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COPD is a lung disease that makes it progressively harder for sufferers to breathe. It is also known as chronic bronchitis or emphysema. People who suffer from COPD have partially blocked airways- tubes carrying air in and out of their lungs. Severe COPD that causes shortness of breath and other symptoms can prevent sufferers from performing the most basic of daily functions, like walking, housework, or even dressing themselves.
COPD symptoms do not normally become evident until lung damage has already occurred, and usually get worse with the passage of time. COPD sufferers occasionally have episodes where their symptoms dramatically worse. These episodes are known as exacerbations.
Exacerbation symptoms include: coughing up an unusual amount of mucus, experiecing more shortness of breath than usual, color change in mucus that is coughed up. These exacerbation attacks are usually brought on by infections like pneumonia and acute bronchitis.
The type of COPD that one suffers from is defined in terms of four stages: Mild COPD (stage 1), Moderate COPD (stage 2), Severe COPD (stage 3), Very severe (stage 4).
Stage 1 SymptomsStage 1 usually involves a chronic cough that will not go away. Normally, mucus is brought up from the lungs during a Stage 1 episode. Lung function in this stage is defined as 80% of normal and higher.
Stage 2 SymptomsSymptoms of Stage 2 COPD normally involves a chronic cough that produces large amounts of mucus, shortness of breath, and a periodic flare-up of symptoms. Lung function in Stage 2 is defined as ranging between 50-79% of normal function.
Stage 3 SymptomsStage 3 is characterized by chronic cough producing much mucus, fatigue and a lowered ability to exercise, shortness of breath, repeated episodes of severe flare-ups, and a lung function between 30-49 percent.
Stage 4 SymptomsStage 4 symptoms are: chronic cough producing much mucus, weight loss, severe shortness of breath, buildup of fluid in the legs and feet, bluish skin coloration, life-threatening flare-ups.
Lung function in Stage 4 is defined as being less than 30%, or under 50% when associated with chronic respiratory failure. This is caused by carbon dioxide lingering in the lungs too long.
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What are some of the stage 4 COPD symptoms?
Some of the Stage 4 COPD symptoms include chronic cough with a lot of mucus. COPD stage 4 has severe shortness of breath and often is combined with the colouring of blue in the skin. People with COPD stage 4 often will have weight loss and is life threatening during flare ups.
What is a good COPD diet that can help control symptoms?
You should check with your father's doctor to see what diet he or she recommends for your father to follow when it comes to his diet. http://www.everydayhealth.com/copd/a-copd-diet.aspx has some diet options your father could follow to control his COPD.
What is a common treatment for COPD?
Common treatments for COPD include inhalers containing steroids, quitting smoking, nicotine replacement, and antimicrobials if an infection is present. COPD is an irreversable lung disease, therefore, only the symptoms can be treated.
How harmful is smoking with COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD can be extremely serious if left undiagnosed or if not properly treated. If you have some of the symptoms of COPD you should certainly consult your doctor.
Where can I go online to find some information on the copd diet?
There are certain foods that people who have copd can eat to lessen their symptoms of the disease. A good website to check out would be www.webmd.com .
What are some of the symptoms of COPD exacerbation?
Symptoms of COPD exacerbation include shortness of breath, noisy breathing, increased anxiety, chest breathing, cough, change in skin and nail color, difficulty sleeping and no interest in eating. You should watch carefully for these signs.
What COPD symptoms are common?
The key in your question is do you have a long history of smoking. COPD is very common in those who have long smoking histories. If you notice difficulty in breathing, please visit your physician.
Understanding COPD Symptoms and Their Causes ?
