Obstructive breathing disorders are often considered “diseases of the elderly”. Most people can remember their grandfather or their parents having problems with their lungs in later life, but most do not think of what the causes could have been. It was just something that happened to them.
Most of the “breathing problems” were a result of a disorder called COPD. COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. These are diseases that don’t go away and block the flow of air from the lungs. The lungs have trouble pushing the “used” air out and that leaves little room for the healthy new air.
COPD isn’t just one disease. It’s a group of different lung diseases. It often includes chronic bronchitis; which is a swelling, and in time scarring, of the main airways in the lungs, and emphysema; which is damage and destruction to the air sacs in the lungs. Most have one or both of these diseases.
COPD is mainly caused by smoking or being around smoke. It can also come from working or living in an area polluted by dust or chemicals. It is a chronic disease that gets worse over time. 1 out of 4 smokers will develope COPD. Some symptoms of COPD are: shortness of breath, frequent cough (smoker’s cough), mucus coming from the lungs and throat, wheezing, fatigue or repeated lung infections.
COPD has no cure, but it can be managed. Some of the things you can do to manage your symptoms can keep you feeling better. Stop smoking- if you haven’t already begun this process, get started now. This is the only action that may stop the disease from getting worse. Have a healthy diet. The right foods will give you energy and help you breathe. They may help you fight infections and illnesses. Stay at a healthy weight. Being overweight makes your heart and lungs work harder and in turn it becomes harder to breathe. Being underweight makes your body weak and tired and more likely to get an infection. Get the vaccines you need. They can help keep you from getting the flu and pneumonia, which can hurt your lungs even more. Finally get regular activity. Being active can give you more energy and help to tone your muscles, especially the ones you use to breathe.
There are many medications available for COPD. It is important that you meet with your healthcare practitioner to discuss what is appropriate for your particular disease. While COPD affects over 12 million American adults, you can live your life and stay active while fighting this disease. If you are suffering some of the signs and symptoms of COPD and have been a smoker, you need to meet with your healthcare practitioner sooner rather than later.