Weekly Report
Big COPD Myths and the Truth behind them
When hearing about COPD, many people may not usually know the facts about it. Though it affects millions of people, there are still a lot of misconceptions about the condition. Thus, patients and their loved ones should be wary of myths and false beliefs regarding COPD. Here are some of those myths and the truth behind these misconceptions.
COPD Myth # 1: It’s too late to stop smoking, since the damage is already done.
Many people who are newly diagnosed with COPD refuse to quit smoking. They believe that it’s useless to stop, because the damage has been done and there is no way to reverse the condition. The fact is, though COPD may be irreversible and won’t go away even after quitting the smoking habit, stopping early enough can help lung function return to near-normal. Additionally, there are many benefits to quitting smoking. Even a few hours after your last cigarette, the cells and tissues in your body attempt to repair themselves. A few days after, you’ll notice that you’ll be able to smell and taste things better. You may also notice that breathing and moving about may come with less effort than before, and you’ll be assured that you will have fewer exacerbations and hospital trips. Plus, quitting smoking stops further damage to lung tissue and helps prevent COPD from progressing to the later, more severe stages. It will be good to know that you aren’t intentionally causing your lungs to deteriorate even further.
COPD Myth # 2: COPD only affects those who smoke.
While cigarette smoking may be a huge risk factor for COPD, it’s not the only cause that leads to the condition. There are other lung irritants that can contribute to having COPD, and you don’t have to be a smoker or former smoker to acquire the disease. Other risk factors include being exposed chronically to irritants including chemical fumes, workplace dust and particles, and secondhand cigarette smoke. Genetics may also play a role in developing COPD. So even if a person doesn’t have COPD, it’s always best to take extra care of your lungs. Staying away from chemical fumes and cigarette smoke can help prevent any kind of damage to your lungs.
COPD Myth # 3: Treatment with oxygen means that the end is near.
This is a big, fat NO. Though many patients are quite apprehensive about oxygen therapy, the truth is that a lot of patients get to live even longer with it. Oxygen therapy is recommended if your blood oxygen levels are low, as this can cause harm to vital body organs. Going on oxygen therapy protects your heart and brain from complications, and prevents other serious conditions, like pulmonary hypertension and polycythemia, from developing. Oxygen therapy also helps you be able to breathe and move more easily, and will also make you feel healthier, more energetic, and less fatigued.
COPD Myth # 4: The best way to deal with COPD is to do as little as possible.
This is again another misconception about COPD. Having this condition doesn’t mean that you have to lie on your bed and stay inactive. Sure, you may need to rest more often, but you also have to move about and exercise. Staying idle makes your muscles weaker, leading to less efficient use of oxygen. It also promotes poor blood flow through body organs and systems. Getting up and doing your best to stay active and physically fit is one of the best ways to slow down the progress of the condition. Exercises like walking, stretching, and other techniques like yoga and Tai chi can help keep you in good shape and even benefit your well-being. Talk to your doctor about exercises that fit your lifestyle, along with activities you can do to stay active.
These myths just show that COPD may be often misunderstood by many. What is disturbing is that believing in these myths may cause more harm than good. Setting these myths straight can help you or your loved one with COPD able to manage the condition better. After all, knowledge is power.
Do you know other myths about COPD? Share them with us in the comments below!
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