Have you heard any myths about COPD?

This submit was authored by Kristen Szymonik, BS, RRT, AE-C

November is COPD Consciousness Month! Because of this many in our group are stepping up to share schooling and lift consciousness about power lung illness. There’s plenty of nice info on the market about COPD, sadly, not all of it’s true. In honor of COPD Awareness Month, we’re diving into some frequent myths about COPD. Do any of those sound acquainted to you?

What different myths have you ever heard about COPD? Share them beneath and let’s speak extra about residing properly with COPD! For continued studying, you’ll want to make use of our Downloads Library to be taught extra about drugs, remedy choices, exacerbations, and different COPD-related subjects.

1. “COPD is an aged individual’s illness.”
   
   Whereas it’s true that many individuals aren’t identified with COPD till later in life, these early warning indicators of COPD will be current in younger folks. Early prognosis and remedy might help to cease the illness from getting worse over time. You probably have any signs of COPD, together with cough, shortness of breath, elevated mucus manufacturing, or uncommon tiredness, you’ll want to see your well being care supplier and get tested for COPD.

2. “COPD is simply attributable to smoking.”
   
   Smoking is simply one of many causes of COPD. COPD may also be genetic, which implies that it runs in households. It may also be attributable to publicity to chemical substances, various kinds of smoke, and air pollution. Some veterans have COPD attributable to exposures to completely different chemical substances and substances throughout their excursions of obligation. Infections in childhood may also trigger COPD.

3. “I used to be simply identified with COPD, and now my life is over.”
   
   Residing with a power situation like COPD will be overwhelming at instances. However it is very important know that nobody has an expiration date! Whereas COPD is a progressive illness that may turn into worse over time, there are methods to gradual that development. For those who make wholesome adjustments in your life, keep lively, take your drugs as prescribed, and keep away from people who find themselves sick, you possibly can stop flare-ups (exacerbations) and reside properly with COPD. For tips about tips on how to keep wholesome in your COPD journey, take a look at our Tips for Living Well with COPD flyer.

4. “Now that I lastly really feel higher whereas taking this steroid inhaler, I need to not want it anymore.”
   
   This could not be farther from the reality! It could take time for inhaled corticosteroids to construct up sufficient in your system to begin relieving your signs. When you begin to really feel higher, it is very important proceed taking it so your signs do not begin growing once more.

5. “If I’ve COPD, I will want to make use of oxygen on a regular basis.”
   
   Whereas some folks with COPD want to make use of oxygen throughout each day and evening, different folks with COPD need not use oxygen in any respect. There are a lot of myths about oxygen use in COPD. Watch this video to be taught extra about the commonest ones.
6. “You’ll be able to’t train in case you are wanting breath attributable to COPD.”
   
   Train is a crucial a part of treating COPD. Staying lively and including small quantities of train to your day might help to enhance your stamina and cut back your shortness of breath. Well being and wellness applications like pulmonary rehabilitation might help you enhance your exercise in a protected means. Ask your well being care supplier if pulmonary rehab is best for you. You’ll be able to be taught extra about exercising with COPD in our Exercise Guide, and discover our CIRCLES workbook for actions you possibly can strive at dwelling. Be sure you verify together with your well being care supplier earlier than attempting any new actions or workouts.