What Do You Know About COPD?

In chronic bronchitis, the bronchial tubes are continually inflamed. This leads to scarring. Inflamed or scarred bronchi let less air to flow in and out of the lungs. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis include a cough that brings up mucus. Emphysema destroys the air sacs (alveoli) where oxygen passes into the bloodstream from the lungs and carbon dioxide passes out. With air sacs destroyed, the lungs bring in less oxygen. This causes shortness of breath. Emphysema is an extension of chronic bronchitis. People with COPD often have both chronic bronchitis and emphysema. In some cases, they can also have asthma.

Most people who have COPD are at least 40 years old when symptoms begin. Although it is not common, people younger than 40 can also have COPD. Symptoms of COPD include:

• Coughing that doesn't get better (chronic)
• Problems breathing such as shortness of breath with everyday activities
• Blue lips or fingernails
• Tiredness (fatigue)
• Wheezing
• Lots of mucus
• Frequent respiratory infections

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, these irritants can raise the risk for COPD:

• Smoke from cigarettes, pipes, cigars, or other types of tobacco. Don't allow anyone to smoke in your home.
• Air pollutants. Properly vent any fuel-burning appliance.
• Chemicals. Don't stay in your home while it is sprayed for insects or painted.
• Fumes. Keep a window open in the kitchen when you cook.
• Dust

To protect your health, keep the air in your home clean of airborne irritants.

Also, wash your hands often to help prevent colds and the flu. These illnesses can be especially dangerous if you have COPD. Check with your healthcare provider before starting an exercise program, if you have COPD. Also check with your provider before doing strenuous physical activity such as heavy yard work. Your provider can help you develop an exercise and activity plan that is best for you. This will help you maintain your strength. It is also important to pay attention to outdoor air pollution alerts and limit your time outdoors when the air quality is poor.

A person with COPD can develop complications from colds and the flu. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should get an annual flu shot or the pneumonia vaccine.

COPD can’t be cured. Treatment can ease symptoms and slow the progress of the disease. Treatment can also make it easier to do physical activity and can prevent complications. Bronchodilator medicines can be either short- or long-acting. They relax and open the bronchial tubes. They are inhaled or taken by mouth. These medicines are the main treatment for symptoms of COPD. Inhaled steroids work to reduce airway inflammation. A program of lung exercise, called pulmonary rehabilitation, can improve function. As the disease progresses, your shortness of breath becomes worse. Eventually, you may need supplemental oxygen and even mechanical help with breathing.

Large meals can cause bloating and make it harder to breathe. Small meals are easier to digest. If you have lost weight because of COPD, pay extra attention to nutrition. Ask your healthcare provider if you should take a nutritional supplement.

COPD makes it difficult to do household chores and take part in social and family activities. It also interferes with sleep. Pacing is important, because your energy can vary from day to day. Save special tasks for days when you feel especially energetic. Ask for help around the house. Avoid heavy lifting, heavy pushing, raking, mowing, scrubbing, and shoveling. Consider keeping a portable phone or cell phone with you at all times. This way, if your condition becomes critical, you can call for help no matter where you are.