Get To Know The Signs Of COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious lung condition, ladies. You'll end up with breathing issues for a long time with this one. Overall? It affects 16 million Americans, so it's quite common! Ladies, you will have both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. These are the two that make up COPD! The main cause? Smoking!

Prescription inhalers for COPD are the most common treatment, by far. They'll likely have steroids or bronchodilators in these inhalers! Specific medications for emphysema are also at play for COPD treatment. You can even talk to your doctor about herbal remedies for COPD! They'll make sure to relieve as many of your symptoms as possible.

Regular Respiratory Infections

Ladies, COPD makes it hard to clear your lungs. This includes clearing them of pollutants and bacteria! You'll deal with respiratory infections much more often because of it. The bacteria sticking around will cause them! The pollutants? They'll irritate your lungs and help the bacteria cause these infections. Ladies, get your annual flu vaccine. Always get a pneumonia vaccine when it's needed too! Getting vaccinated is going to help protect you! Also, remember to avoid pollen and air pollution. Keep your house clean to stop dust from irritating your lungs.

If you do get a respiratory infection, you'll start with more wheezing. You'll produce more mucus too! Every other symptom of COPD is going to get worse if you have a respiratory infection. This includes your shortness of breath! Keep watch for nasal congestion, sore throat, a fever, and headaches too.

Shortness Of Breath

Ladies, shortness of breath means feeling like you can't get enough air. Some even say it feels like they're suffocating! Ladies, this COPD symptom is incredibly common during exercise. You'll feel out of breath much faster if you have this condition! Ladies, get emergency attention if you also feel pain in your chest, nausea, or if you feel like fainting. Yes, call if you actually faint too! Your doctor is going to test your lung function. Listening to them with a stethoscope is part of this! Pulse oximetry is another common test. You'll get relief if you try supplemental oxygen and meds help too!

Lack Of Energy

COPD comes with a significant lack of energy. Ladies, it'll be very hard for you to exercise like others who don't have this condition! Going for a walk? You'll be very tired part of the way through! Doing chores around the house is going to tire you out too. It's even hard for some patients with this condition to walk up the stairs!

Ladies, you can deal with this! Use wheeled carts to move things around. Place items you need a lot on lower shelves! Poles help you reach high items. A step stool works too! Is your bedroom is on another floor? Move it to the main floor, and you can avoid the tiring stairs! Give yourself more time to do things. Don't be afraid to ask for help either!