Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, describes the signs and symptoms associated with two very common lung diseases, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Those who are diagnosed with COPD often find that their breathing is labored and gets worse over time. Because it is a chronic disease, difficulties with breathing generally do not get better over time.
COPD is incredibly common, with tens of millions of individuals diagnosed or suffering from signs and symptoms. Smoking is the main cause of COPD, whether that is smoke inhaled directly from cigarettes or cigars, or inhaled from second-hand smoke. COPD can also develop in individuals who inhale pollutants through their workplace. There are also some genetic factors that contribute to the onset of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, so it is possible to develop COPD even if you have never smoked a day in your life.
1. Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is perhaps the hallmark sign of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It can be caused by either emphysema or chronic bronchitis. The lungs have hundreds of tiny sacs within them called alveoli. These little air sacs help aid in breathing by allowing oxygen into the bloodstream, and removing carbon dioxide from it. When these air sacs get damaged, due to things like smoking, they don’t work as well resulting in shortness of breath. Emphysema is characterized by damaged alveoli. Smoking not only damages alveoli making breathing harder, but it also irritates the tubes that carry oxygen to your lungs.
Chronic bronchitis also can cause difficulty breathing due to irritation to the bronchial tubes that transport air to your lungs. Both of these diseases occur due to damage to parts of the lung and can cause shortness of breath. This symptom can be managed with medications that help open up your airways such as inhalers. Exercising routinely can also help improve breathing, although it may seem counterintuitive. It is important for those experiencing this symptom to exercise caution when engaging in physical activity that causes difficulty breathing. Doctors often prescribe oxygen therapy in individuals who have severe difficulties breathing.
2. Wheezing
At one point or another in your life, you have probably experienced bouts of wheezing. Seasonal allergies can produce that whistling sound that happens when you breath in and out. Although not everyone who experiences wheezing has COPD, it is a very common cause and can cause wheezing to happen on a regular basis. Due to irritated airways it becomes harder for air to pass through the airways and this creates the wheezing sound. Many people use inhaled bronchodilators to help manage this symptom. Like so many of the other symptoms of COPD, they can be exacerbated by irritants in the environment, so staying away from smoke is crucial for keeping symptoms at bay.
3. Chronic Cough
Chronic bronchitis not only can cause shortness of breath, but the mucus that develops because of the inflamed bronchial tubes causes a cough. You may recognize the phrase “smokers cough,” that is often used to describe chronic cough due to COPD. Many people who have chronic cough find that it can be embarrassing, and somewhat of a nuisance. The cough may produce a phlegm, and this cough does not typically go away. There are ways to relieve the severity of the cough, most commonly used are bronchodilators in the form of an inhaler. Some people use these several times a day to help manage their symptoms.
4. Phlegm
Phlegm, or mucus, plays an important role in the functioning of our bodies. It keeps our mouth, lungs, throat and nose moist so that they can do their jobs. Some amount of phlegm is needed, but chronic bronchitis produces an excess of it due to the irritated airways. Having too much mucus in your body can be uncomfortable and make it difficult to breath. For those who have COPD and produce an excess amount of mucus, there are some ways to get some relief. After using an inhaler, use the deep coughing technique to break up the mucus. Doctors can also prescribe some devices or other techniques used to manage excess phlegm.
5. Frequent Respiratory Infections
Individuals with COPD are susceptible to getting more frequent respiratory infections than those without the disease. The excess mucus caused by chronic bronchitis makes it difficult for those with COPD to clear their lungs effectively, and as a result irritants can get stuck in there causing a respiratory infection. Respiratory infections have the potential to cause more damage to the lungs, so it is important for those with COPD to take measures to prevent as many infections as possible. Getting the annual flu shot is one way to help prevent recurring respiratory infections. Staying away from smoke and other irritants will also help reduce the chances of a respiratory infection.
6. Fatigue
Those living with COPD report high instances of fatigue in addition to their other symptoms. The damage to the lungs causes the body to have to work harder to perform basic functions such as breathing. This can lead those who have COPD to experience chronic fatigue, or an extreme lack of energy. This is more than just the tired feeling that you get when you haven’t had your morning coffee. Fatigue can severely impact your ability to perform basic daily functions. Those who have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease typically shy away from exercise due to their difficulties breathing, and decreased exercise is one factor that contributes to feelings of extreme tiredness. As difficult as it may be, those with COPD are encouraged to exercise daily as a way to fight off fatigue.
7. Chest Tightness
One of the most common symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is chest tightness. Patients who report experiencing this symptom often describe the sensation as something squeezing or sitting on their chest. It can feel as if you are breathing through a straw. Airway obstructions and respiratory infections are two things that contribute to feelings of chest tightness. For relief, most patients result to the use of inhalers and other medications that help open up their airways, exercise and breathing techniques. Taking slow, deep breaths can help relieve this symptom. Again, exercise is an important tool used to reduce the severity of the symptoms related to emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
8. Inability to Exercise
For most people, exercising is hard work. It takes a lot of energy and commitment to be able to go to the gym and workout. It is especially hard for those with COPD, as it is difficult for them to breath under normal circumstances, let alone when exercise is involved. While it may seem counterintuitive at first, exercising regularly can help relieve the symptoms of emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Exercise helps strengthen muscles, including the lungs and airways. Nobody is advising those with COPD to go run a marathon. Something as simple as going for a daily, slow paced walk can do wonders for increasing muscle strength. Check out these tips for simple exercises that may help those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease build up some muscle.
