Mindfulness also means focusing on the negative in order to address it and tackle things correctly. That's why, in our blog about salt, breathing, and health, we also provide comprehensive insights into common respiratory illnesses that can impact many people's daily lives. Besides explaining some of the facts about these illnesses, we place great emphasis on methods that can improve quality of life. Following our last article on bronchitis, we will be addressing a broad topic: COPD.
What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disease that can severely impact the lives of those affected. COPD is characterized by persistent inflammation and narrowing of the bronchi, as well as the destruction of the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs. Oxygen-rich air is transported through the trachea and bronchi to the alveoli. There, the oxygen diffuses into the alveoli, which are permeated by capillaries (blood vessels). Carbon dioxide (CO2) is released and later exhaled via the same pathway. A healthy lung contains approximately 300 million alveoli . When these are destroyed, the vital process of oxygen uptake is impaired; the fewer alveoli there are, the more difficult it is to breathe.
The narrowing of the transport pathways, combined with a limited number of receptors, leads to reduced lung function, manifesting as shortness of breath, chronic cough, and increased mucus production. The body produces more mucus to remove toxins from 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, with smoking being the primary cause in most cases. Other risk factors include long-term exposure to air pollution, chemical fumes, and particulate matter, but genetic predisposition can also play a role. The disease develops gradually and often only becomes apparent after decades, when significant lung damage has already occurred.
With such damage, a key aspect of COPD treatment is symptom relief. COPD patients are frequent visitors to health resorts, especially by the sea. Inhaling salty, moist air soothes irritated airways. The air is naturally less polluted with particulate matter, pollen, and other microscopic pollutants, but contains small salt particles with antibacterial properties. This often leads to improved well-being for those affected during their stay at a health resort. Unfortunately, health insurance companies don't cover these stays on a long-term basis, so small everyday aids can be an alternative for providing longer-term exposure to salty air. Products like the SalinoVatis mini salt inhaler are based on time-honored traditions such as graduation towers, which have been known for centuries for their beneficial effects on the respiratory system. Through the natural evaporation of salt water, salt particles are released into the surrounding air, moisturizing the airways and helping to clear mucus from the lungs.
What kind of pain does COPD cause?
People with COPD can experience various types of pain, most of which are related to the effort of breathing and the associated muscle tension. Chest pain, caused by overuse of the respiratory muscles, is a particularly common complaint. To compensate for insufficient oxygen supply, deeper and more frequent breaths are necessary to maintain adequate blood oxygen levels. This results in a kind of persistent muscle soreness . This pain often manifests as a feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest, which can further increase the risk of shortness of breath.
Back pain is also common in COPD patients. This results from the constant tension in the muscles around the lungs and ribs, which are strained by the difficulty breathing. Since the respiratory muscles in the shoulders are also heavily used, pain can occur there as well.
The use of saline air , such as that produced by SalinoVatis, can play a supportive role in COPD. By moisturizing and cleansing the airways and loosening mucus, it can reduce breathing resistance. This can also help relieve strain on the respiratory muscles and thus prevent further pain.
Is it possible to stop COPD in its early stages?
COPD cannot be cured, but in its early stages, there are measures that can slow the progression of the disease. The most important step is to quit smoking immediately. Cigarette smoke is the main factor contributing to the development and worsening of COPD, and quitting it can significantly influence the course of the disease.
In addition to smoking cessation, drug therapies play a crucial role. Inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids can help widen the airways and reduce inflammation, thus alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life. Regular physical exercise is also essential to strengthen the respiratory muscles and maintain lung function.
Inhaling salty air can also be beneficial. Prolonged exposure to salty air is said to strengthen the immune system. The calming and supportive properties of salt create an atmosphere in which the body can relax and regain its strength. Regular and frequent exposure to salt particles in the air can lead to significant regeneration, although, as mentioned previously, a complete regeneration of lung function is not possible in COPD. Nevertheless, spa stays or even visits to a mini-saline spa can complement drug therapy and help support lung function, which can be particularly valuable in the early stages of COPD.
What does a cough sound like in COPD?
Coughing is one of the characteristic symptoms of COPD and differs significantly from a normal cough. It is usually chronic and productive, meaning it is accompanied by the production of mucus. This mucus is often thick and can be difficult to cough up. The cough typically sounds deep and harsh, sometimes even wheezing or rattling.
A typical characteristic of COPD cough is that it is particularly pronounced in the morning. Overnight, mucus accumulates in the airways, which is then coughed up upon waking. The cough can also worsen after physical exertion, as the airways are further irritated by the exertion.
