Home | Health | 14 Common Warning Signs Of COPD To Never Ignore

14 common warning signs of COPD to never ignore

14 common warning signs of COPD to never ignore

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term used to refer to a group of lung diseases that block one’s airways, causing severe breathing difficulties. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are among the most common COPD diseases. Statistical reports suggest that 15.7 million people nationwide have been diagnosed with a COPD condition. Timely diagnosis and systematic treatment are crucial for healing from the disease. Here are some common warning signs of COPD one should not ignore:

Shortness of breath
Individuals with COPD typically experience shortness of breath or dyspnea due to blocked airways and air sacs and damaged lung tissues. The symptom usually aggravates due to compromised lung capacity. Eventually, shortness of breath may become a constant problem, even when not engaging in a physical activity.

Chronic cough
Doctors usually classify a cough as chronic when it lasts over eight weeks. Chronic cough is among the earliest symptoms of COPD. Excess mucus formation is the primary cause of chronic cough among patients with this condition.

Swelling of the legs, feet, and ankles
Swelling of the feet, legs, and ankles may indicate severe COPD. The symptom results from pulmonary hypertension, triggered by elevated blood pressure in the lungs’ blood vessels. Swelling in the lower extremities can eventually lead to restricted mobility.

Sleep issues
COPD symptoms like shortness of breath and persistent coughing can interfere with one’s sleep schedule. Sleep problems can, in turn, aggravate other symptoms like fatigue.

Frequent respiratory infections
Reduced lung capacity and lung tissue damage can lead to frequent respiratory infections. These infections can increase the pressure on the lungs and cause them to overwork in order to supply oxygen to the other organs. Those who experience an increased frequency of respiratory infections should consult an expert to determine the cause.

Heartbeat irregularities
Patients with COPD may experience irregular heartbeats due to damaged nerve fibers. Irregular heartbeats can, in turn, lead to several other severe disorders, such as atrial fibrillation. Hence, this symptom should not be overlooked.

Wheezing
COPD causes inflammation and thinning of the lungs’ airways, resulting in frequent wheezing. The symptom can be noticed when a patient inhales and/or exhales.

Tightness of the chest
Damaged lung fibers can lead to a sense of heaviness or tightness in the chest. Excess mucus production may worsen this symptom.

Bloating and other digestive problems
According to a study, about 85% of patients with COPD experience at least one digestive issue, bloating being the most common. The digestive discomforts may be caused because COPD patients tend to swallow saliva while inhaling due to shortness of breath. Gulping down too much air can also trigger problems with digestion.

Excess mucus production
The body produces mucus to trap the irritants that enter the airways. However, the mucus produced among patients with COPD is typically thicker, making it difficult to expel. Excess mucus production and accumulation can aggravate problems like shortness of breath and persistent coughing.

Tiredness and reduced stamina
Lung airway damage and reduced lung capacity result in inefficient oxygen supply to the organs among COPD patients. This causes fatigue and reduced stamina. Perpetual tiredness is a common symptom of COPD and can result in a sedentary lifestyle.

Dry mouth
When a person puts in extra effort to breathe, it may result in a dry mouth. This symptom can cause problems like difficulty swallowing and a burning sensation in the mouth.

Urinary incontinence
Sometimes, those with COPD may experience urinary incontinence. This is mainly the case when one applies pressure to the urinary bladder. Dyspnea and chronic cough may lead to the onset of this symptom.

Loss of appetite
Breathing difficulties among individuals with COPD may sometimes trigger a loss of appetite, which can worsen symptoms like fatigue and reduced stamina.

Tips for healing from COPD
Those diagnosed with the condition can follow these tips for managing the symptoms after consulting a healthcare professional:

Avoid exposure to lung irritants
Lung irritants like dust and fumes can worsen COPD symptoms like shortness of breath and coughing. Therefore, patients should stay away from these elements or wear a mask while stepping out.

Avoid staying in areas with high air pollution levels
Air pollution is inevitable in cities and towns today. However, staying in highly polluted places can impede healing and aggravate COPD symptoms. Therefore, patients should consider relocating or exercising caution when stepping outside. Closing the windows when at home and covering the nose and mouth when outdoors are a few tips that can help.

Eat plenty of vegetables and healthy carbs
Those with COPD often experience fatigue and appetite loss. Hence, they should eat plenty of vegetables and healthy carbs, such as whole grains, potatoes (with the skin on), and lentils. These foods enhance digestion and increase energy levels.

Stay physically active
Physical activity may eventually become difficult for patients with COPD. Still, the body requires some activity to maintain strong muscles, especially those responsible for breathing. Hence, patients should engage in walking, biking, swimming, or other exercises regularly.

Seek help with daily chores
Daily chores like cooking and cleaning can aggravate fatigue and reduce stamina. Hence, delegating these tasks to loved ones or professionals would be a wise decision while healing from COPD.

