Weekly Report
Signs of COPD is worsening and what you can do
COPD is a progressive disease. This simply means that it can become worse as time passes. The best goal for you and your health care team is to slow or halt its progress as much as possible.
Whatever the stage of COPD you are in, it’s essential that you’re mindful of the signals from your body telling you that things may be changing. Being aware of such signs can also be a way for you to take immediate measures to alleviate these uncomfortable changes.
Here are a number of signs and symptoms telling you that your COPD may be worsening, along with some tips to help you deal with them.
Feeling more short of breath than usual
If you’re in the middle of your usual routine, yet you notice that you feel more frequently short of breath, this may be one warning sign that your COPD is getting worse. This may also be the case if you have increased difficulty breathing when lying down and have to add more pillows or sit in a chair to keep you upright while you sleep. It’s also possible that an exacerbation is coming up.
If you notice that you feel short of breath, stop whatever you are doing, stay calm and relax. Try doing some breathing techniques to help you breathe easier. You can also use your emergency inhalers if breathing gets more difficult. If you’re on oxygen, it may also be a good idea to use it for a longer period of time but still on the same amount prescribed by your doctor. When you resume your activities, make sure to move more slowly.
Frequently feeling dizzy or more fatigued
Though feeling dizzy or fatigued may be due to a number of reasons, if you feel this more frequently than before, it may be a sign that your body lacks oxygen. This may be especially true upon waking up in the morning, which indicates that there may have been a buildup of carbon dioxide in your blood through the night due to lack of air. Also, if you experience dizziness or fatigued along with shortness of breath, it is an important sign that your condition may be progressing.
Along with taking the same measures above to relieve shortness of breath, you have to call your doctor right away for an appointment. You can also try getting adequate air by using your oxygen the whole day but still being on the same amount prescribed by your doctor. Be sure to still eat well and get adequate fluids, but rest whenever you feel like it.
Changes in your cough and having increased mucus production
You may observe that you’re coughing up more mucus, and that it’s more difficult to get out. Any change in color or consistency may be a sign that you have to do something about it. A green or yellow color can be a sign of an infection, so call your doctor immediately if you notice this.
If your mucus is stickier or thicker, the best thing to do is to try to thin it out by drinking at least two quarts or eight cups of caffeine-free fluids in a day, with water and warm liquids being the best choice. You can also ask your doctor if you can take over-the-counter medications like mucolytics or expectorants that help thin the mucus and help you expel it more easily. If such medications still don’t bring up the mucus or may not be a good option for you, your doctor may also recommend an inhaled bronchodilator to help you breathe more easily.
Swelling in your feet, ankles and legs
As COPD progresses, the heart may have difficulty regulating circulation, causing fluid to accumulate in your lower extremities. If you notice any swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs, lie down and prop up your feet for about 10-15 minutes. This will help fluid circulate back to the heart and relieve any swelling. If the swelling returns and persists for three days or more, call your doctor and tell him about this.
When it comes to dealing with COPD, remember to quit any bad habits that may lead to the progression of your condition. If you notice any of the above changes, or other changes like coughing up blood, excessive sleepiness, slurring of speech, pain when breathing, or unexpected changes in weight, inform your doctor immediately. Being aware of any changes and communicating them with your doctor can help you do something about your condition to halt its progress.
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