COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a very common disease in many countries that has made its way to millions of people. Making up COPD are usually the 2 lung diseases that you are the most familiar with – Emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The disease basically affects one by blocking their airflow and making it difficult for a person to breathe.
The disease is very subtle, so much that it does not even let itself be apparent to the person suffering from it. It can progress over time and may even make one mistake as a sign of aging.
Symptoms Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
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Here are a few of the symptoms that might point to a person having COPD:
- Breath shortness
- Nagging cough
- Wheezing
- Respiratory infections which are quite frequent
- Inability to exercise
- Tightness in chest
As you can see the symptoms are quite common in a growing person and may point to various diseases. The tests for such a disease are also easy. A doctor only has to diagnose one using a non-invasive breathing test that examines their lung function.
One thing about such a disease is worth noting – It is incurable. Yes, scientists and other experts have not been able to find a cure for COPD. However, the good news is that one can always slow down its progression using various techniques. Below are some of those;
Slow Down The Progress Of COPD
The experts may have not been able to find a cu4e for this disease, which many in the world suffer from, but they were able to figure out the ways to slow down its progression. How? Keep on reading to find out:
- Quit Smoking
Smoking really is a cause of many diseases. So, as you may know, it cannot be good for COPD as well. Furthermore, smoking can even worsen the condition of a patient, more if they have a lung disease. So, in order to avoid further damage to the lungs, it is better to quit smoking so as to improve one’s immune system.
- Balanced Diet
Eating a healthy and balanced diet is the key to giving a big boost to the immune system. The best way is to restrict the intake of carbs and increase the intake of fiber, which should be up to 20 to 30 grams a day.
A balanced diet does not only help with improving the symptoms of a disease like COPD but also helps with keeping up with one’s general health.
- Stay Away From Lung Irritants
There are many irritants out there in the environment that can lead to one’s lungs getting negatively affected. Pollution and dust can be extremely harmful to some people. One should also keep in mind to manage their allergies. It can go a long way towards helping with one’s breathing difficulties.
- Exercise
Although exercise cannot directly cure or reverse COPD, it can, however, relieve one from the symptoms. As mentioned earlier, shortness of breath is one of the symptoms of COPD. This particular symptom may put barriers in one’s usual activities. On one hand, exercise is good for one’s overall health, including lungs and heart. And on the other hand, it makes the muscles strong.
It is always a good idea that one starts with basic exercises like stretching, walking, etc. As per CDC, there are many benefits to doing exercises for a person suffering from COPD. Some of those include reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, better weight control, stronger muscles, bones, mental health, and mood.
COPD: Find the Right Help
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is very common in India, the United States of America, etc. The disease, as discussed earlier, may not be taken as a serious issue due to its symptoms, which may seem to be common, and quite what one may think to be signs of aging. It is still an important thing to go and visit a doctor.
There may even be cases where people may not be suffering from a serious disease at all and this is the time when it comes off as a good idea to take the advice of an expert. Whatever may be the case, leading a healthy and balanced lifestyle is what the motto should be for anyone.
The disease may take many forms depending upon the lifestyle and habits of a person. So, it is a matter of significance to keep both in check and lead a healthy life that is free of many health difficulties.
Amanda Wingfield is a certified Diabetes Management Specialist who also holds an MD in Endocrinology, with certifications from ABIM and AACE. She has a decade of experience serving thousands of patients through her independent practice and has been working in the capacity of an expert diabetes consultant for the past 4 years. Ms. Wingfield is revered by her regular readers for her in-depth research and evidence-based analysis of diabetes medications, supplements, and treatments, and her highly critical style of writing.