Seek Medical Care for 6 Common Complications of COPD

What is COPD? 
First of all we should know about COPD, COPD is a serious lung disease that over the time makes hard to breathe. You may also have heard of the other names, like emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary (PULL-mun-ary) disease for COPD. People who have suffered from COPD, the airways—tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs—are partially blocked, which results in serious breathing issues and makes the person harder to get air in and out. 

Understanding COPD Symptoms
The classic symptoms of COPD are coughing, wheezing & shortness of breath and chest tightness. In addition to these symptoms, there are several potential complications for which you may need to seek the emergency care. Doctors can help you manage your COPD symptoms and any complications that may arise.
 
Depression
Shortness of breath may limit your activities causing you to feel sad and depressed. You should not ignore your feelings. Speak-up with your doctor – antidepressants and/or talk therapy may help you. Connect with people who are also suffering from COPD by joining a support group or pulmonary rehabilitation program, which may also help you. 

Osteoporosis
The use of steroids in the treatment of COPD may increase your risk for osteoporosis (weakening of bones). Both men and women are at risk from this condition and should seek a proper medical or urgent care. Doctors may order a bone scan to check your bone health, and they may prescribe medication and suggest taking calcium and vitamin D supplements to help keep your bones strong. Also, research has shown that weight-bearing exercises may boost your bones durability. 

Pneumonia
Speak with your doctor about receiving the pneumonia vaccine. This vaccine is suggested for some people – especially those who have been using steroids for a long period of time in the treatment of COPD. 

Right-Sided Heart Failure
Right-sided heart failure is a condition that causes the right side of your heart to become enlarged and not to pump properly requiring medical care. COPD may lead to this condition due to high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs caused by low oxygen levels in the blood. Chest discomfort and fainting spells are common symptoms which may be controlled with proper medication, supplemental oxygen, and/or with a low-salt diet

Shingles
COPD patients have a higher risk for shingles (a painful disease that is caused by the chickenpox virus) than other people. Consult your doctor regarding the one-time shingles vaccine which may help to prevent you from getting the disease or may help lessen its effects.

Sleeping Problems
COPD may make your sleep difficult. Using a bronchodilator may cause sleep problems as most of them are stimulants. Coughing and low oxygen levels are common in people with severe COPD and may cause trouble getting to sleep and/or staying asleep. You may benefit from consulting a good doctor to avoid such type of disorders by taking a proper medical care. Good sleeping habits such as avoiding caffeine before bedtime, waking up early and going to bed at the same time daily, not to read or watching TV during bedtime and keeping the bedroom cool, dark, and comfortable may also helps in maintaining your good health.

If you feel any symptoms of COPD and want to diagnose properly, just call (281)542-3998 for 24 hour emergency care in Houston TX and take a good advice and the appropriate cure. The experts at AOK Emergency Room are available 24/7, 365 days a year to provide the best medical facilities they have.