Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that often gets worse as time goes on. This disease makes it harder for people to breathe, due to the low amount of air that flows in and out of the airways. This is caused by destroyed lung tissue, too much mucus obstructing the airways, airways or sacs losing their elasticity and airways becoming thick and inflamed.
By the body not getting enough air, it reduces the amount of oxygen distributed throughout the body’s tissues. When this happens, it is more difficult for the body to get rid of carbon dioxide that is waste gas for the body. Due to this, often times people with COPD feel like they are fatigued, have a chronic cough and they experience frequent respiratory infections. People who have COPD also have a higher risk of developing heart attacks, strokes and lung cancer.
COPD patients have a hard time breathing, which makes it difficult to stay active. Eventually this can lead to not being able to work, do household chores, participate in social activities and be able to exercise. This not only can take a toll on the physical health of a person, but the mental health as well. It can be hard to cope with some of these problems, which is why having resources such as family, friends and doctors to help you along the way is important.
Here at the Windom Area Hospital we have Pulmonary Outreach Services to help you with your COPD needs. Call 507-831-0670 to schedule an appointment today!
Reference
How Does COPD Affect your Body. http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/learn-about-copd/how-does-copd-affect-your.html accessed on November 12, 2018.