Have you been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? If so, your pulmonologist likely explained that COPD encompasses lung conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. While living with lung disease can be daunting, it does not have to be. With the right strategies, it is entirely possible to live a healthy and satisfying life. Read on to learn more about your condition and strategies to help you lead a fulfilling and quality life with COPD.
What Is Emphysema?
Emphysema is a respiratory disease which falls under the category of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, or COPD. Emphysema affects the alveoli, or air sacs, in your lungs. These small air sacs are responsible for exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide in your body.
In a person with emphysema, the walls of the alveoli become damaged and lose their elasticity. They may even collapse. As a result, you may experience shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing and chest tightness on a regular basis.
Causes of Emphysema
The most common cause of emphysema is smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products. This is due to the chemicals in cigarette smoke damaging the delicate tissues in your lungs over time.
Other factors which can contribute to emphysema include long-term exposure to air pollutants, dust and smoke, and other irritants in the environment and workplace.
What Is Chronic Bronchitis?
Chronic bronchitis also is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis include:
- Persistent coughing
- Inflammation of the airway and lung tissue
- Increased production of thick mucus
Like emphysema, chronic bronchitis is irreversible and worsens over time. It is also caused by smoking but can also be triggered by exposure to air pollutants and other irritants.
How Can I Live Well with Lung Disease?
Living well with lung disease takes determined effort on your part. You can help manage your chronic condition by learning to limit the factors which trigger your symptoms and incorporating a few healthy lifestyle changes.
Talk to Your Doctor
In general, it is important to keep in close communication with your pulmonologist, particularly if you have persistent flare-ups in your symptoms. For instance, if you experience shortness of breath more than usual, call your lung doctor right away. Be sure to also get any vaccines your doctor recommends to help protect you against illnesses such as influenza, pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and others.
Stay Healthy
Additionally, follow a healthy lifestyle of regular exercise, good hydration, and a balanced nutritious diet. If you smoke, talk to your primary care physician or lung specialist about monitored and supported ways to quit. Also, avoid secondhand smoke whenever possible.
Use Medications
Managing your symptoms through medication also improves your quality of life. Medications such as bronchodilators and corticosteroid inhalers help relieve inflammation and open up airways for easier breathing. Work with your doctor to find the right combination and dosage of medications and therapies for your specific condition, age, and overall health.
Severe cases of emphysema often require oxygen therapy in the home and also a program of pulmonary rehabilitation to include exercise, nutrition, and counseling. Your doctor or respiratory therapist can show you methods, such as deep belly breathing and pursed lips breathing, which relax the airways and help you take in and blow out more air.
Seek Support
Along with caring for your physical health, it is important to prioritize your mental health. Living with a chronic lung disease can be challenging and may lead to feelings of anxiety or depression.
So, seek support from loved ones or join a local group for individuals living with lung disease. Also, engage in activities that you really enjoy and help you relax.
Get Routine Check-Ups
Finally, regular check-ups with your doctor are crucial to monitoring your and managing your lung condition. Keep all your routine appointments and communicate any changes in COPD symptoms or other concerns to your healthcare team.
Lung Disease Treatment in the Austin, TX, Area
At Austin Pulmonary, we have 10 board-certified pulmonary medicine specialists on staff ready to help you navigate the challenges of emphysema and other kinds of lung disease. With our patient-centered approach, we will create a comprehensive chronic care management plan to help you manage your symptoms and live a healthy and active life.
To learn more about how to live your best life with chronic respiratory issues, please contact the location nearest you for an in-person consultation. We have offices in Cedar Park, South Austin and North Austin, TX. We look forward to helping you!