Have you heard any myths about COPD?

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

November is COPD Consciousness Month! Which means that many in our group are stepping up to share schooling and lift consciousness about continual lung illness. There may be numerous 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 widespread 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 residing properly with COPD! For continued studying, remember to make use of our Downloads Library to be taught extra about drugs, therapy choices, exacerbations, and different COPD-related matters.

1. “COPD is an aged particular person’s illness.”
   
   Whereas it’s true that many individuals aren’t recognized with COPD till later in life, these early warning indicators of COPD might be current in younger folks. Early prognosis and therapy may 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, remember to see your well being care supplier and get tested for COPD.

2. “COPD is barely 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 on account of exposures to totally different chemical substances and substances throughout their excursions of obligation. Infections in childhood also can trigger COPD.

3. “I used to be simply recognized with COPD, and now my life is over.”
   
   Residing with a continual situation like COPD might be overwhelming at occasions. However you will need to know that nobody has an expiration date! Whereas COPD is a progressive illness that may develop into worse over time, there are methods to sluggish that development. If you happen to make wholesome modifications in your life, keep energetic, take your drugs as prescribed, and keep away from people who find themselves sick, you may forestall flare-ups (exacerbations) and stay properly with COPD. For tips about the right way to keep wholesome in your COPD journey, try 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 start out relieving your signs. When you begin to really feel higher, you will need to proceed taking it so your signs do not begin growing once more.

5. “If I’ve COPD, I’ll 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 various myths about oxygen use in COPD. Watch this video to be taught extra about the most typical ones.
6. “You’ll be able to’t train if you’re wanting breath on account of COPD.”
   
   Train is a crucial a part of treating COPD. Staying energetic and including small quantities of train to your day may help to enhance your stamina and cut back your shortness of breath. Well being and wellness packages like pulmonary rehabilitation may help you enhance your exercise in a protected manner. 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 may attempt at house. You should definitely verify along with your well being care supplier earlier than making an attempt any new actions or workout routines.