Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a blanket term that is used for some conditions related to the respiratory system, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD symptoms can be triggered by various causes such as cigarette or cigar smoke, smog or other kinds of air pollution, strong fumes from perfumes or other scented products.
COPD-related symptoms can become more aggravated due to changes in weather and extreme weather conditions. This is why COPD patients need to be especially careful about the weather. COPD patients need to look out for the temperature being too cold, too hot, too windy, and thunderstorms. Research in this area has shown the ideal temperature for COPD patients is around 21 degrees Celsius with a humidity of 40%. In such weather conditions, the body’s airways can be relaxed, minimising the chances of symptoms showing up.
If the temperature falls below 0 degrees, then the level of humidity in the air also falls. A humidity level that is below 10% can cause mucous membranes to dry up. This type of dry air is likely to irritate air passages in your body, causing symptoms to flare up. A condition of low humidity caused by cold weather can also make it harder for your body to produce fluids that help it move viruses and bacteria. If you have COPD, you might also face allergy symptoms in such dry conditions.
Moreover, cold weather is often accompanied by strong winds. If the weather is cold and windy, and the patient has to walk against the wind, it can create resistance. Further, cold temperatures can also fatigue COPD patients quickly.
Temperature and weather can cause COPD symptoms to worsen. Cold, dry air or hot air can trigger a flare-up. According to a study, temperature extremes, below freezing and above 90°F (32°C), are particularly dangerous.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
COPD symptoms can also increase significantly when the weather is too hot. Further, hot weather can also lead to high levels of humidity. For most COPD patients, high levels of humidity can also cause a greater incidence of symptoms.
Hot weather is especially a cause for concern when the temperature hits above 32 degrees Celsius. Breathing in hot air has been known to cause inflammation in the lining of airways in patients with COPD or asthma. Smog levels also commonly rise during the summer heat. Pollution in the air has been known to cause symptoms in COPD patients.
There are certain ways in which COPD patients can meet the challenges caused by the weather. These prevention techniques are in addition to any COPD treatment that you may be undertaking.
A common solution for COPD patients is to relocate to a geographic area where the weather is more suitable. However, moving or relocating can be a drastic step and moving your home is not the only solution to battle the weather for COPD patients. Further, relocating can be quite difficult since different COPD patients need different types of weather. For example, humidity can be a huge problem for certain COPD patients, while others may not get significantly affected.
The best way to combat the weather as a COPD patient is to keep a daily tab on the weather forecast. You may need to plan your days around the weather to ensure smooth functioning. For example, you may want to do all your shopping on days when the weather is suitable.
If the weather outside is cold, be sure to cover your nose and mouth with a scarf. This will warm and humidify the air before going into your airways and provide you with some protection.
If you’re stepping outside your home, remember to carry your medications regardless of the weather conditions. You never know when a change in the weather can cause your symptoms to act up.
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Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Life with COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease can be gruelling. Routine, simple activities such as going for a walk or folding away laundry can consume all your energy. COPD is a long-term, progressive lung disease that includes conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. This results in the narrowing of the airways, swelling of the air sacs in the lungs and difficulties in breathing.
The prevalence of COPD is so prominent that close to one individual is diagnosed with COPD every five minutes. COPD reduces airflow into your lungs, making the simple act of breathing difficult and arduous. Inevitably, the body tires easily. COPD fatigue is among the most experienced symptoms.
Recognised as the largest contributor to the commencement of COPD is smoking, with about 90% of all COPD cases traced back to this source. Cigarette and cigar smoking, along with passive smoking, can increase the risk of COPD. Living conditions, such as poor ventilation and exposure to environmental pollutants, indoor fumes and smoke, also play a critical role. Although not in significant numbers, genetic contributors have also been known to influence COPD.
COPD-related fatigue, for example, can be caused by factors such as oxygen deprivation, overall reduced strength and endurance and complications or comorbidities such as heart failure or depression. Fatigue is the second most common symptom patients with COPD report; however, it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
COPD fatigue must be understood to battle it. The feeling of sluggishness occurs due to a series of reactions triggered by a lack of oxygen supply. Due to the body’s inability to inhale an adequate amount of oxygen, the onset of fatigue is quicker. With lower oxygen levels in the body, the person tends to lose stamina, avoid physical tasks and struggle with daily tasks. Depression and social disengagement are also COPD symptoms.
Since there is no proven cure for COPD, management is the best solution. Inhalers, too, are an optimal prescription to help ease easier breathing. They can help by widening airways or reducing swelling in the lungs. Almost immediately, one can notice a significant difference in the levels of oxygen in the body, as well as a revitalised mood and energy. Here are some easy lifestyle modifications recommended for COPD management:
Conscious breathing: Breathing exercises can help improve inhalation patterns and allow better oxygen circulation. Practising slow, calculated breathing through the lips can help relieve shortness of breath and drop carbon dioxide.
