Everything Seniors Should Know About COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) is a common disease affecting people worldwide. This inflammatory disease limits airflow to the lungs and can prove fatal if left untreated. The two most common forms of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema refers to the destruction of the air sacs at the end of the airways in the lungs, and chronic bronchitis refers to a chronic cough due to increased phlegm production.  Risk Factors According to researchers, 11% to 18% of adults over the age of 65 are living with COPD. The risk factors for COPD include Family History People with an immediate family history of COPD are more likely to develop the disease. Exposure to Irritants Exposure to airborne irritants like air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust can increase the risk of developing COPD. Respiratory Infections Asthma, tuberculosis, and other respiratory infections are associated with an increased risk of COPD. Genetic Factors A rare genetic condition causes low levels of a protein called 1-antitrypsin (AAt). This factor has been linked to an increased risk of COPD. Sex Women are more likely to develop COPD than men. Age People over 65 are at an increased risk of developing COPD. Given its increased likelihood of occurrence in older people, it is crucial to be aware of conditions like COPD and take adequate steps to protect oneself against it. Here's everything seniors need to know about COPD: Causes It is common for seniors to have stable symptoms for long periods. However, some common triggers can cause flare-ups and inflammation. Some potential triggers include COPD include, Inhaling Fumes and Dust Exposure to certain types of dust and chemicals like cadmium, grain and flour dust, silica dust, welding fumes, isocyanates, and coal dust can damage the lungs and increase the risk of contracting COPD. Air Pollution Exposure to air pollution over an extended period can increase one's risk of COPD. Genetics Around 1 in 100 people have a genetic predisposition to develop COPD, called alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. AAt is a substance that protects the lungs; without it, the lungs are more susceptible to damage. Those with an AAt deficiency generally develop COPD at a younger age.  Diagnosis To diagnose COPD, doctors will ask to review one's signs and symptoms and discuss any exposure to lung irritants. Doctors may recommend the following tests to aid this process: Lung/Pulmonary Function Tests These tests measure the air one can inhale and exhale and whether the lungs deliver enough oxygen to the blood. Other tests like measuring lung volumes and diffusing capacity, a six-minute walk test, or pulse oximetry may also be recommended. Chest X-ray A chest X-ray can show any signs of emphysema and is crucial in ruling out other lung problems or heart failure. Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan CT scans are crucial for screening for emphysema and lung cancer. Arterial Blood Gas Analysis This test measures the lung's capacity to add oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide. Lab Tests Doctors may recommend lab tests to check for genetic predisposition (or AAt deficiency) to COPD. Symptoms and Complications While all diseases under the COPD umbrella have unique symptoms, some common overlapping symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, and increased breathlessness. Other symptoms in seniors include audible wheezing when breathing in, tightness in the chest, and a change in the color and consistency of the mucus. These symptoms are often associated with signs of aging, but it is essential to find the underlying causes. For example, those with COPD are more vulnerable to lung infections, so there is an increased chance of recurrence of flu or bronchitis. Among seniors, COPD can cause complications like Respiratory Infections People with COPD are more vulnerable to colds, the flu, and pneumonia. However, respiratory infections can make breathing more difficult and cause more lung tissue damage. Cardiac Issues COPD can increase the risk of heart disease, including heart attack. Lung Cancer People with COPD have a higher risk of developing lung cancer. High Blood Pressure COPD can lead to pulmonary hypertension or high blood pressure in the lung arteries. Prevention Mitigating the risk factors is crucial to preventing COPD. The following may help reduce the risk of COPD: Encourage seniors to stay current on annual flu vaccination and regular vaccination against pneumococcal pneumonia to reduce the risk of lung infections. People exposed to chemical fumes and dust in their workplace may consider talking to their supervisors about the best ways to protect themselves, such as using respiratory protective equipment. Treatment While there is no cure for COPD, treatments can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Some popular treatment options include Bronchodilators Bronchodilators are generally found as fast-acting inhalers and can help relax the muscles in the airways with breathing. For more severe cases of COPD, a combination of bronchodilators and steroid inhalers may be recommended by healthcare professionals. Inflammation-reducing steroids may also be instructed in the form of a pill. Seniors with severe symptoms may also opt to get their treatment through IV at the hospital. Oxygen Therapy Those lacking oxygen in their blood will need a supplemental source. While some people with COPD only use supplemental oxygen during certain activities like exercising or walking, others may need it all the time. Oxygen therapy can help seniors be more active around the house. Pulmonary Rehabilitation Doctors may share tools to improve breathing and relieve symptoms, including exercises, education, and nutritional advice, known as pulmonary rehabilitation. Lung Surgery People with emphysema may need to undergo lung surgery to remove parts of the lung that are severely damaged.  Many people with COPD are not diagnosed until they have lost over 50% of their lung function. This fact implies that many people, especially seniors, live with undiagnosed COPD. Given this disorder's severity and high fatality rates, seniors need to get tested for COPD as soon as the symptoms arise. Early detection can help people better manage the disease and improve their quality of life in the long run.