COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is an incurable lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. In the United States, 15 million people are diagnosed with COPD, and research shows cases will keep increasing as more environmental pollution appears in our environment every year.
People all over the world suffer from COPD, but seniors are particularly vulnerable due to their age and risk factors for developing this condition. Explore more information about COPD and the possibility of developing it as a senior.
What Is COPD?
COPD is a collection of lung diseases including wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. In the lungs, there are tiny airways that act as passageways for oxygen to travel through the body. When COPD occurs, these airways become constricted and narrow due to irritation or inflammation, resulting in less air entering the lungs. As it progresses, many patients also experience difficulty catching their breath, even when trying to perform normal activities such as talking on the phone or walking upstairs.
Causes of COPD
Smoking is the most common cause of COPD. Long-term smokers tend to be more at risk for developing the condition; however, even non-smokers are sometimes affected due to secondhand smoke inhalation or exposure to various chemicals in the environment.
Genetics may determine whether an individual will develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as well. Individuals with certain genetic markers may have a higher chance of contracting this condition, particularly if combined with other possible risk factors such as age and smoking habits.
Environmental factors can also increase your senior loved one's chances of getting COPD. Exposure to dust mites, industrial chemicals, and air pollution from vehicles or factories could all worsen existing respiratory problems over time, leading up to diagnosis.
Treatment of COPD
The treatments for COPD are mostly focused on managing symptoms and minimizing further lung damage. Pulmonary rehabilitation is often prescribed to help build strength and reduce breathlessness and fatigue.
Many seniors receive a combination of medications including bronchodilators, inhaled steroids, or antibiotics to reduce airway inflammation and provide relief from coughing or wheezing. Oxygen therapy can also be used in some cases of COPD if the lung function has been severely impaired by the disease.
Can Your Senior Loved One Suddenly Get COPD?
COPD is usually a slow, progressive disease that develops over time. However, there is always the possibility that someone can suddenly get COPD without an obvious cause, history of smoking, or other exposures.
The most common risk factor for the sudden onset of COPD in seniors is a respiratory infection like bronchitis or pneumonia that lingers for an extended period of time. Seniors may also be more susceptible to developing pneumonia due to a weakened heart and immune system.
Other less common causes of sudden onset of COPD include autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); genetic disorders like alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency; and some types of heart failure.
Senior Helpers Chesterton Provides Support for Seniors
COPD is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, but it can be managed with the right treatments. Senior adults are especially at risk for developing COPD due to their age, increased likelihood of smoking, or other environmental factors in Valparaiso, Portage, Chesterton, Westville, Michigan City, Beverly Shores, Hobart, LaPorte, and Lake County. Senior Helpers Chesterton can help your senior loved with daily tasks, medication reminders, and more. Learn more about our services now!