COPD is not something everyone is aware of. Maintaining our well-being becomes increasingly crucial as we age. After all, no one wants to be saddled with high medical bills while on a fixed income or pension. As a result, it’s important for seniors to gain a better understanding of the most common medical conditions, such as this one.
What is It?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a term that refers to a group of diseases that cause inflammation and decreased airflow in the lungs. COPD is an incurable disease that worsens over time, ultimately leading to death. The most common conditions under the diseases umbrella are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Although each type of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease has its own set of symptoms, many of the underlying causes are very similar. [1]
Cigar smoking is the leading cause of this disease in about 80% of cases, but it can also be contracted by the inhalation of some chemicals and particulates. In any case, these particulates irritate and inflame the skin. Your body responds by sending white blood cells to assist in the healing of the infected areas, but some white blood cell enzymes begin to kill otherwise healthy tissues in your lungs as a side effect. [2]
Early Symptoms
Many diseases that fall under the COPD umbrella have symptoms that are similar. Coughing and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms, which can be attributed to natural aging. They, unfortunately, deteriorate over time. Wheezing, chest tightness, mucus shifts, and repeated flues are all signs of COPD.
Diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smokers and people who work in environments where they are exposed to toxins should be mindful of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease symptoms and seek medical help if they encounter any.
Your family doctor will perform a spirometry test, which measures lung ability, and order additional tests such as x-rays and CT scans of your lungs. A doctor will successfully diagnose lung disease and determine how far it has advanced in this manner. [3]
COPD Treatments
Doctors will devise a treatment plan after diagnosing you with this disease and determining which areas of your lungs are affected. If you’re a smoker, the first thing you can do is stop as soon as possible to avoid lung damage.
People with chronic shortness of breath can be referred to pulmonary rehabilitation, which combines counseling, dietary advice, and physical therapy to help treat a decline in lung function. [4] Another alternative is oxygen therapy, which provides supplemental oxygen through a tube, nasal prongs, or a mask. Even if you don’t use oxygen therapy on a daily basis, getting the choice is a huge help. [5] Finally, medicine can help with a variety of symptoms.
The Risk for Seniors
Unfortunately, many Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients are only diagnosed when they have lost 50% of their lung capacity [6] for a long period of time or when they are elderly. This disease not only damages the lungs permanently, but it can also lead to lung cancer, heart disease, and depression. [7]
Conclusion
Seniors may do a variety of things to reduce their chances of developing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, but the most important is to stop smoking. Smoking thwarts therapy and exacerbates lung harm. Consult your doctor as soon as possible if you believe your work or lifestyle choices can put you at risk for this disease.
[1] https://www.copdfoundation.org/What-is-COPD/Understanding-COPD/What-is-COPD.aspx
[3] https://www.copedfoundation.org/What-is-COPeD/Understanding-COPeD/How-is-COPeD- Diagnosed.aspx
[4] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353685
[5] https://medlineplus.gov/oxygentherapy.html
[6] https://www.aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/seniors-with-copd
[7] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/symptoms-causes/syc-20353679
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