COPD: Correct recognition and treatment
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Mindfulness also means shining a light on negative things so that you can deal with them and tackle things properly. That's why in our blog about salt, breathing and health we also provide comprehensive insights into common respiratory diseases that can affect many people's everyday lives. In addition to explaining some of the facts about these diseases, a great deal of attention is paid to methods that can improve the quality of life. After the last article on bronchitis, we will deal with a more comprehensive topic: COPD.
What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease of the airways that can severely affect the lives of those affected. COPD is characterized by permanent inflammation and narrowing of the bronchi and the destruction of the alveoli. Air containing oxygen is transported through the windpipe and bronchi to the alveoli. The oxygen diffuses there into the alveoli, which are permeated with capillaries (blood vessels). CO2 is released in the same way and later exhaled. A healthy lung contains around 300 million alveoli . If these are destroyed, the vital oxygen uptake is made more difficult; the fewer alveoli, the harder it is to get "air".
The narrowing of the transport routes in combination with few recipients leads to reduced lung function, which manifests itself in shortness of breath, chronic coughing and increased mucus production. The body produces increased amounts of mucus in order to transport harmful substances out of the sensitive lung system.
Air quality is often a trigger and important for containment
Those affected often inflict these pollutants on themselves. COPD is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide, and in most cases the main cause is smoking. Other risk factors include long-term exposure to air pollution, chemical fumes and fine dust, but genetic predispositions can also play a role. The disease develops slowly and often only becomes apparent after decades, when major damage has already occurred in the lungs.
With such damage, an important aspect of COPD is above all the alleviation of symptoms. COPD patients are frequent visitors to health clinics, especially by the sea. This is because breathing in salty, moist air soothes the strained airways. The air is naturally less contaminated with fine dust, pollen and other microscopic pollutants, but contains small salt particles that have antibacterial properties. Those affected often feel better while they are in a health resort. Unfortunately, this is not permanently covered by health insurance companies, so small everyday helpers can be an alternative to provide salty air for your lungs for longer. Products such as the SalinoVatis mini saltworks are based on long-standing traditions such as graduation towers, which have been known for centuries for their beneficial effect on the respiratory tract. The natural evaporation of salt water releases salt particles into the ambient air, which moisten the respiratory tract and can help to clear mucus in the lungs.
What kind of pain does COPD cause?
With COPD, sufferers can experience various types of pain, which are usually related to the effort of breathing and the associated muscle tension. Patients often complain of chest pain caused by overexertion of the respiratory muscles. To compensate for the lack of oxygen supply, the patient must breathe deeper and more frequently in order to maintain a sufficient O2 level in the blood. This results in a type of permanent muscle soreness . This pain often manifests itself as a feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest, which can also increase the risk of shortness of breath.
Back pain is also not uncommon in COPD patients. This is the result of the constant tension in the muscles around the lungs and ribs, which are strained by the difficulty in breathing. Since the respiratory muscles in the shoulders are also heavily strained, pain can also occur here.
The use of saline air , such as that produced by SalinoVatis, can play a supportive role in COPD. By moistening and cleaning the airways and loosening mucus, the resistance to breathing can be reduced. This can also help to relieve the respiratory muscles and thus prevent further pain.
Can COPD be stopped in the early stages?
There is no cure for COPD, but there are measures that can be taken in the early stages to slow the progression of the disease. The most important step is to stop smoking immediately. Cigarette smoke is the main factor contributing to the development and worsening of COPD, and quitting it can have a significant impact on the course of the disease.
In addition to smoking cessation, drug therapies play a crucial role. Inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids can help to widen the airways and reduce inflammation, which relieves symptoms and improves quality of life. Regular physical exercise is also essential to strengthen the respiratory muscles and maintain lung function.
Inhaling salty air can also be useful here. Continuous exposure to salt air is said to strengthen the immune system. The calming and supportive properties of the salt create an atmosphere in which the body can relax and regain its strength. If the body is regularly and often exposed to the salt particles in the air, it can "regenerate" accordingly, although, as already mentioned, complete regeneration of lung function is not possible in COPD. Nevertheless, spa stays or the mini-saline complement drug therapy and help to support lung function, which can be particularly valuable in the early stages of COPD.
What does a cough sound like in COPD?
The cough in COPD is one of the characteristic symptoms and is very different from a normal cough. It is usually chronic and productive, that is, it is accompanied by the production of mucus. This mucus is often thick and can be difficult to cough up. The cough usually sounds deep and rough, sometimes "humming" or "wheezing".
A typical feature of the COPD cough is that it is particularly severe in the morning. Overnight, mucus accumulates in the airways, which is coughed up after getting up. The cough can also be more severe after physical exertion, as the airways are further irritated by the exertion.
Inhaling salty air can help here. SalinoVatis can help to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up. Placed right next to the bed, it can provide mineralized air during the night, which can make waking up in the morning more refreshed and free of mucus. Regular use over several hours can reduce the urge to cough and make expectoration easier, which is particularly helpful for COPD patients.
What are the first signs of COPD?
The first signs of COPD often appear gradually and are therefore easily overlooked or dismissed as normal signs of aging. These include a chronic cough, often accompanied by sputum, and increasing shortness of breath during physical exertion. It is particularly typical that these symptoms initially only occur during exertion, such as when climbing stairs or walking quickly.
