Wagner continued. "Even before COPD symptoms develop, the early changes of emphysema or bronchitis may be present. If younger smokers are screened with spirometry, COPD may be diagnosed in people as young as 30 or 40."

Myth: There Is No Treatment for COPD

Although there is no cure for COPD, it can often be managed. "How well COPD can be treated depends on how advanced it is and what other diseases may be present, such as if a person has COPD along with heart disease or high blood pressure," Dr. Wagner said. "However, the progression of COPD can be slowed down by stopping smoking and taking medications as directed, including the use of oxygen if needed."

Myth: Don't Be Active With COPD

COPD symptoms may make some types of physical activity difficult, but eliminating physical activities altogether is not beneficial for those with COPD. "Physical therapy, including breathing exercises and exercises to strengthen the arms and shoulders, can be an important part of treatment," he stated. "Regular exercise along with a healthy diet helps a person's muscles remain strong, which reduces the demand placed on the lungs.

"In addition, it is never too late to stop smoking. As soon as you quit, your lung function starts to improve. Since COPD symptoms develop over time, changes in your lungs may have already started without you knowing it. The best time to stop smoking is right now."

Myth: Weather Doesn't Matter

Weather extremes are one of many factors that can trigger COPD symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness or phlegm production. Studies have shown that temperatures below freezing or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit tend to cause COPD symptoms to flare up.

"While there are a few people whose COPD symptoms improve in humid weather, most people's symptoms flare up on days of high heat, humidity, or smog. This can be an issue especially when a weather front moves in, bringing high humidity. Many people with COPD tell you that they know when a front is going to come through," Dr. Wagner remarked.

"On the hottest and most humid days of the year, stay indoors in an air-conditioned environment to prevent a flare-up of your symptoms. Also, if it is a high-pollution day, COPD sufferers should stay inside and limit their outdoor activities.

"Cold air and strong winds are also known to be triggers for the worsening of COPD symptoms. If COPD patients go out when it is windy and they have to walk against the wind, there is more resistance, and that can be a problem. Frigid temperatures can also fatigue COPD patients, making them feel more tired."

Living With COPD

With ongoing care and preventive strategies, you can take steps to manage COPD symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

"Depending on how severe your disease is, you may need to ask your family or friends for help with daily tasks," Dr. Wagner suggested. "Perform activities slowly and try to find simple ways to cook, clean, and do other chores. Some people find it helpful to use a small table or cart with wheels to move things around and use a pole or tongs with long handles to reach things. Keep your clothes loose, and wear clothes and shoes that are easy to put on and take off."

If you have COPD, knowing when and where to seek help for your symptoms is also important. "Call your doctor if you notice that your symptoms are worsening or if you have signs of an infection, such as a fever," Dr. Wagner concluded. "Your physician may change or adjust your treatments to relieve and treat symptoms. You should also seek emergency care if you have severe symptoms, such as trouble catching your breath or talking."

Seek Support so you won't feel isolated. COPD very often leads to depression. I am a Group Leader of an Emphysema Group at another site. If you would like more information please visit my page by clicking on my picture and write a message on my message board. I will get back to you! You need not feel alone. Self-recrimination is not helpful. The more you understand about COPD the more you realize that COPD is an auto-immune disease and could happen to anybody. What counts is taking control of your illness NOW! There is plenty you can do to maintain your Health and Happiness - especially, Quit Smoking TODAY!

Labels (1)
Tags (1)
11 Replies

Thanks Thomas, I did not know a lot of those facts.

I asked my doc to give me the test and she said I dont need it done. I was relieved in a way because Im scared to know. just being honest with myself. I am scared to find out.

0 Kudos

In my opinion, every Ex-Smoker needs the spirometry test! Most Doctors are ill-informed and knowing is much better than not knowing!

Strudel
Member

Thanks Thomas!

0 Kudos
TerrieQuit
Member

Thank-You for this info., Thomas!

0 Kudos
wishtoquit
Member

What is a spirometry test?  What are the symptoms?  I have acute asthma  with COPD onset but I have not been truely diagnosed with COPD. I get bronchitis alot especially when I get sick. I am 51 years old and have been trying to quit smoking for awhile now. I do fine as long as Im not stressed out and  I just completed a series of patches to quit. I fell I need more than just patches to stay quit. I know my options if I continue to smoke. I am new to this site and I like receiving feedback .

0 Kudos

wishtoquit‌ Hi! I'm glad you are trying to quit - now can we take it to the next level? You can have your Forever Quit! It's not because of NRTs or pharmaceuticals. You get your Forever Quit by learning about Nicotine Addiction and Recovery - Knowledge is Power! And you are in the correct place! Keep reading https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/message/71917-welcome-new-members?sr=search&searchId=e99df4f1-221...‌ and reading and reading! Write out your questions, concerns and celebrate your victories here! Also I recommend The Easy Way by Allen Carr, quitsmokingonline.com, and whyquit.com. 

You see, nothing outside of your own head can make your quit happen! But you can change your perspective and change your Life - all for the Good! Especially considering that you have Asthma/COPD a.k.a. ACOS [asthma/COPD Overlap Syndrome] quitting smoking is the #1 most effective and efficient treatment you can partake in! In fact, if you were to continue smoking all the other treatments will not be effective at all! Only Smoking Cessation and Oxygen Therapy can stop the progression of the disease. 

Now, this isn't something to get panicky about - it's something to celebrate because Smoking Cessation is affordable and very doable - when you know that patches, pills, and whatnots don't quit for you. YOU quit for you! It's very empowering! Stick around and we'll show you how!

Oh yeah, a Spirometry Test is a simple inexpensive noninvasive breathing test - something like a drunk driving test. You breathe in a tube and exhale as fast as you can. The test measures your lung capacity compared to other folks of your gender, weight, and height and you get the results immediately. That's your starting point measured in a percentage. Mine, for example is 43%. Medication and lifestyle recommendations are based on your number called FEV1% [forced expiratory volume in one second] Most doctors have a Spirometer in their office.

elvan
Member

Wow Thomas3.20.2010 

You wrote this blog three years before I quit, I wonder how much less my damage would be if I had read it and paid attention way back then.

0 Kudos

I think we all wonder how it would have been different had we stopped smoking sooner! But we have to accept and forgive what it is!

elvan
Member

Sometimes I get so angry with myself because I clearly remember thinking that if I got really sick from smoking I would have no one to blame but myself.  I thought about that A LOT, particularly when I took care of patients with COPD.  I feel so badly now, I never understood what it was like...never understood the pain of arthritis then either.  Who knew that an old lady could keep learning so much.  

Have a good evening, Thomas.

0 Kudos