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 continual lung illness. There’s a variety of nice data 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 discuss extra about dwelling nicely with COPD! For continued studying, remember to make use of our Downloads Library to be taught extra about drugs, remedy choices, exacerbations, and different COPD-related matters.

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 could be current in younger individuals. Early analysis and remedy may also help to cease the illness from getting worse over time. When you have any signs of COPD, together with cough, shortness of breath, elevated mucus manufacturing, or uncommon tiredness, remember to see your well being care supplier and get tested for COPD.

2. “COPD is just 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 compounds, several types of smoke, and air pollution. Some veterans have COPD as a consequence of exposures to totally different chemical compounds and substances throughout their excursions of obligation. Infections in childhood can even trigger COPD.

3. “I used to be simply identified with COPD, and now my life is over.”
   
   Dwelling with a continual situation like COPD could be overwhelming at instances. However it is very important know that nobody has an expiration date! Whereas COPD is a progressive illness that may change into worse over time, there are methods to sluggish that development. In case you make wholesome modifications in your life, keep lively, take your drugs as prescribed, and keep away from people who find themselves sick, you may stop flare-ups (exacerbations) and dwell nicely with COPD. For recommendations on how one can 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 possibly take time for inhaled corticosteroids to construct up sufficient in your system to start out relieving your signs. When you begin to really feel higher, it is very important proceed taking it so your signs do not begin rising once more.

5. “If I’ve COPD, I’ll want to make use of oxygen on a regular basis.”
   
   Whereas some individuals with COPD want to make use of oxygen throughout each day and night time, different individuals 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 most typical ones.
6. “You may’t train in case you are wanting breath as a consequence of COPD.”
   
   Train is a vital a part of treating COPD. Staying lively and including small quantities of train to your day may also help to enhance your stamina and scale back your shortness of breath. Well being and wellness packages like pulmonary rehabilitation may also help you improve your exercise in a secure manner. Ask your well being care supplier if pulmonary rehab is best for you. You may be taught extra about exercising with COPD in our Exercise Guide, and discover our CIRCLES workbook for actions you may strive at dwelling. Be sure you examine along with your well being care supplier earlier than making an attempt any new actions or workouts.