Have you been lately facing troubles such as shortness of breath when performing mere daily activities or experiencing cough with mucus? Read this article to find out why we think you may have COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
COPD is a chronic lung disease that progressively worsens involving whole lungs slowly worsening breathing. Unfortunately, the symptoms can easily be confused with asthma. However, these conditions are very different even though they sound very similar.
Under the umbrella of COPD, two most common conditions prevail, namely Emphysema and chronic bronchitis. In most cases, these two conditions have been observed together but the degree of severity may vary amongst the affected individuals.
Emphysema
Emphysema usually occurs when you smoke or breathe in irritable pollutants that destroy air sacs in your lungs. The surface area of lungs is shortened which results in low levels of oxygen in the bloodstream that can easily lead to dizziness and fatigue. This is also the reason you may find it difficult to take in oxygen or breath when you are exercising or undergoing some heavy lifting work.
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic Bronchitis is not directly related to the lungs but it is the inflammation of bronchial tubes lining. You can think of bronchial tubes as a pathway or road that leads to lungs, and Chronic Bronchitis punctures that pathway. Due to that you may face discolored and thickened mucus. Wheezing and chest pain accompany the mucus and it can be pretty daunting and uncomfortable to suffer through.
Symptoms of COPD
- Feeling tightness in your chest after heavy lifting or exercising
- Recurring cough that may produce white, yellow or clear mucus
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fatigue, lack of energy or dizziness can be observed in later stages
Do you have COPD?
If you currently smoke, vape or use e-cigarettes and experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms, it is likely that you have COPD.
Other than that, some rare situations such as working near an industrial site where regular fumes are inhaled can be a cause too.
Treatment
- Immediately quit smoking (if smoker)
- If possible, move away from industrial sites/reduce fume exposure
- You may need inhalers to open up airways to improve breathing
- You may also need oxygen
Why should you treat the condition?
If left untreated, the symptoms can progress rapidly and can also affect heart. If you do have COPD, you are at higher risk of having severe illness if infected with COVID-19 and it is essential for you to get vaccinated for COVID-19.
If you think you have COPD or are at risk for it, call us at (346)500-5342 today to make an appointment.
