Lovego weekly report-COPD and Headaches

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COPD and Headaches

If you have copd, you may find that you have frequent morning headaches. Also it may be accompany with some other symptoms like chest pain, Wheezing, Extreme shortness of breath, Choking upon waking up, Rapid breathing Low oxygen. The main reasons are easy to know, as breathing decreases during sleep at night, which lead to the lack of oxygen and the buildup of CO2.

Among of the reasons, hypoxia is a condition where oxygen intake is too low. This can be addressed by your doctor prescribing oxygen therapy. Headaches caused by hypoxia are usually taken care of when the patient gets oxygen during sleep time.

Also, the sleep apnea will cause headaches in people with COPD. Again, this condition leads to hypoxia and morning headaches. A CPAP machine, which we had a brief talk last week, helps to keep the airways in the body open so that there is air exchange Studies have shown that the CPAP can reduce the chance of death in patients with COPD and sleep apnea.

After we know the main reason leads to headaches is lack of oxygen, what we need to do is to improve the oxygenation by taking some measures.

The first one we’d like to suggest is quit smoking, smoking does much harm to our lung and decrease the air flow.

The second is pay more attention to your diet, just we can talk before, be care of the food with caffiein, also, eat more food which will help to reduce headaches, like brown rice, peas, almonds ect

The third one is exercise your lungs, Any exercise that elevates your heart rate and allows you to take in more air will help strengthen your lungs. Healthier lungs will take in more oxygen when you are sleeping, so exercise is a great benefit.

The forth is getting a good pillow. A nice, firm, pillow is needed to use at bedtime so that your head is elevated. This position improves airflow to lungs.

The fifth is taking supplement oxygen during the night. It will help a lot to improve the oxygen in blood.

Email: service@oxygencare.cn Tel: 400 6677 247/075523733851

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CPAP and COPD & Sleep Apnea

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CPAP and COPD & Sleep Apnea

We had a brief talk about the connection between COPD and sleep last month. Actually, about 50 percent of people with COPD suffer from sleep disorders or conditions that prevent a restful sleep. Among of the disorders, one is Obstructive Sleep Apnea, called OSA. It is a disorder that causes our body to stop breathing while we sleep, from a few seconds to a minute. It's caused when tissues in the upper airway become too relaxed, thus blocking the airway. These episodes are ended by the person waking up slightly to an audible grunt or snore. A typical person may have 30 or more such episodes each night.

During the episodes, the oxygen levels drop, it will rise to the normal levels, but as with COPD may result in chronically lowered oxygen levels, these may drop to critical levels while sleeping. Lower oxygen levels then cause blood vessels to constrict, and the heart rate to work harder to pump blood through the lungs in search of more oxygen that is not there. Over time, this may cause heart failure or even death.

For the treatment, Some patients may benefit from wearing an oral appliance to keep the airway open at night. Others may benefit from CPAP at night. This involves wearing a mask that supplies pressures during exhalation to keep the airway open. If these treatments don’t work, surgery is another option. The latter way is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, and it may also provide benefits to those with COPD. By restoring your blood oxygen levels at night, CPAP can actually slow down the inflammatory processes of COPD that damage your lungs. What’s more, using a CPAP machine may reduce the amount of work your breathing muscles need to do on their own. It also can prevent your lungs from overinflating. This is a common occurrence in people with COPD that makes breathing more difficult. As a result of using CPAP, you might be able to walk more or otherwise be more active during the day. This makes your life easier, and it can also improve your lungs and overall health.

So when you suffer from the COPD and you have the symptoms below, pls talk with your doctor and see whether the CPAP machines are ok for you or not.

• Daytime sleepiness
• Loud, chronic snoring, especially with pauses in breathing
• Choking or gasping during the night
• Morning headaches, dry mouth, or sore throat
•  Mood swings or personality changes

Email: service@oxygencare.cn Tel: 400 6677 247/075523733851

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Lovego weekly report--An interview with Laura, a young woman with COPD

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An interview with Laura, a young woman with COPD

The interview is not generated by us, but after reading the part, we think there are many similar stories within us like Laura, as being young with COPD, learning how to cope with it step by step, changing many things in life to face what has been brought, and surely, it will teach us something above living, about living better. 

