Blog Post

An intricate and vital process that your respiratory system provides, breathing takes the air you inhale, absorbs the oxygen you need and exhales what your body doesn't need.

Illnesses that affect breathing limit basic functions and can shorten your life. Millions of people suffer from one such condition, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a long-term lung condition that is the sixth leading cause of death in America alone.

Since November is National COPD Awareness Month, our team at Houston Medical ER wants to provide you with some critical information and medical help concerning this illness.

Facts about COPD

COPD affects breathing by blocking the airways in your lungs or creating other types of obstructions, such as loss of elasticity, inflammation, scarring, thick mucus, or the destruction of the airway walls. 

Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are types of COPD, and people with COPD often show signs of both.

If you have COPD, the most common symptoms include difficulty taking a breath (including deep breaths), chronic coughing with mucus, a barrel-shaped chest, wheezing sounds coming from the lungs, or cyanosis (a bluish discoloration of the skin).

Causes and progression of COPD

Smoking is the most common factor in people with COPD, whether it's a history of the habit or continuing to smoke over age 40. The longer you smoke, the greater the risk of COPD. 

Use of cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, or inhaling secondhand smoke all increase the risk. Other causes include the inhalation of fumes from air pollution, dangerous chemicals, or poor ventilation.

This is what the progression of this disease looks like:

Mild

This stage of developing COPD is often mild enough to be mistaken for a respiratory illness, such as a cold. You may only experience occasional shortness of breath, a mild recurring cough, and clearing your throat.

Moderate

With the increase in lung problems, the signs become more pronounced, and you experience issues like shortness of breath after minor activities, wheezing, chest tightening, chronic coughing (sometimes with mucus), frequent upper respiratory infections, and chronic fatigue.

Severe

All of the previously mentioned signs only worsen over time without treatment, especially if you continue to smoke. Swelling of your legs, ankles, and feet also begins to occur, as well as weight loss. 

Very severe

At this point, the risk of many major complications is present, and you need emergency medical care if:

• Your nails, fingertips, or skin are bluish gray
• You have serious problems speaking or breathing
• You feel muddled, confused, or faint
• Your heart is racing

The importance of an action plan

Think of an action plan for managing your COPD as a traffic light system, based on your symptoms. It’s an essential and effective way to keep you in control of your condition, matching the right solution to your specific needs. 

Here’s what each zone of the action plan looks like:

Green

In this zone, you’re able to manage general activities without difficulty, you’re sleeping well, and you have a good appetite and normal levels of mucus or phlegm. At this point, just continue to take your regular medications, stick to your diet and exercise plan, and use oxygen when necessary. 

Yellow

Yellow indicates a COPD flare or a particularly challenging day with breathing issues. You struggle with increased breathlessness and less energy. You need to use your inhaler or nebulizer more frequently. You may also notice ankle swelling, a poor appetite, and lack of quality sleep.

Continue to take your medications and use inhalers, corticosteroids, or antibiotics as necessary. Use more oxygen if needed, avoid inhaled irritants, and contact us when necessary.

Red

This is when symptoms are at their most severe, with significant issues breathing. You’re unable to perform basic tasks or to sleep. You may have chills, fever, shaking, drowsiness, confusion, chest pains, and coughing up blood. Seek emergency care immediately.

Managing COPD involves addressing symptoms as needed and scheduling regular visits for treatment. For other questions, concerns, or care options, visit us at Houston Medical ER in Houston or Spring, Texas, today.