Struggling to Breathe? COPD Might Be the Reason You’re Feeling This Way.

“Imagine coughing till your chest feels like it might burst or feeling completely out of breath while climbing a flight of stairs. These aren’t just signs of getting older or being out of shape—they could be your body’s way of warning you about COPD.”

What is COPD?

A long-term lung disease that makes breathing difficult is called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Your airways, which are the tubes that carry air into and out of your lungs, may get damaged or blocked. COPD is a generic term for two main issues: 

1. Chronic Bronchitis: This means your airways are inflamed and constantly producing mucus, making you cough a lot.

2. Emphysema: This happens when the tiny air sacs in your lungs (called alveoli) are damaged, so they can’t deliver oxygen to your body properly.

COPD doesn’t happen overnight—it develops slowly, often taking years to show serious symptoms.

Signs That Something’s Wrong

At first, you might think your symptoms are no big deal. A little cough here, some breathlessness there. But as time goes on, these signs can get worse:

● Persistent cough: The kind that doesn’t go away and brings up a lot of mucus.

● Shortness of breath: Even simple activities like walking or cooking can leave you gasping.

● Wheezing: A whistling sound when you breathe.

● Chest tightness: Like there’s a heavy weight sitting on your chest.

● Frequent colds: You may get more respiratory infections than usual.

● Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time because your body isn’t getting enough oxygen.

If any of this sounds familiar, it’s time to see a doctor.

What Causes COPD?

Smoking is the most common cause for it to occur. Cigarette smoke damages your lungs over time, making it harder to breathe. But smoking isn’t the only reason:

● Secondhand smoke: breathing in someone else’s smoke can also harm your lungs.

● Air pollution: Living in areas with dirty air can increase your risk.

● Workplace exposure: Jobs, where you breathe in chemicals, dust, or fumes every day, can damage your lungs.

● Genetics: A rare condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can make some people more likely to get COPD, even if they’ve never smoked.

● Childhood lung infections: Severe respiratory infections when you’re young can affect your lungs as you age.

How Does COPD Affect Your Body?

COPD doesn’t just make you feel out of breath—it changes how your lungs work. Overtime:

● Your airways get narrower, so it’s harder for air to flow in and out.

● Your lungs lose their elasticity, making it tough to take deep breaths.

● Your body doesn’t get enough oxygen, which can lead to other problems like heart disease or high blood pressure in the lungs.

How is COPD Diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects COPD, they’ll do some tests to confirm it. These might include:

● Spirometry: A simple test where you blow into a machine to see how well your lungs are working.

● Chest X-ray or CT scan: These images can show if there’s damage to your lungs.

● Blood tests: To check your oxygen levels and rule out other issues.

The earlier you’re diagnosed, the better. Starting treatment early can slow the disease down.

How Can COPD Be Treated?

While there’s no cure for COPD, treatment can help you breathe easier and live a better life. Here’s how:

1. Medications:

● Inhalers: These are your go-to tools for managing COPD. They relax your airways and make it easier to breathe.

● Steroids: Sometimes, you might need medication to reduce swelling in your airways.

● Antibiotics: These help if you get a lung infection, which is common in COPD.

2. Oxygen Therapy:

If your oxygen levels are very low, using an oxygen tank can help you feel more energetic and breathe easier.

3. Pulmonary Rehabilitation:

This is similar to a lung exercise program. It helps you control your symptoms by combining breathing exercises, education, and other methods.

4. Lifestyle Changes:

● Quit smoking. This is the single most important thing you can do. Even if you’ve smoked for years, quitting will help.

● Stay active: Light exercises like walking or yoga can strengthen your lungs.

● Eat healthy: A balanced diet gives your body the energy it needs to fight the disease.

5. Surgery (in severe cases):

● Lung volume reduction surgery: Removes damaged lung tissue to improve breathing.

● Lung transplant: For end-stage COPD, a new lung can save your life.

Living with COPD

COPD can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to take control:

● Track your symptoms: Keep a diary of how you’re feeling each day.

● Learn breathing techniques: Things like pursed-lip breathing can make it easier to catch your breath.

● Avoid triggers: Stay away from smoke, strong odours, and pollution.

● Get vaccinated: Flu and pneumonia can make COPD worse, so stay up-to-date on your shots.

How HealthPil Can Help

At HealthPil, we understand how hard living with COPD can be. That’s why we connect you with specialists who can create a personalised treatment plan. Whether you need help quitting smoking, managing symptoms, or finding the right medications, our doctors are here for you.

You can also book teleconsultations, so you don’t have to leave your home to get expert care.

Common Myths About COPD

1. 1. Myth: COPD only happens to smokers.
      Truth: While smoking is a major cause, non-smokers exposed to pollution or genetic factors can also develop COPD.
   2. Myth: COPD is just a part of ageing.
      Truth: COPD is not a natural part of getting older. It’s a serious condition that needs treatment.
   3. Myth: Once you have COPD, there’s nothing you can do.
      Truth: With the right treatment, you can manage symptoms and live a fulfilling life.
   4. Myth: People with COPD shouldn’t exercise.
      Truth: Gentle, regular exercise can actually help strengthen your lungs and improve your breathing.