Inhaling salt-enriched air can be beneficial. SalinoVatis can help thin mucus and make coughing easier. Placed right next to the bed, it can provide mineralized air throughout the night, which can make waking up in the morning more refreshed and with less mucus. Regular use over several hours can reduce the urge to cough and facilitate expectoration, which is particularly helpful for COPD patients.
What are the first signs of COPD?
The first signs of COPD often develop gradually and are therefore easily overlooked or dismissed as normal signs of aging. These include a chronic cough, often accompanied by phlegm, and increasing shortness of breath during physical exertion. It is particularly typical that these symptoms initially only occur during exertion, such as climbing stairs or walking briskly.
Another early sign is increased mucus production, which occurs particularly in the morning. A whistling or wheezing sound during breathing, indicating a narrowing of the airways, can also be a sign of COPD. Finally, many sufferers report general fatigue and exhaustion caused by the constant shortness of breath.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult a doctor early to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Early detection of COPD allows for measures to be taken to slow the progression of the disease.
Is smoker's cough already considered COPD?
Smoker's cough is often a precursor to COPD, although not every smoker's cough necessarily develops into 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 persists for an extended period and is accompanied by phlegm should always be taken seriously. If the cough lasts for months and worsens over time, this could indicate the presence of chronic bronchitis or even COPD. Even at this early stage, inhaling saline air can help alleviate symptoms. SalinoVatis can thin mucus and make it easier to cough up, which helps keep the airways clear and reduces 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 flare-ups. 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 constrict the airways and cause shortness of breath. Many COPD patients suffer from exacerbated symptoms, especially in winter.
- Infections: Respiratory infections such as colds or flu can lead to serious complications in COPD patients. Therefore, preventive flu vaccination is important.
- Chemical fumes: Contact with chemicals, cleaning agents, or strong-smelling substances can irritate the respiratory tract and cause shortness of breath.
- Allergens: Pollen, house dust mites and animal hair are common allergens that can cause a worsening of symptoms in COPD patients.
To minimize these triggers, it is important to keep the ambient air as clean as possible. SalinoVatis can contribute to this by improving air quality and supporting and cleansing the airways through the delivery of saline, humidified air. This can reduce the risk of acute flare-ups and make everyday life easier for COPD patients.
Can the lungs recover in COPD?
The lung damage caused by COPD is irreversible. This means that destroyed lung tissue cannot be repaired. However, there are measures that can help slow the progression of the disease and alleviate symptoms. Quitting smoking plays a key role in this, as continuing to smoke significantly accelerates the disease.
Lung function and quality of life can be improved through medication and respiratory therapy. Regular exercise is also important to strengthen the muscles and maintain lung capacity.
While the lungs cannot fully recover in COPD, consistent therapy and avoidance of triggers can significantly improve the quality of life for people with the condition. The use of saline air can be a valuable complement 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 reveals the extent to which the airways are impaired. Blood tests and chest X-rays can also help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Early diagnosis is crucial for taking timely action and slowing the progression of the disease. In addition to medical treatment, patients must take an active role by quitting smoking and avoiding potentially harmful environments. Ambient air quality is essential for current well-being and equally important for long-term health. Therefore, consistently improving air quality and regularly practicing breathing exercises is doubly beneficial. Using SalinoVatis can support respiratory health, alleviate symptoms, and help prevent more severe symptoms.
What should you do if you have 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 stressed enough. Stopping smoking immediately is absolutely crucial if you want to avoid serious health problems. Giving up smoking is the most important step towards improving lung function.
- Drug therapy: Inhaled medications such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids help to 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 improve breathing technique and reduce shortness of breath. Using a portable breathing aid that delivers additional oxygen directly to the nose via small tubes is a common method, particularly in very advanced cases. The increased oxygen supply raises the likelihood that the damaged alveoli will be able to absorb enough oxygen to provide adequate oxygenation.
- Inhaling salty air: Stays at the seaside, at large graduation towers in spas, in a salt chamber, or the use of SalinoVatis at home can help to moisturize 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 mentioned previously, smoking is the main trigger for COPD and should be strictly avoided.
- Contact with pollutants: Patients should minimize contact with air pollution, chemical fumes, and other irritants as much as possible. Air filters or wearing face masks, still fresh in people's minds due to the coronavirus pandemic, can help in cases of short-term exposure.
- Inhaling cold air: Cold, dry air can constrict the airways and lead to 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 adjust their physical activity to their fitness level and avoid overexertion.
- Ignoring 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 following their therapy, patients can significantly improve their quality of life despite COPD. SalinoVatis can serve as a complementary measure to care for the airways and alleviate symptoms by integrating the beneficial properties of salty air into daily life.