COPD, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, occurs as the results of one of several types of lung disease. Recognizing the symptoms of this condition is the first step in getting the right treatment. Early and adequate treatment of COPD can help to improve well-being and quality of life in those with this life-threatening condition.Conditions That Cause COPDCOPD is caused by a variety of different lung conditions, but many of these are rooted in a lifelong habit of smoking. Emphysema, smoking irritation, and chronic asthmatic bronchitis can all lead to COPD. Prevention of such lung conditions may be possible by avoiding smoking or second-hand smoke and living in an environment with as little air pollution as possible.Main Symptoms of COPDCOPD has a variety of symptoms, many of which are shared with other diseases. For those who notice COPD symptoms, a visit to the doctor to rule out other causes is necessary before treatment can begin. Most people with COPD will exhibit shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, chronic coughing, or wheezing. Some people only have one of these symptoms, while other exhibit all of them. The exact cause of COPD, rather than the severity of the condition, determines how many symptoms a person will experience.COPD TreatmentLeft untreated, COPD can lead to death. While there is currently no cure for COPD, the condition can be controlled with medications. Bronchodilators are used to alleviate chronic coughing and to make breathing easier by opening your airways. These are available in short-acting for immediate use and long-acting for daily prevention of symptoms. Steroids that are inhaled ease inflammation in the airways, but these should only be used under a doctor's guidance for moderate to severe COPD because they can have serious side effects, especially with prolonged use. To treat bacterial infections of the respiratory system, antibiotics may be given, but these only prevent complications with COPD from an infection, and they will not work for ailments caused by viruses.Life With COPD SymptomsLife does not have to stop for COPD. Recognizing the symptoms and getting treatment improve quality of life and prevent further damage to the lungs.
What are the symptoms for COPD?
Some COPD symptoms include a persistent cough for 3+ months out of a year for at least 2 years, thick purulent sputum that is thickest upon waking, decreased oxygen saturation status, and dyspnea on mild exertion. Other symptoms may include a barrel chest, crackles on auscultation and generalized body edema.
What are the main stages of COPD?
The COPD symptoms are that one will feel very run down and tired. Additionally, one can feel a lot of pain, that generally starts in the head area and have trouble breathing.
Signs and Symptoms of COPD-Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?
COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is the number one cause of sickness and death across the globe. COPD is a lung disease that is composed of two or more lung conditions, such as chronic asthma and emphysema. The symptoms that the patient experiences depend on the disease that is most prominent. Recognizing the symptoms of COPD is an important part of controlling the disease and preventing further lung damage. Healthcare professionals work with patients to choose the best treatment options for their symptoms.Difficulty BreathingThe most common sign and symptom of COPD is difficulty breathing. COPD patients experience a shortened or obstructed flow of air which makes for shortness of breath and labored breathing. Patients typically have the most trouble exhaling air from their lungs. Patients experience shortness of breath that fluctuates in severity. On occasion, symptoms flare, making breathing increasingly difficult. While difficulty breathing is a symptom of COPD, it cannot be considered a warning sign. Once a patient begins having trouble breathing, significant lung damage has already taken place.Coughing and WheezingPatients with COPD experience chronic coughs with wheezing. Coughs and wheezing vary in severity for COPD patients. If the patient experiences a flare-up, these symptoms increase and worsen. An increase in mucus and saliva coughed up from the lungs is also common. Changes in mucus include increased thickness and stickiness. Patients will notice mucus that is green or yellow in color. Some COPD sufferers notice blood in their mucus when they cough. Other SymptomsWith shortness of breath and lack of oxygen, COPD patients experience an overall feeling of illness and fatigue. Patients also experience trouble concentrating and forgetfulness and trouble sleeping. It is not uncommon for COPD sufferers to experience swelling of the legs or ankles or sudden and rapid fluctuations in weight, which include weight gain or loss. Headaches and light-headedness and dizziness are also common.ConsiderationsSymptoms of COPD are different for every patient. The primary symptoms experienced depend on the lung disease that is affecting the patient the most. Smoking is the number one cause of COPD. Smoking and second-hand smoke greatly exacerbates symptoms and cause further lung damage in COPD patients. It is vital for smokers to quit to avoid the onset of COPD or worsening of symptoms.
What are doctors using for COPD treatment?
The following are some of the ways doctors are treating COPD to help improve health: use of medications to help ease symptoms, such as bronchodilators, vaccinations to help prevent different types of infections that can complicate COPD, oxygen therapy and in some cases surgical procedures.
