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Symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
If you've been struggling with shortness of breath, a phlegmy cough, and high blood pressure, you might have COPD. You're not alone! More than 15 million people in the United States suffer from COPD, and many more don't even know it exists. WoW Health suggests more women than men have COPD, and nearly half of all COPD sufferers are women. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a major cause of disability.
Shortness of breath
COPD can make breathing difficult, and shortness of breath can be an early symptom. As the disease advances, shortness of breath may become more frequent, limiting an individual's ability to perform everyday tasks. Exacerbations are common in advanced stages of COPD, resulting in more shortness of breath and increased phlegm. Severe COPD can also lead to a reduced ability to exercise, requiring supplemental oxygen.
COPD usually develops gradually, with symptoms beginning after 20 years of smoking. In addition to smoking, passive exposure to tobacco smoke, fumes, and other irritants can also contribute to COPD. The disease is not curable, but prevention is the best cure. COPD is one of the most common causes of disability. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.
Phlegmy cough
The prevalence and burden of phlegmy cough in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are unclear. However, this condition affects quality of life and is associated with decreased self-reported health. A recent study investigated the impact of cough and phlegm on clinical outcomes and quality of life. Researchers analyzed data from the COPD Foundation's Patient-Powered Research Network and collected patient-reported data. The patients completed a COPD Assessment Test to assess the severity of their cough and phlegm.
The severity of phlegmy cough significantly affected patient quality of life. Cough severity was associated with significant declines in social and physical role functioning. Moreover, patients with phlegmy cough reported a greater risk of depression and anxiety symptoms. This study is the first to examine the symptom in patients with chronic cough in relation to the severity of the disease.
High blood pressure
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, affects the airways and can affect other bodily systems as well. It increases blood pressure as a result of impaired gas exchange in the lungs. This leads to a decreased blood oxygen level and puts increased stress on the heart. The condition is also associated with high blood pressure at night. The good news is that there are several ways to maintain a healthy blood pressure level.
Although it doesn't cause any significant symptoms, high blood pressure is often overlooked as a symptom of COPD. It only manifests when other health problems become more severe. Some symptoms of COPD may be masked by other, more significant symptoms, such as shortness of breath. If not treated, COPD patients with hypertension have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Depression
Although COPD is not reversible, treatment aims to manage symptoms, increase functioning, and improve quality of life. As one of the most common emotional disturbances in COPD patients, depression can interfere with emotional and social functioning. It's important to treat the disease early and appropriately, as it can lead to a wide range of negative health effects. Fortunately, treatment for COPD can be tailored to the patient's specific needs and goals.
Several studies have found a high prevalence of depression among COPD patients. Statistically significant levels of depression were found in 7% to 42% of participants. Two recent prevalence studies identified clinically significant rates in 42% to 57% of patients with COPD. These findings are consistent with other research showing a link between depression and physical illnesses, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Respiratory infections
COPD is a progressive lung disease that obstructs airflow from the lungs. People with COPD experience difficulties breathing, coughing, wheezing, and excessive mucus. These conditions can cause lung damage and even heart failure. Patients with COPD should watch for the signs of an upper respiratory infection, which often worsens the condition, also you might get teletherapy. Upper respiratory infections often trigger COPD exacerbations, so it is important to recognize the early signs of infection and take action before symptoms occur.
Infections are among the most common symptoms of COPD, but they are not the only cause. Chronic inflammation and systemic manifestations of COPD can increase the risk for infections in general, as well. Research to understand the role of respiratory infections in COPD is limited, but the findings point to an increased risk. There is one study that specifically addressed this issue. It involved comparing COPD patients to people without the disease, and the follow-up period spanned more than 25 years.
If you've been struggling with shortness of breath, a phlegmy cough, and high blood pressure, you might have COPD. You're not alone! More than 15 million people in the United States suffer from COPD, and many more don't even know it exists. WoW Health suggests more women than men have COPD, and nearly half of all COPD sufferers are women. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a major cause of disability.
Shortness of breath
COPD can make breathing difficult, and shortness of breath can be an early symptom. As the disease advances, shortness of breath may become more frequent, limiting an individual's ability to perform everyday tasks. Exacerbations are common in advanced stages of COPD, resulting in more shortness of breath and increased phlegm. Severe COPD can also lead to a reduced ability to exercise, requiring supplemental oxygen.
COPD usually develops gradually, with symptoms beginning after 20 years of smoking. In addition to smoking, passive exposure to tobacco smoke, fumes, and other irritants can also contribute to COPD. The disease is not curable, but prevention is the best cure. COPD is one of the most common causes of disability. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.
Phlegmy cough
The prevalence and burden of phlegmy cough in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are unclear. However, this condition affects quality of life and is associated with decreased self-reported health. A recent study investigated the impact of cough and phlegm on clinical outcomes and quality of life. Researchers analyzed data from the COPD Foundation's Patient-Powered Research Network and collected patient-reported data. The patients completed a COPD Assessment Test to assess the severity of their cough and phlegm.
The severity of phlegmy cough significantly affected patient quality of life. Cough severity was associated with significant declines in social and physical role functioning. Moreover, patients with phlegmy cough reported a greater risk of depression and anxiety symptoms. This study is the first to examine the symptom in patients with chronic cough in relation to the severity of the disease.
High blood pressure
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, affects the airways and can affect other bodily systems as well. It increases blood pressure as a result of impaired gas exchange in the lungs. This leads to a decreased blood oxygen level and puts increased stress on the heart. The condition is also associated with high blood pressure at night. The good news is that there are several ways to maintain a healthy blood pressure level.
Although it doesn't cause any significant symptoms, high blood pressure is often overlooked as a symptom of COPD. It only manifests when other health problems become more severe. Some symptoms of COPD may be masked by other, more significant symptoms, such as shortness of breath. If not treated, COPD patients with hypertension have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Depression
Although COPD is not reversible, treatment aims to manage symptoms, increase functioning, and improve quality of life. As one of the most common emotional disturbances in COPD patients, depression can interfere with emotional and social functioning. It's important to treat the disease early and appropriately, as it can lead to a wide range of negative health effects. Fortunately, treatment for COPD can be tailored to the patient's specific needs and goals.
Several studies have found a high prevalence of depression among COPD patients. Statistically significant levels of depression were found in 7% to 42% of participants. Two recent prevalence studies identified clinically significant rates in 42% to 57% of patients with COPD. These findings are consistent with other research showing a link between depression and physical illnesses, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Respiratory infections
COPD is a progressive lung disease that obstructs airflow from the lungs. People with COPD experience difficulties breathing, coughing, wheezing, and excessive mucus. These conditions can cause lung damage and even heart failure. Patients with COPD should watch for the signs of an upper respiratory infection, which often worsens the condition, also you might get teletherapy. Upper respiratory infections often trigger COPD exacerbations, so it is important to recognize the early signs of infection and take action before symptoms occur.
Infections are among the most common symptoms of COPD, but they are not the only cause. Chronic inflammation and systemic manifestations of COPD can increase the risk for infections in general, as well. Research to understand the role of respiratory infections in COPD is limited, but the findings point to an increased risk. There is one study that specifically addressed this issue. It involved comparing COPD patients to people without the disease, and the follow-up period spanned more than 25 years.