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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a general term encompassing the collection of progressive respiratory diseases. The two most common forms of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. There is still a lot of false and misleading information circulating about this disease. Here are 10 myths about COPD.
The most common symptoms of COPD are shortness of breath and coughing. Over time, even daily activities such as getting dressed can become a challenge. Raising awareness about the condition can help society understand what difficulties a person with COPD must face and how they can be helped.
Here are 10 myths about COPD
1. COPD is rare
According to the World He alth Organization (WHO), COPD caused 3.23 million deaths in 2022, making it the third most common cause of death in the world.
Americans alone have been diagnosed with over 16 million cases of this disease. Experts report that millions of people still live with undiagnosed COPD.
TheAmerican Lung Association (ALA) recommends that anyone experiencing symptoms of COPD - chronic coughing, shortness of breath, frequent respiratory infections, significant mucus production (also called phlegm or sputum), and wheezing - talk to a doctor about it. A test called spirometry can help diagnose COPD.
2. COPD only develops in smokers
It's true that smoking is the leading cause of COPD, but there are many other risk factors that contribute to the development of the disease. These include: air pollution, exposure to harmful factors during work, infections and some forms of asthma.
About 20 percent COPD patients have never smoked. Some of these people fell ill as a result of passive smoke exposure, due to a genetic predisposition or a significant exposure to air pollution.
3. COPD only develops in old age
Although COPD is certainly more common in older people, younger people are also at risk of it.
4. COPD only affects the lungs
COPD can occur with many comorbidities, including heart disease, lung cancer, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and diabetes. This association may be due to common causative factors as well as systemicignition.
In other words, some of these diseases share common risk factors, which make them more likely to get COPD. For example, smoking is a risk factor for both COPD and heart disease.
At the same time, he alth experts associate COPD with systemic inflammation, which may also independently increase the risk of developing other conditions.
5. People with COPD cannot exercise
It's a myth. It is true that COPD patients without adequate exercise may have difficulty exercising, but it is not forbidden or impossible.
Performing physical exercise can help increase your respiratory function and relieve your daily symptoms. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs typically offer controlled breathing techniques in conjunction with exercise to maximize patient outcomes.
It is a good idea to consult your doctor before exercising on your own.
6. COPD cannot be treated
Fortunately, it's a myth. There are many treatments and strategies that can improve the course of the disease. Drugs, rehabilitation, and diet are the elements that effectively alleviate the course of COPD.
8. Body weight does not affect COPD
This is not true. Overweight can increase the disability associated with COPD, and vice versa, if people are below moderate weight, it could be a sign of emphysema, which significantly worsens the prognosis.
9. The symptoms of COPD are only in the lungs
Some COPD symptoms do form in the airways, such as coughing, overproduction of phlegm, and respiratory infections.
You should know, however, that sleep problems, anxiety, depression, pain and cognitive decline may also occur.
10. A he althy diet will not help with COPD
In fact, a he althy diet can make a difference for people living with COPD. A proper diet supports overall he alth and can protect against exacerbation not only of COPD, but also of comorbidities.
For example, some studies suggest that greater consumption of dietary fiber and fish reduces the risk of COPD.
Though there is no cure for COPD, changing your lifestyle, engaging in moderate exercise, and eating a he althy diet can help alleviate its progression.