Nutrition is critical: Complex carbohydrates can help release energy slowly and protein-rich foods help build and maintain muscle tone. Multivitamins, taken after consulting your physician, can help increase energy levels. Limiting intake of artificially sweetened foods, foods rich in saturated fats and processed foods. This will help you feel lighter and more agile. Dietary fibres are another great source that can help regulate your digestive processes and keep you feeling fit and active.
Exercise, but with caution: This may be particularly hard for someone who is already battling fatigue, but exercise has proven benefits in circulating oxygen through the body. What’s more, exercise is a great mood enhancer and can help you feel more motivated to push yourself and feel emotionally stronger.
Treat comorbidities: COPD can frequently exist alongside other complications. Often, people with COPD may develop other health issues even when they do not have them. It is imperative that you get regular health check-ups and speak to your doctor about symptoms or problems you experience. Treatment options for conditions like sleep apnea can be found.
Schedule and plan ahead: Planning and optimal scheduling are crucial for COPD management. Adequate rest, breaking down larger activities into smaller achievable goals, can help manage the level of fatigue. Scheduling can also help prepare for emergencies, which can be exhausting both mentally and physically.
It is possible to maintain and improve the quality of life you enjoy with COPD fatigue. Work with your doctor to devise ways to enjoy a more active, fulfilling and healthy lifestyle.
Lung disease symptoms may make you afraid to exercise, but it’s actually good for your lungs, it is unlikely that pulmonary function limits a person’s ability to exercise, unless they have a disease that specifically impairs lung function such as asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
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Also Read: Felty Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Research-Backed Treatment Options
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Lungs are one of the most affected organs with the changing temperatures and climate. Respiratory disorders stem from a lot of causes- the primary being a genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Exposure to agents that are harmful can also cause severe lung problems. Let us take a look at the most common ones and what you should know about them.
Cold is one of the most common lung infections. It spreads from someone’s coughs and sneezes who are already sick with a cold. It is a viral infection and can trigger bouts of asthma and even pneumonia. The cold has no cure.
When the bronchioles in the lungs get inflamed, it can trigger an asthma attack which causes swelling up of the airways and leads to breathing difficulties. A dry cough, wheezing and shortness of breath are common symptoms. Allergens, pollution and other infections can trigger asthma.
Asthma is a common chronic illness of the lungs and the airways in children, with symptoms such as cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and more, early diagnosis is often helpful.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD is the common term for many respiratory issues that is symptomized by breathlessness, problems in exhalation, mucus in the lungs, and shortness of breath. It takes time to identify COPD as it takes a long while to develop and the symptoms are usually thought of as an aging process. It is related to smoking.
When the bronchioles, the tubes that carry the air to and fro from the lungs get inflamed, it is known as bronchitis. Allergens, cold, flu, and pollution can cause bronchitis. Colored mucus, sometimes it even has blood, a fever and the infection that lasts for more than three weeks usually are symptoms of bronchitis. It is treated with antibiotics.
When the air sacs in the lung get filled with fluid due to a viral or a bacterial infection, it is known as pneumonia. Fever, breathlessness, cough with thick mucus are some of the symptoms. For pneumonia caused by bacteria, antibiotics help. Drinking lot of fluids is also beneficial.
Rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath, using rib or neck muscles to help breathe are common signs that one should be vigilant about to diagnose lung disease at an early stage.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
When the space between the lungs and the chest wall fills up with fluid, it is known as pleurisy or pleural effusion. This could happen because of pneumonia, congestive heart failure or even cancer. Discomfort in the chest and breathlessness are common symptoms.
Apart from the ones in the blog public should be made aware of Tuberculosis which is a major public health problem and is completely curable. If anyone has cough for more than 2 weeks please get yourself tested for Tuberculosis.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
It is a genetic disease that causes lung airways to clog up with thick, sticky mucus. The patient falls prey to lung infections repeatedly. Frequent lung infections, repeated coughing and poor growth rate with a salty taste on the skin are common symptoms.
This is one of the hardest cancers to detect. It can develop anywhere in the lungs. The tumors pop up near the air sacs. Chronic coughing, voice changes, blood in cough and harsh breathing sounds are common symptoms.
Smoking causes most lung infections. Avoid people sick with lung infections and places that are dusty and are exposed to harsh chemicals. Quit smoking to stay lung happy.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Traditionally, people associated with all the respiratory problems with the smoking of traditional cigarettes or even second-hand smoking (passive smoking).
