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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. 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!
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4 Replies
ret
Member

Depression, fear, frustration, anger, shame are all COPD feelings.  Sometimes very hard to overcome. I always appreciate your comments and blogs, keep them coming.  It helps.

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virgomama
Member

Very helpful information.  Thank you.

elvan
Member

virgomama‌ I am a retired RN and I am ashamed to admit that COPD patients were among my least favorite.  Why?  Because they were SO SCARED, they were terrified and there was only so much we could to alleviate that fear and make their breathing a little easier.  Now, I would be one of those terrified patients...what goes around...

Ellen

jconfusion
Member

its all apart of our life lessons hon im a disabled healer.  everyone get scared during through the trails and tribulations,  just keep doiny your breathing exercises my dear sweet friend,

love you lots,

chaos and june

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