What Are The Symptoms Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may cause long-term difficulties in breathing, seemingly because this common condition affects the lungs. Many consider this to be an overarching condition with two types: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. However, patients appear to deal with both of these. What does seem clear is that smoking is the likely main cause of COPD. Doctors can use a variety of diagnostic tests. This may include chest x-rays, lung function tests, and CT scans.

Prescription inhalers for COPD appear to be a common treatment. Some options for the best inhaler for COPD include steroids and bronchodilators. Sometimes, individuals may have specific medications for emphysema. Many patients seem to try herbal remedies for COPD, though they may not want to rely solely on them. Ultimately, COPD treatment can depend on the symptoms patients experience.

Shortness Of Breath

If patients experience shortness of breath, it may feel like they are not getting enough air into their lungs. It can even be quite frightening and suffocating. This symptom seems to be quite common during exercise if chronic pulmonary disease is the cause. Other symptoms may also appear alongside shortness of breath. Patients may need emergency attention if they also deal with fainting, chest pain, or nausea.

Doctors may evaluate this symptom by listening to the patient's lungs. Tests of the lungs' function and pulse oximetry may also be needed. Chest x-rays have also been used to help in certain cases. Shortness of breath due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may require treatment at the hospital or supplemental oxygen.

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Lack Of Energy

A lack of energy may also develop in patients with this condition. This can make it hard for individuals to complete daily tasks, much less exercise. They may find it tiring to walk even for a short distance. Cleaning the house can be difficult too. However, patients may be able to make some changes to their house to help with this symptom. Putting commonly used items in easy to reach places can work. Carts may make moving items easier. Patients may benefit from having their bedroom on the main floor. This can be because climbing the stairs is difficult. Ramps in the home also seem to help with the stairs. However, individuals may also need help from others.

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Cough And Wheezing

It appears as if coughing and wheezing are quite common symptoms of this condition. Most patients can deal with a persistent cough. They may also cough up a high amount of sputum. The color of this mucus may be green, white, yellow, or clear. The wheezing sound, for some patients, can sound like a whistle or squeak. It may happen when an individual inhales or exhales.

Wheezing may indicate that the patient's airways have tightened. The air passing through the narrow airway may vibrate the walls. This seems to be what triggers the noise. Although a narrow airway is a possible cause, wheezing may also develop due to excess mucus. Irritants, such as pollution, may cause inflammation in the airways. The swelling may also trigger coughing and wheezing. Respiratory infections have also caused this symptom in chronic pulmonary disease patients.

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Chest Tightness

Patients may experience chest tightness in this condition. This may occur due to an obstructed airway or respiratory infections. Pneumonia and the flu appear to be two examples of the infections that may trigger this symptom in COPD patients. Bronchospasms may also cause it in these individuals.

Chest tightness may feel different for individual patients. Some seem to describe it as a stiff feeling in their chest. Others claim it feels as if someone is sitting on their chest. Chest tightness may also feel like a squeezing sensation. Patients dealing with this symptom may want to consider contacting their doctor. They may need to alter their treatment and get prompt attention to prevent serious complications.

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Regular Respiratory Infections

Individuals with this condition may find it harder to get bacteria and other pollutants out of their lungs. This is likely the reason why they experience respiratory infections more regularly than healthy individuals. Unfortunately, there may be little that they can do to prevent these infections. Doctors often, however, recommend vaccinations. This can include the annual flu vaccine and maybe one for pneumonia as well. Keeping their home clean and dusting regularly may be helpful at stopping potential irritants from getting into their lungs. Washing their hands frequently should also help keep sickness out of their system.

If patients believe they have a respiratory infection, they should contact their doctor immediately. Signs they may need to look for include increased wheezing and mucus production. Their shortness of breath may get worse. Painful swallowing, fever, sore throat, and headaches may also be symptoms of these infections.