What You Should Know About COPD
Nearly 12 million people in the United States are living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a lung disease that causes severe airway restriction. COPD results in breathing problems, an increased risk of heart disease and lung cancer, and can sometimes lead to premature death.
Understanding Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
It’s easy to dismiss shortness of breath as a normal part of aging, but it could indicate a much bigger issue, including COPD. The majority of deaths from COPD occur in people over the age of 65, which is why it’s crucial for seniors to be aware of the signs, treatment options, and best methods for managing COPD.
What Causes COPD?
According to the American Lung Association, COPD is often caused by long-term exposure to cigarette smoke, however, non-smokers are also at risk of contracting the disease.
Other COPD risk factors include:
- A history of asthma or childhood respiratory infections
- Having underdeveloped lungs
- Secondhand smoke exposure
- Being over the age of 40, since lung function declines with age
- Exposure to air pollution and other irritants
- Women are more likely to have COPD, possibly due to having smaller lungs, plus, estrogen may play a role in worsening lung disease
Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are two of the most common varieties of COPD. The two conditions usually occur together.
COPD Symptoms
Unfortunately, COPD symptoms often don’t present themselves until significant lung damage has occurred. And because COPD is progressive, many of these issues will only worsen over time.
Watch out for the following signs:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Recurrent respiratory infections
- Swelling in your legs and feet
- A chronic cough that may produce yellow, green, or white mucus
- Fatigue and unexplained lack of energy
- Tightness in your chest
- Unintentional weight loss
If your or your senior family member exhibits any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor about your COPD risk. The sooner the condition is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can start.
Treatment Options
COPD does not have a cure, but fortunately, the condition can be managed with treatments that include medication, supplemental oxygen, lung surgery, pulmonary rehab, and alternative therapies. Lifestyle changes, such as getting plenty of physical activity and eating a nutritious diet, have been shown to reduce the risk of complications and secondary conditions caused by COPD.
Visiting Angels Can Help
If you or your senior loved one has been diagnosed with COPD, you may be feeling overwhelmed. That’s where Visiting Angels Farmington/Cape Girardeau, MO comes in. Although we don’t provide medical care, our services can help support older adults with COPD to live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Our caregivers will work with you and your family to manage your COPD symptoms through physical activity, healthy meal prep, education, transportation to doctor’s appointments, and more.
To learn more about our services or set up a free, no-obligation consultation for your senior relative in Farmington, please fill out our contact form or give us a call at 573-664-1722.