Could worsening air quality be triggering more COPD flare-ups?
Published On : 2024-11-20T15:19:15+0530 [ IST ] |
Author : Mayur_Tembhare
Reading Time : 2 mins
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD) refers to long-term lung disease with symptoms like persistent coughing wheezing breathlessness or tightness in the chest. COPD is linked to smoking but it is also related to exposure to toxic fumes
First, once a patient is diagnosed with COPD a primary treatment would be to eliminate the cause of the COPD. If the condition is due to smoking, quitting smoking is paramount. In cases where an individual's COPD is due to environmental causes this must also be addressed through means of using protective outfits or changing the surrounding environments in which they work or live
How poor air quality affects COPDHow poor air quality affects COPD
How poor air quality affects COPD?
The primary mode of air pollution contributing to flare-ups in cases of COPD is particulate matter PM2.5 (which refers to particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers). These fine particles easily enter the lungs, aggravate airway inflammation stimulate greater mucus production and exacerbate symptoms such as coughing shortness of breath and tightness in the chest.
Stop Ignoring The AQI Index: Long exposure to polluted air can increase your risk of heart attack.
The worsening air quality has a direct relationship with the decline of lung function of COPD patients. Studies in different regions have found that consistently patients with COPD exposed to high levels of air pollution experience faster deterioration in lung function compared to those in
Managing COPD flare upsManaging COPD flare upsTriggers that can cause flare-ups of the disease include respiratory infections weather changes and poor air quality. Anticipation of these factors can help in effective management of flare-ups.
How to manage COPD flare ups
Patients should also make sure to visit the health care provider regularly to maximize their treatment plan. This could mean increasing or adding medications as needed. A crucial aspect of COPD management includes an individualized action plan for flare-ups so the patient knows when to increase medication
Preventive measures for minimizing the impact of poor air qualityPreventive measures for minimizing the impact of poor air quality
Preventive measures for minimizing the impact of poor air quality
Apart from medicinal interventions, lifestyle adjustments and preventive measures can significantly reduce the implications of poor quality air for patients with COPD:
Avoid outdoor activities during twilight hours: Air quality is usually poor during twilight hours. It means that air quality at early morning and evening hours is not as good as it could be.Develop Good Indoor Air Quality: Ensure that homes and workplaces are sufficiently ventilated in order to minimize the concentration of polluting particles indoors.
Source : Reporters From Sunrise Chronicles
Tags : qualitystimulate greater mucus production , Sir , pollutionair pollution experience faster deterioration , First , If , It , Be , Patients , poordevelop good indoor air quality , Informed ,
Summary :
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD) refers to long-term lung disease with symptoms like persistent coughing wheezing breathlessness or tightness in the chest. COPD is linked to smoking but