Another early sign is increased mucus production, which occurs particularly in the morning. A wheezing or gasping sound, which indicates a narrowing of the airways, can also be an indication of COPD. Finally, many sufferers report general tiredness and exhaustion caused by the constant shortness of breath.
Anyone who notices these symptoms should see a doctor early to receive an accurate diagnosis. Early detection of COPD makes it possible to take measures to slow the progression of the disease.
Is smoker's cough already COPD?
Smoker's cough is often a precursor to COPD, although not every smoker's cough necessarily leads to COPD. Smoker's cough occurs because the airways are chronically irritated and inflamed by tobacco smoke. This constant irritation leads to increased mucus production, which the body tries to eliminate by coughing.
A chronic cough that lasts for a long time and is accompanied by sputum production should always be taken seriously. If the cough persists for months and worsens over time, this may be an indication that chronic bronchitis or even COPD is already present. Even at this early stage, breathing in salty air can help relieve symptoms. SalinoVatis can thin the mucus and make it easier to cough it up, helping to keep the airways clear and reducing the risk of further deterioration.
What are the triggers for COPD?
COPD is not only affected by smoking, but also by a variety of other factors that can worsen symptoms or trigger acute attacks. The most common triggers include:
- Air pollution: Pollutants in the air, such as particulate matter, exhaust fumes and industrial emissions, can irritate the respiratory tract and worsen symptoms.
- Cold air: Cold, dry air can narrow the airways and cause shortness of breath. Many COPD patients suffer from worse symptoms, especially in winter.
- Infections: Respiratory infections such as colds or flu can lead to serious complications in COPD patients. A preventive flu vaccination is therefore important.
- Chemical vapors: Contact with chemicals, cleaning agents or strong-smelling substances can irritate the respiratory tract and cause shortness of breath.
- Allergens: Pollen, dust mites and animal dander are common allergens that can worsen symptoms in COPD patients.
To minimize these triggers, it is important to keep the ambient air as clean as possible. This is where SalinoVatis can help by improving air quality and supporting and cleaning the airways by releasing salty, humidified air. This can reduce the risk of acute attacks and make everyday life easier for COPD patients.
Can the lungs recover from COPD?
The damage to the lungs caused by COPD is irreversible. This means that destroyed lung tissue cannot be restored. However, there are measures that can help slow the progression of the disease and alleviate symptoms. Quitting smoking plays a key role here, as continuing to smoke significantly accelerates the disease.
Drug treatments and respiratory therapies can improve lung function and increase quality of life. Regular exercise is also important to strengthen the muscles and maintain the resilience of the lungs.
Although the lungs cannot fully recover from COPD, consistent therapy and avoiding triggers can make life with COPD significantly easier. The support provided by salty air can be a valuable addition to medical treatment.
What to do if COPD is suspected?
Anyone who suspects they have COPD should seek medical advice as soon as possible. The first step is usually a lung function test, which provides information on how severely the airways are affected. Blood tests and X-rays of the lungs can also help to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other diseases.
Diagnosing the disease as early as possible is crucial in order to take timely action and slow down the progression of the disease. In addition to medical treatment, patients must take action themselves by stopping smoking and avoiding potentially harmful environments. The ambient air is crucial for how you feel in the present, but also for how you feel in the years to come. It is therefore doubly rewarding to consistently improve your air quality and do regular breathing exercises. Using SalinoVatis can help to care for your airways and alleviate symptoms, as well as prevent more severe symptoms.
What should you do with COPD?
Patients with COPD should take several important steps to improve their quality of life and slow the progression of the disease. The most important steps include:
- Quitting smoking: It cannot be emphasized enough. Stopping smoking immediately is the absolute must if you want to avoid worse things. Quitting smoking is the most important step to improving lung function.
- Drug therapy: Inhaled medications such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids help keep the airways open and reduce inflammation.
- Regular exercise: Physical activity strengthens the respiratory muscles and improves overall fitness, which increases resilience.
- Respiratory therapy: Targeted breathing exercises can help to improve breathing technique and reduce shortness of breath. Using a mobile ventilation device that delivers additional oxygen directly to the nose via small tubes is a common method that is used especially in very advanced cases. The addition of more oxygen increases the chance that the damaged vesicles can absorb enough to provide an adequate supply.
- Inhale salty air: Staying by the sea, at large graduation towers in spas, in a salt chamber, or using SalinoVatis at home can help moisten the airways and loosen mucus, making breathing easier.
What should you not do if you have COPD?
There are certain things that patients with COPD should avoid to prevent their symptoms from worsening:
- Smoking: As already mentioned, smoking is the main trigger for COPD and should be avoided at all costs.
- Contact with pollutants: Patients should minimize contact with air pollution, chemical vapors and other irritating substances as much as possible. Air filters or wearing breathing masks, still present in people's minds because of the corona pandemic, can help in the event of short-term hazards.
- Breathing in cold air: Cold, dry air can constrict the airways and cause shortness of breath. It is advisable to protect yourself from the cold, especially in winter.
- Stressful physical activities: Excessive physical exertion can worsen shortness of breath. Patients should adapt their physical activity to their condition and avoid overexertion.
- Ignore infections: Respiratory infections can lead to serious complications in COPD patients. Symptoms such as fever, worsening shortness of breath or increased coughing should be checked by a doctor immediately.
By paying attention to these points and consistently carrying out their therapy, patients can significantly improve their quality of life despite COPD. SalinoVatis can serve as a complementary measure to care for the respiratory tract and relieve symptoms by integrating the beneficial properties of salty air into everyday life.