This article is for those who may have C.o.p.d due to smoking although there are a few tips for those who are quitting smoking whether they have Copd or not.
Copd.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD is one of the most common lung conditions, affecting more than 65 million people worldwide. Smoking tobacco, air pollution, and genetic predisposition are the primary causes of COPD. The condition can significantly shorten one's lifespan but, unfortunately, may be asymptomatic in the early stages. In some cases, symptoms do not show up until the lungs are already damaged.
A Chronic Cough
People with COPD usually develop a persistent cough that does not subside for weeks, months, or years. The cough is similar to a smoker's cough, and many long-term smokers assume the symptom is simply a byproduct of their habit. This can lead to delayed diagnoses.
Mucus
Another distinctive symptom of COPD is excessive mucous production. The expectoration may be transparent, white, pale green, or yellowish, although yellow or green sputum can also be a sign of an infection in the lungs or airways. People with COPD are at higher risk of developing lung infections. In some cases, this sign does not develop until the condition has progressed. The mucus causes congestion and can result in breathing difficulties, primarily upon waking.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is often considered one of the most problematic symptoms of COPD. Most people experience the worst of this respiratory difficulty after physical exertion. Often, the symptom indicates significant inflammation and blockage of the pulmonary pathways and calls for immediate medical attention.
Tightness in Chest
Another common symptom associated with COPD is tightness in the chest, especially when inhaling, making breathing labored. Chest tightness differs from chest pain, which is not a common symptom of COPD. Individuals experiencing chest pain and tightness should see a doctor to be tested for heart and other lung or respiratory conditions.
COPD Treatment:
Bronchodilators are medications that are commonly used to treat COPD by relaxing bronchial muscles. By relaxing these muscles, the airway becomes larger and allows air to pass through the lungs easier. Some are short-acting (4 to 6 hours) and are used when symptoms increase sharply, while longer-acting bronchodilators are used on a daily basis to treat more chronic COPD symptoms. People with COPD may use both types, depending on their symptoms.
There are at least 10 different inhalers available; they may contain one or more medications that may reduce COPD symptoms (bronchodilators, corticosteroids or combinations of both medications). For example, Spiriva contains tiotropium while Stiolto Respimat contains tiotropium bromide and olodaterol and is a once-daily inhaler available to COPD patients. This treatment relaxes muscles in the airways to improve breathing, but it should not be used to treat asthma. Stiolto Respimat is proven to be more effective that Spiriva or olodateral alone.
Before utilizing a once-daily inhaler, check with your doctor to help you choose the inhaler that is the best choice for your condition.
COPD Treatment: Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids reduce the inflammation in airway tissues and thus allow the airway to open. This medicine is often taken by inhaler, but also may be administered by pills and/or injection. Oral corticosteroids are used to treat COPD when symptoms get rapidly worse. Inhaled corticosteroids are used to treat stable symptoms of COPD or COPD symptoms that are slowly getting worse. Both corticosteroids and bronchodilators are often prescribed to patients with COPD.
COPD Treatment: Lung Training
t is possible to significantly slow COPD progression and to improve breathing with pulmonary rehabilitation classes. Part of this rehabilitation includes stress management and breathing control techniques. Pulmonary rehabilitation classes are taught by specialists who help improve one’s physical condition as well as how to manage COPD after completing the course. Pulmonary rehabilitation will educate clients on breathing techniques, medications, nutrition, relaxation, oxygen, travel, and how to stay healthy and avoid copd exacerbations.
Breathing Exercises for COPD
Having COPD makes it harder to breath, which can lead to avoiding activities that leave you breathless. Here are some breathing exercises for people living with COPD:
Pursed-Lips Breathing
This exercise involves breathing in through the nose (as if smelling something) for about two seconds. Then, purse the lips (like you are whistling or kissing) for two to three times longer than when you inhaled. Repeat as needed. This exercise makes exhaling easier for the person, and they also are able to extend exhalation, which provides improved oxygen and carbon dioxide gas exchange.
Pursed-lips breathing offers the following benefits:
Slows down breathing
Keeps airways open longer so your lungs can get rid of more stale, trapped air
Reduces the work of breathing
Increases the amount of time you can exercise of perform an activity
Improves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
2.Diaphragmatic (Abdominal/Belly) Breathing
The diaphragm is supposed to do most of the work when breathing, but COPD prevents the diaphragm from working properly. Instead the neck, shoulders, and back are used while breathing. Diaphragmatic breathing may seem more difficult than pursed-lip breathing and seeking help from a health care professional is recommended.
Begin by sitting back or lying down. Relax your shoulders and place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Inhale through the nose for two seconds. During inhalation, your belly should move outward and more than your chest. Exhale slowly through pursed-lips and gently press on your belly. This helps get the air out by pushing on the diaphragm. Repeat as needed.
Diaphragmatic breathing offers the following benefits:
Increases total air volume exchange
Trains the diaphragm
Easier breathing
3.Coordinated Breathing
Shortness of breath may cause you anxiety and you might hold your breath. Coordinated breathing helps to prevent this from happening. Before you are able to begin an exercise, inhale through the nose. Exhale, through pursed-lips, during the most strenuous part of the exercise. Coordinated breathing can be practiced during exercise or when feeling anxious.
4.Deep Breathing
Shortness of breath can be caused by air getting trapped in your lungs and deep breathing can prevent this from happening. This exercise will also allow you to breathe in more fresh air. Begin by sitting or standing with your elbows slightly back, allowing your chest to expand more. Inhale deeply and hold your breath for a count of five. Exhale slowly and deeply until all the air has been released. Repeat as needed.
5.Huff Cough
The huff cough helps you cough up mucus that had built up in your lungs. COPD can make it difficult to cough without getting tired, but the huff cough makes it easier to cough up mucus. Begin by sitting in a comfortable position and inhale slightly deeper than normal. Exhale while making a “ha, ha, ha” sound, as if you are trying to steam up a mirror. This allows you to become less tired when coughing up mucus. Repeat as needed.
COPD and Exercise
All people with COPD are usually advised to exercise, even those on supplemental oxygen. Walking is considered by most clinicians as the best form of exercise to begin with and to develop endurance. Patients can start slowly and gradually increase their endurance.
Types of Exercises for COPD Patients
•Stretching- start by stretching the arms and legs before and after exercising in order to prepare the muscles for activity and prevent injury and muscle strain
•Cardiovascular or aerobic- walking, jogging, jumping rope, bicycling, cross-country skiing, skating, rowing, and low-impact aerobics
•Strengthening- repeated muscle contractions until the muscle becomes tired
Benefits of Exercise with COPD
•Improve circulation and help the body better use oxygen
•Improve COPD symptoms
•Build energy levels so you can do more activities without becoming tired or short of breath
•Strengthen heart and cardiovascular system
•Increase endurance
•Lower blood pressure
•Improve muscle tone and strength; improve balance and joint flexibility
•Strengthen bones
•Help reduce body fat
•Help reduce stress, tension, anxiety, and depression
•Boost self-image and self-esteem
•Improve sleep
•Make you feel more relaxed and rested
The prognosis for people with mild COPD is very good, but the prognosis may worsen as the severity of staging increases. The average life expectancy of a COPD patient who undergoes a lung transplant is about five years. Patients diagnosed with COPD have a much better outlook if they quit smoking. COPD prognosis is dependent on the stage of the illness and the health of the patient.
If you think you may have copd please check with your doctor.
Quit 5 weeks ago and now issues.
breathing