Recent Topics

9 Simple Steps to Create a Lush Green Lawn

9 Simple Steps to Create a Lush Green Lawn

The grass can be greener where you want it to be! Learning to take care of your lawn appropriately and maintaining it can help you create a lusher, greener yard for hosting cookouts, picnics, barbecues, or a relaxing yard for you and your loved ones. You can take some quick, easy steps to avoid faded or dead patches and create the lawn of your dreams. Check out nine ways to maintain a green lawn. Test the soil To create a vibrant green yard, you must start by caring for the most critical factor – the soil. Since grass needs nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus to thrive, it is important to ensure your soil is enriched with them. To ensure the best grass growth, it is also important to have a soil pH level of 5.5 to 6.5. Using a home soil test kit or hiring an agency can help you take the guesswork out of soil profiling. These tests usually cost around $20 and are the foundation of a beautiful, well-nourished lawn. Aerate the lawn If your lawn is used to a lot of walking and trundling by your children or pets, it may be wise to aerate it before planting any grass.
12 Smoothies to Manage Arthritis and Relieve Joint Pain

12 Smoothies to Manage Arthritis and Relieve Joint Pain

Arthritis is characterized by swelling or tenderness of the joints. It affects over 50 million people in the country. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which tend to worsen with age. It may be inherited or caused by immune problems or metabolic conditions like gout. Making changes in daily meal plans can help manage arthritis symptoms. One of the easiest ways to introduce inflammation-relieving foods into one’s life is with delicious smoothies. Try these twelve arthritis-friendly smoothies at home to alleviate joint pain. Pineapple and turmeric smoothie Blend a quarter of a pineapple with water, orange, turmeric, lemon zest, mango, ginger, carrot, and salt. This delicious yellow smoothie is rich in antioxidants from pineapple, orange, and turmeric, which can reduce oxidative stress in the body. The main active component of turmeric, curcumin, inhibits COX-2, the enzyme that causes joint pain and inflammation, helping reduce symptoms of arthritis. The pineapple, orange, and mango add vitamin C to the smoothie, which also helps fight inflammation. Pineapple also contains the enzyme bromelain, which can help reduce arthritic pain. Kiwi and kale green smoothie Blend two kiwis with a bunch of kale, one mango, one orange, and some water to create a quick and easy green smoothie.
10 types of foods to avoid to manage multiple sclerosis

10 types of foods to avoid to manage multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system. It causes damage to the myelin sheath, which is a covering that protects the nerve fibers, and leads to several debilitating symptoms. It is a complex health disorder without any cure and its exact cause is unknown. However, lifestyle changes such as eating mindfully may help manage the condition. Certain types of foods worsen the symptoms and should be avoided. Saturated fats Saturated fats are mostly found in animal-based products and by-products. Additionally, they are present in certain types of oils. Saturated fats increase inflammation levels in the body as these raise the level of LDL or bad cholesterol. This increases the risk of heart disorders, which most people with multiple sclerosis are highly prone to have. So, it is best to avoid foods with saturated fats, such as: Red meat Full-fat dairy Butter Processed snacks, such as cakes, cookies, and chips Palm oil Coconut oil Trans fats Another group of foods to avoid to manage multiple sclerosis is those containing trans fats. Just like saturated fats, trans fats also increase the level of inflammation in the body. Trans fats are known to increase inflammation levels within blood vessels.
7 early and noticeable signs of Parkinsons disease

7 early and noticeable signs of Parkinsons disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder primarily affecting the nerves communicating signals from the brain. An intricate network of nerves runs throughout the body carrying electrical impulses and signals to control a specific part or function. Parkinson’s disrupts these communication channels, making it difficult to control automatic reflexes and movements. It is only possible to manage Parkinson’s with early diagnosis as the disease has no cure. Tremors One of the first signs of developing Parkinson’s is tremors. People might experience different intensities of this motor function, but often, resting tremors are the first indicators of the neurological disorder. Resting tremors develop when the body is active and subside when the body is at rest. For example, one might not notice the tremors while using the hand actively. But when the hand is in a rested position, these tremors develop abruptly and are more noticeable while walking or sitting. Tremors that get worse with time start to interfere with regular activities like writing or shaving, among other actions that require fine gross motor skills. The uncontrolled shaking starts with just the thumb or one of the fingers, usually affecting one hand. However, the intensity of these tremors varies depending on how quickly the condition progresses.

Most Popular

Overactive Bladder – Management Options, Prevention, and Causes
01

Overactive Bladder – Management Options, Prevention, and Causes

An overactive bladder (OAB) results in frequent, unexpected urges to urinate. When one is dealing with an overactive bladder, they can experience frequent urges during the day and at night, along with incontinence. However, simple changes, such as better food choices, timed voiding, and bladder-holding techniques utilizing the pelvic floor muscles, can help one manage the symptoms of an overactive bladder. Here are a few things one should know when affected by OAB: Signs One may experience the following symptoms: Sudden and frequent urge to urinate Accidental urination right after experiencing an urge to urinate (urgency incontinence) Frequent urination, typically two or more times every few hours Need to go to the washroom more than two times every night (nocturia) Even if one can urinate normally when dealing with an overactive bladder, symptoms like unexpected frequent urination and nighttime urination can disrupt daily routine and cause discomfort. Doctors may refer the patient to a urologist, who focuses on illnesses and conditions of the reproductive system and urinary tract. One should consult a doctor as soon as they notice any of the signs. Overactive bladder is common in older adults, but some women can develop the issue at about 45. Ways to manage an overactive bladder People with overactive bladder may respond to a variety of therapies.
Read More

© 2024 EntryNotes.com. All Rights Reserved.