With brown waist-length hair, smooth skin, and happy eyes, Laura doesn't look her age. At first glance you'd think she's a very young, healthy 48, but her lungs tell a different story. Laura has severe COPD. Her taking on being Young with COPD might surprise you; it might make you laugh or cry, but without a doubt it will teach you something about living.

Q: How old were you when you were diagnosed with COPD?
A: I was 47.

Q: Did you know what COPD was?
A: Not at all.

Q: What were your very first thoughts?
A: I have what? Now what? Quit smoking and work out a lot? Surgery?

Q: Did you go through a period of denial, thinking, "There must be some mistake."
A: Not so much, because I had known for a while (a few years) that something wasn't right with my breathing and coughing. I knew, from watching everyone around me not having any difficulty like I did in some situations, that I was hurting.

Q: Okay, but why did you not seek help earlier? What kept you from that?
A: Honestly, I thought it was from smoking and being around nasty chemicals, and that once I would give up smoking and exercise more, it would go away. And I didn't want to take time to go to the doctor or take medicine.

Q: What finally brought you to the doctor?
A: My coughing a lot and not speaking very well (I was out of breath so fast). I would take a shower and end up coughing when I got out to dry myself, and when eating dairy products the phlegm would build up almost instantly. I would cough so hard I would have to have a pad on (so much for my hysterectomy!) I have to now wear granny undies when I go away or if I drink beer.

Q: How do your kids feel about you having COPD?
A: My children are adults. At first I assumed they'd take it in stride - think I'd just be strong and deal with it. And I do. Really, they're sad and angry. But they're learning to help out more now and see that I'm okay. They think I'm fragile - and way too young. They're liking that I'm home and not working all the hours I used to work. They're gradually adjusting to this slower mom.

Q: How about your husband?
A: (She smiles and laughs.) He still loves me so far! He didn't expect this and is slowly adjusting to it. He's glad we found out when we did and can stall it, hopefully. He thinks it's a good thing that it finally made me stop smoking. He's only 37, so I thought it would be hard because I don't participate in a lot of things we did five years ago when we got married. But he's dealing with it and trying to make it the best he can for both of us... and he says that no matter what... I'm still his bride!

Q: What has been the worst thing so far about having COPD?
A: My regular doctor has not been helpful, and Social Security has been a huge hassle. I have worked hard and long hours in factories for 30 years, raised two children, and have never had help. Now I need some help. My insurance has been tough. The bill for my medicines each month (with insurance) is around $125 - and I do holler!

Q: If you knew then what you know now, do you wish you were diagnosed earlier?
A: Most definitely! I HATE being on all this medicine, giving me my first couple of grey hairs I just found this month. But without it I would be a lot worse and not able to do much of anything. I was one of those people who did not even like using aspirin.

Q: What has been the most helpful thing so far?
A: Truthfully, it was going to pulmonary rehab! I learned a lot of new things I didn't know before and that was a blessing. I learned what my [pulmonary function] percent actually was (severe). I learned how to breathe through my nose to filter and warm up my air before it hits my lungs. I learned to do things in sections - not all at once - so I can still accomplish things.

Q: What do you say to yourself when you get discouraged?
A: STOP having a pity party, woman! A lot of people are way worse off than you are! Then I usually am okay with it. But once in awhile I have a beer break when I get too down. I love beer and I loved smokes, and I had to give one up. Then in the morning I think that was dumb, and I'm usually good for quite a while.

Q: What have you learned about yourself? Has anything good come out of this?
A: I learned to cook.

• My hubby quit smoking too. He also, as I did, works in paint fumes, and grinding steel. 
• I have learned to understand the saying, "Take time to smell the roses," but this is still not the way I had planned to retire. 
• I'm slowly cleaning out the house (I'm a pack rat). 
• I love having the time for outside walks. So what if just around the block? 
• I'm taking more time outs for just ME - hot baths, etc. 
• I have time to read books! 
• I drink lots of water. 
• I'm learning to have a lot more patience on a day-to-day basis. It's okay to let things wait ‘til tomorrow. 
• I'm planning way ahead now for any trips - even little ones. 
• I'm grateful I found out before needing oxygen tank. 
• Finding out young made me slow down sooner and enjoy life instead of being caught in the rat race. 
• I took the time to carve a pumpkin this year (the last time was about 10 years ago). 
• I'm learning to find all I can to keep ahead of this - so maybe I can see 80. 

