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COPD
Sixteen million Americans suffer from diagnosed COPD, with millions more likely suffering from the effects but undiagnosed and untreated.
If your loved one suffers from breathing challenges, they could have COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). COPD is not just one disease but an identifier for a group of diseases that cause breathing-related problems, including the more commonly known emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
In the past, COPD was thought of as primarily a men’s disease. This is because it affected smokers and people in jobs where large amounts of fumes, dust or chemicals were inhaled, during a time when fewer women were in the workforce. With more women than men now getting COPD, this is no longer the case. In 2017, COPD became the third leading cause of death for women. If your loved one is having trouble breathing and you have not addressed this with their doctor, now is the time.
In the United States, the leading cause of COPD is tobacco smoke. However, exposure to other air pollutants, genetics, and recurring respiratory infections can also play a part. While there might be a genetic component that might make you more likely to get it, it is not contagious.
Because there are so many variations in the diseases that manifest as COPD, there is no single test for it. There is also no cure, only treatment. Based on symptoms, your doctor will determine a course of treatment. Your medical team may include a pulmonologist and physical and respiratory therapists who will work toward treatments that work best for your loved one.
COVID-19
People with COPD are not considered to be at a higher risk of COVID-19. They are, however, at a higher risk of having complications and poorer outcomes should they contract the virus. As with any at-risk community, please follow all guidelines for maximum protection.
Source: University of Maryland Medical System
Why More Women Than Men?
- In the 1960s, cigarette ads targeted women
- Women’s lungs are smaller and estrogen can play a role in worsening lung disease
- Because it was previously more of a men’s disease, doctors still often misdiagnose or under- diagnose women
If you feel your female loved one has been misdiagnosed, advocate for the doctors to take a second look. Early diagnosis and treatment is key.
Source: American Lung Association
Symptoms
Symptoms are often mild at first, leading people to brush them off. There can be some intermittent coughing or shortness of breath. However, the symptoms will progressively worsen and become harder to ignore. It is time to see the doctor when you see one or more of the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breath, after even mild exercise such as walking up a flight of stairs
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Chronic cough, with or without mucus
- Need to clear mucus from the lungs every day
- Frequent colds, flu, or other respiratory infections
- Lack of energy
- Swelling of the feet or ankles
- Unexplainable weight loss
Treatment
While COPD is incurable, it can be treated and managed with great success. Some of the things that a physician may suggest include:
- Quitting smoking
- Avoiding secondhand smoke and other pollutants
- Plenty of fluids
- Nutritional supplements and eating habits to boost overall health
- A monitored exercise program
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Medication, which might include daily and emergency inhalers
- An annual flu and pneumonia vaccine
- Quick intervention in the case of flu or other respiratory infections
- Supplemental oxygen
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Healthline
Symptoms Requiring Immediate Medical Care
- Bluish or gray fingernails or lips
- Confusion or faintness
- A racing heart
Source: Healthline
Benefits of Quitting Smoking
If your loved one is a smoker, they will need to quit to either ward off or manage existing COPD more effectively.
After only 20 minutes
The heart rate drops and returns to normal. Blood pressure begins to drop, and circulation may start to improve.
After 12 hours
The carbon monoxide level in their blood returns to normal.
After 12 weeks
Their chance of a heart attack decreases, and their lung function improves.
After 9 months
Their coughing and shortness of breath due to the smoking will decrease.
After 1 year
Their excess risk of heart disease is half of that of a person who is still smoking.
After 5 years
The risk of stroke is dramatically decreased.
After 10 years
The risk of lung cancer is half of that of a person who is still smoking.
After 20 years
The risk of lung disease and cancer is that of a person who has never smoked.
Source: COPD.com and Medical News Today
Whether you are looking for a reliable nurse for different medical services, or a professional aide for personal care services, Gulfshore Home Care is here to help. Because every client’s needs and lifestyle are different, our in-home care team will provide services specifically based on your loved one’s condition and circumstances.
We are located in the areas of Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, and Marco Island. Please do not hesitate to give us a call at 239-249-8318
With our home health care services you will be able to live a happy, safe, and independent life. We invite you read more about us. Every situation is unique, so to have all of your specific questions answered with personalized information from a friendly local home care expert, call 239-249-8318 now!
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