But, recent research suggests that inhalation of tobacco vapour when you puff on e-cigarettes can also increase the risk of contracting asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)!
The American Journal of Preventive Medicine has published research data that states an alarming fact – people who vape (use e-cigarettes) are 6 times more likely to develop asthma and COPD than people who do not smoke at all!
Researchers from John Hopkins University in the United States also concluded that vaping is very dangerous for one’s health.
When e-cigarettes first came to the market, they were claimed to be better than regular tobacco cigarettes. Because instead of inhaling tobacco smoke, people would be taking in vapour or a mist of tobacco. It was even touted to help kick out the habit of smoking.
But have these claims been backed by science? No, they haven’t. Vaping actually causes a lot of damage to your lungs. How do you wonder? Well, Studies have found that e-cigarettes can cause inflammation of the lungs and airways, which eventually progresses to COPD.
The main chemicals in e-cigarettes, such as propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine, have been linked to increased cough, mucus secretions, chest tightness and reduced lung function, all of which can make asthma worse. Vaping can irritate the lung’s airways, making asthma attacks and also lead to COPD more likely.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Studies have found that e-cigarettes not only increase your chances of getting COPD and asthma but also aggravate the existing symptoms of COPD and asthma.
To shed more light on the link between COPD and vaping, the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System carried out extensive research and collected data from 4 lakh people, both smokers and non-smokers. What did they find? They found that a large percentage of smokers have COPD compared to non-smokers!
The study also found that those who vaped every day were 73% more likely to come down with respiratory illnesses and those who used e-cigarettes infrequently had 31% higher chances of getting these illnesses.
Also Read: Does Vaping Cause Cancer? Exploring The Health Implications
Vaping is very addictive. This habit is almost as difficult to kick as regular smoking. But is it unconquerable? Absolutely not! All you need is consistent effort and a little bit of guidance.
Vaping can ruin your life and bring untold misery. It is as harmful as smoking traditional cigarettes. Kick out this habit and don’t let it be a part of your life so that you can stay fit and fine always!
Read More: 7 Health Effects of Smoking
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is the name used to describe a number of conditions including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema affects the air sacs in your lungs (alveoli), and chronic bronchitis affects your airways (bronchi). COPD is a condition where the airways become inflamed and the air sacs in your lungs are damaged. This causes your airways to become narrower, which makes it harder to breathe in and out. Therefore, people with COPD have breathing difficulties, and this can affect many aspects of your day-to-day life. Unfortunately, there is no cure for COPD, but there are lots of treatments available to help you to manage your condition, improve your symptoms and live an active life.
Unfortunately, you may not notice symptoms or tell-tale signs of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) until it is in the advanced stages. However, you need to pay attention to signs such as:
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should consult your doctor.
To treat COPD, just relying on treatment won’t work. There are lifestyle changes you need to adhere to as well. They are:
If you are addicted to smoking, then the single most important treatment for COPD is to quit it. Giving up will stop the ongoing damage to your airways caused by cigarette smoke. It is the most important treatment to reduce the chance of your condition becoming worse.
The main treatment of COPD involves inhalers which include a long or short-acting bronchodilator. If you experience sudden episodes of breathlessness or chest tightness your doctor might prescribe a short-acting bronchodilator inhaler. This relaxes the muscles in your airways to keep them as open as possible and relieves breathlessness. If your symptoms occur every day, you will be given a long-acting bronchodilator inhaler. This works in the same way as a short-acting inhaler, but the effects of the medication last for at least 12 hours. You may have to take inhaler medications daily for months as advised by the doctor which will help to keep your disease under control. Always adhere to the medication prescribed by your Doctor.
When you have a chronic breathing disease, it is important to eat well to prevent infections and keep your lungs healthy. It is also essential to make sure you are the correct weight.
When you have a lung condition, it is important to be as active as you can and to exercise safely. In some areas, you can attend pulmonary rehabilitation – a programme of exercise that helps with breathlessness by improving your muscle strength and lung fitness. This makes it easier for you to carry out everyday activities.
Make sure you get vaccinations against flu and pneumonia to avoid getting infections in winter.
If the level of oxygen in your blood is too low when you are resting, or if the level drops when you are active, you might need oxygen treatment. This is used to increase the amount of oxygen that flows into your lungs and bloodstream.
If an infection is making your breathing too difficult, you might need the support of a breathing machine. This is usually provided in the hospital. It can also be given at home if your condition is very severe. It also takes some of the efforts out of breathing because your chest muscles don’t have to work as hard, so it helps to ease the feeling of breathlessness.
If you are struggling emotionally, talking to your family or a health care professional can help. It is very important to stay active and sociable and to learn more about COPD.
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