Email: service@oxygencare.cn Tel: 400 6677 247/075523733851

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Lovego weekly report--Love all our COPD friends!

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Weekly report

Love all our COPD friends!

Stories happen every day, with happy, sad, strong, lovely, surprise, tear….These are parts of our life. And the story followed was about a Madam’s recent life experience, she shared with us, and so do we for you.

"Hi, it has been awhile since I posted in here, too much has been going on in my life. Since February my husband lost his job but we've been making it, food pantys help a lot for us, my son was drinking and drugging bad, husband was trying to quite, he , quite now and still not working. my son been in hospital for downing boozs , make a long story shot, he been in jail for a month on probations now going to AA and doing good now, Husband not working yet, been going threw things on our home. I went the DR and got a good ck up. went see the eye DR to fix cateract. last week friday saw my Pubulary DR , I saw his new Partioner, my o2 was down to 88 and went up to 90. the nurse had me do a blow test in office 4 times. I know I did not do it right but it was not good one. now she wants me on tranplant list and can not get my eyes down now, they said no aninisse , I can not have a colonscope done eighter. she scared me so bad. but I did ask to take the big blow test and she set me up for one in june 15.

Now I been feeling better, I do have my o2 on 2 1/2 now at rest and 3 to 4 when I do things, I have been driving more and walk out to car and into the house , I take breaks and I do have my portable up to 4 and at rest 2. but she also said to me that last year my blow test was ok , it stayed at 36% for 4 yrs now and she said by the test in office I am at 18% now, that why I wanted another test. I am also having my sisters down and we are going to do my 5 wishes for the DR and hospital. and my husband wants them to help him2 on this, I told some of the kids, I have one son yet to tell and then my stepdaughters to tell. I do what to ask you guys about how you have it to not Restate or to keep me going, I have not yet been on a vent . but it time for me to do things and get it done, I scared but I also realize I am ok, not dead yet and I can stay this way for awhile. and I told them I have my groups 2, please wait to put things on my page until I tell the rest of the family, I do like hugs and things on my post like you do. I will talk more on this, I’ll be fine because of other friends here who has gone threw things, I know I can be ok and know what to do, love all my copd friends and miss the ones who left us. and yes I will have some one who will inform you guys on things”

Though life is not easy for the Madam, she did it and face it positively, with the strong heart not only for her families, but also for all the people suffer from the COPD. Actually, there are many people are doing so as well. Don't lose the sunshine and strength becasue of the COPD, the sunshine and strength are always surround us, see the outside world, see the people like the Madam in the story, everything can be same as usual, just do what you can. Love yourself , Love all our COPD friends! Hug all our COPD friends! Pray for all our COPD friends!

Email: service@oxygencare.cn Tel: 400 6677 247/075523733851

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Toll free: 400-6677-247

Tel:86-0755-23733851

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Lovego weekly report-How can COPD interrupt our sleep?

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How can COPD interrupt our sleep?

Everyone needs a good sleep to get more energy for the next-day works, activities ext. It is even more important for the people living with COPD. However, many people who living with COPD have problems on it, such as sleeplessness, difficulty falling asleep, wake up in the mid-night, difficult to sleep again after waking up and the sleeping time is shorter or the insomnia-middle. The COPD condition limits their ability much to sleep. Like the low oxygen levels, sleep apnea, the medications, the cough, ect.

Low oxygen levels: when you suffer the COPD, you may or may not know if you have a low oxygen level when you sleep. But the It effects your brain and other organs much. Pls make sure to let your doctor know if you’re having trouble sleeping, and you may be referred for a sleep evaluation.

Sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea is a common disorder that causes you to stop breathing while you sleep—for a few seconds to a minute or longer— at least 3 nights a week. Sleep apnea can be treated.

MEDICATIONS: Some medications, when taken near bedtime, may make falling asleep more difficult. Ask your healthcare provider if any of your medications may have this effect.

COUGHING: If coughing wakes you up at night, make sure to talk to your doctor.

Anxiety and depression: These two makes big pressure on us, effect much on the spirit.

When you have above problems, to get the well communications with your doctor is important and necessary. Keeping a good sleep will be much helpful for the progress and treatment for the disease.

Email: service@oxygencare.cn Tel: 400 6677 247/075523733851

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Toll free: 400-6677-247

Tel:86-0755-23733851

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Lovego Weekly Report-Has anyone close to you pull away from you because of your copd ?

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Weekly report

Has anyone close to you pull away from you because of your copd ?

There is no doubt that this topic will have two answers, yes and no. And I think most people’s answer is No and haven’t had that happened. But if the answer is yes, it is sad on the one hand, on the other hand we shall know something why this happen.

We know, different people have different reactions for this kind disease. Some(including yourself) may become fear and don’t know how to do for the following, and they don’t know what will the outcome be. They may not handle the fact that losing you or the change of you.

When you and the people close to you are fear. Talking to others who have experienced the same can be a great educator and more importantly support. Fear of the unknown is hard on many. By learning and hearing from others that have walked in those shoes can be helpful. There are support groups as well.

If you have more advices and want to share with us, pls don’t hesitate to make your comments here.

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Email: service@oxygencare.cn Tel: 400 6677 247/075523733851

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Lovego Weekly report- How is COPD treated

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Weekly report

How Is COPD Treated?

COPD has no cure yet. However, lifestyle changes and treatments can help you feel better, stay more active, and slow the progress of the disease. The goals of COPD treatment include:

Relieving your symptoms

Slowing the progress of the disease

Improving your exercise tolerance (your ability to stay active)

Preventing and treating complications

Improving your overall health

To assist with your treatment, your family doctor may advise you to see a pulmonologist, a doctor who specializes in treating lung disorders.

Mainly, we can see the following treatment methods:

1.Lifestyle Changes

Just as we discussed last week, when you suffer from the COPD, both physical and mental pressure and challenges you have to face.The quiting smoking and other tips need to be followed.

2. Medicines

Like the Bronchodilators and Combination Bronchodilators Plus Inhaled Glucocorticosteroids (Steroids), these will relax the muscles around your airways. This helps open your airways and makes breathing easier.

3.Vaccines

Having COPD, you'll be easier to be infected and result in serious problems or worsen the syptoms. So the Flu Shots and Pneumococcal Vaccine will be on the regular ways for treatment.

4.Pulmonary Rehabilitation

This is a broad program that helps improve the well-being of people who have chronic (ongoing) breathing problems. Rehab may include an exercise program, disease management training, and nutritional and psychological counseling. The program's goal is to help you stay active and carry out your daily activities.

5. Oxygen Therapy

If you have severe COPD and low levels of oxygen in your blood, oxygen therapy can help you breathe better. For this treatment, you're given oxygen through nasal prongs or a mask.

6.Surgery

Surgery may benefit some people who have COPD. It usually is a last resort for people who have severe symptoms that have not improved from taking medicines. Surgeries for people who have COPD that's mainly related to emphysema include bullectomy (bul-EK-toe-me) and lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS)

7.Lung Transplant

During a lung transplant, your damaged lung is removed and replaced with a healthy lung from a deceased donor. A lung transplant can improve your lung function and quality of life. However, lung transplants have many risks, such as infections. The surgery can cause death if the body rejects the transplanted lung.

8.Managing Complications

COPD symptoms usually worsen slowly over time. However, they can worsen suddenly. For instance, a cold, the flu, or a lung infection may cause your symptoms to quickly worsen. You may have a much harder time catching your breath. You also may have chest tightness, morecoughing, changes in the color or amount of your sputum (spit), and a fever. Call your doctor right away if your symptoms worsen suddenly

Email: service@oxygencare.cn Tel: 400 6677 247/075523733851

Lovego Service

Toll free: 400-6677-247

Tel:86-0755-23733851

Add: Building B, LC Hi-tech Park, Longhua District, Shenzhen, China