Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide. COPD can cause a range of symptoms, including shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue. However, with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, people with COPD can lead long and healthy lives.

In this blog, we'll dive into goal setting techniques for people with COPD to help them achieve optimal health outcomes. We will also discuss the value of setting goals and how to do this effectively. 

Quit Smoking

Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, and quitting smoking is the most important step in managing the disease. Smoking causes inflammation and damage to the lungs, leading to the development and progression of COPD. Quitting smoking can improve lung function, reduce symptoms, and decrease the risk of exacerbations. Setting a goal to quit smoking is the first step towards a healthier life.

Manage Symptoms

Managing symptoms is an essential part of COPD management. Shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue can interfere with daily activities and reduce quality of life. Setting goals to manage symptoms can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of exacerbations. This can include:

• Regular exercise to improve lung function and reduce breathlessness
• Using bronchodilators and other medications as prescribed by a doctor
• Practicing breathing techniques such as pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing
• Avoiding triggers such as air pollution, dust, and strong odors

Stay Active

Regular physical activity is essential for people with COPD. Exercise can improve lung function, reduce breathlessness, and increase energy levels. Setting goals to stay active can help people with COPD maintain their physical fitness and overall health.

• Walking or other low-impact exercisesParticipating in pulmonary rehabilitation programs
• Incorporating physical activity into daily routines
• Working with a healthcare provider to develop an exercise plan that's safe and effective

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Maintaining a healthy diet is important for people with COPD. Eating a balanced diet can help manage symptoms and improve overall health. Setting goals to maintain a healthy diet can include:

• Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
• Avoiding foods that are high in saturated and trans fats, salt, and sugar
• Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
• Working with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to develop a healthy eating plan

Manage Stress

Stress can exacerbate COPD symptoms and reduce quality of life. Setting goals to manage stress can improve overall health and well-being.

• Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing
• Identifying and avoiding stress triggers
• Seeking support from friends, family, or a healthcare provider
• Engaging in enjoyable activities such as hobbies or socializing
  

How to be an Effective Goal Setter 

Setting goals is an important part of managing COPD and achieving optimal health outcomes. Quitting smoking, managing symptoms, staying active, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing stress are all key objectives for people with COPD who want to lead long and healthy lives.

Working with healthcare providers, including physicians, respiratory therapists, and registered dietitians, can help individuals with COPD develop and achieve their health goals. By taking a proactive approach to COPD management, people can improve their quality of life and live well with this chronic condition.

Setting goals is an essential part of achieving success in any aspect of life. Whether you want to excel in your career, improve your health, or learn a new skill, setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals is crucial.

However, setting goals is only half the battle. The real challenge is in working towards them and attaining them. In this section of the blog, we will discuss some practical tips on how to successfully set goals and attain them.

Identify your motivation:
The first step towards setting and achieving your goals is to identify your motivation. What is it that drives you? What do you hope to achieve by accomplishing your goals? Whether it is financial freedom, better health, or personal growth, having a clear understanding of your motivation will help you stay focused and motivated towards your goals.

Set specific and measurable goals:
One of the most critical aspects of setting and attaining goals is to make them specific and measurable. Rather than setting a vague goal like "lose weight," set a specific goal like "lose 10 pounds in the next three months." This will give you a clear target to work towards, and you can measure your progress along the way.

Create a plan:
Once you have set your goals, the next step is to create a plan to achieve them. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps and create a timeline for each step. This will help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Track your progress:
Tracking your progress is essential to staying motivated and on track towards your goals. Use a journal or an app to record your progress and celebrate your accomplishments along the way. This will help you stay motivated and reinforce your commitment to your goals.

Stay accountable:
Accountability is a crucial aspect of setting and achieving goals. Share your goals with someone you trust and ask them to hold you accountable. This could be a friend, family member, or a coach. Having someone to answer to will help you stay committed to your goals.

Stay flexible:
While it is important to stay committed to your goals, it is also essential to stay flexible. Life can be unpredictable, and unexpected challenges may arise. If you encounter a setback, don't give up. Stay flexible and adjust your plan as needed. Remember, setbacks are a natural part of the process, and they can provide valuable learning opportunities.

Setting and attaining goals requires commitment, dedication, and hard work. By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success and achieve your goals. Remember to stay motivated, stay accountable, and stay flexible, and you will be on your way to accomplishing your dreams.

The Life Expectancy of People With COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes airflow limitation and breathing difficulties. COPD is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and it is estimated that over 300 million people suffer from the disease.

The life expectancy of people living with COPD varies depending on the stage of the disease, with more severe stages having a greater impact on life expectancy. In this blog post, we will explore the life expectancies for people living with different stages of COPD.

Stage 1 COPD (Mild)

At stage 1, COPD is typically asymptomatic, and lung function is only slightly impaired. People with stage 1 COPD may not even be aware that they have the disease. The life expectancy for people with stage 1 COPD is close to that of individuals without the disease. According to research, people with stage 1 COPD have a life expectancy of around 14 years.

Stage 2 COPD (Moderate)

At stage 2, COPD symptoms become more noticeable, and lung function is further impaired. People with stage 2 COPD may experience shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. The life expectancy for people with stage 2 COPD is lower than for those with stage 1 COPD. Studies suggest that people with stage 2 COPD have a life expectancy of around 12 years.

Stage 3 COPD (Severe)

At stage 3, COPD symptoms become more severe, and daily activities become increasingly difficult. People with stage 3 COPD may experience severe shortness of breath, frequent exacerbations, and difficulty sleeping. The life expectancy for people with stage 3 COPD is significantly lower than for those with earlier stages of the disease. Studies suggest that people with stage 3 COPD have a life expectancy of around 8 years.

Stage 4 COPD (Very Severe)

At stage 4, COPD symptoms are extremely severe, and quality of life is significantly impaired. People with stage 4 COPD may require supplemental oxygen and may experience frequent hospitalizations. The life expectancy for people with stage 4 COPD is significantly lower than for those with earlier stages of the disease. Studies suggest that people with stage 4 COPD have a life expectancy of around 5 years.

So the life expectancy for people living with COPD varies depending on the stage of the disease. People with milder stages of COPD have a life expectancy close to that of individuals without the disease. However, as the disease progresses and symptoms become more severe, life expectancy decreases. Early detection and management of COPD are essential to improving outcomes and increasing life expectancy for people living with the disease. It is essential to work closely with a healthcare professional to develop an effective treatment plan and improve quality of life for people with COPD.

Oxygen Therapy and Life Expectancy 

Oxygen therapy can significantly increase life expectancy for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by improving their oxygen saturation levels and reducing the strain on their heart and lungs.

Oxygen therapy involves providing supplemental oxygen through a medical device to ensure adequate oxygen levels in the bloodstream. The ARYA Airvito portable oxygen concentrator from LPT Medical is a useful treatment method for those with COPD as it provides a convenient and lightweight solution for patients who require oxygen therapy on the go. With its small size and long battery life, the ARYA Airvito can help COPD patients maintain their oxygen levels and improve their quality of life by allowing them to stay active and independent.

Conclusion 

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. People with COPD may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing, which can make it challenging to perform daily activities.
Setting goals can be an effective way for people with COPD to maintain their independence, improve their quality of life, and manage their symptoms. Goals may include exercising regularly, quitting smoking, managing stress, and managing symptoms.

However, life expectancy for people with COPD may be lower than those without the disease, particularly for those who have advanced stages of the disease or have other underlying health conditions. This can make it challenging to set long-term goals, and it may be necessary to adjust goals based on a person's current health status.

Despite the challenges, setting goals and working towards them can have significant benefits for people with COPD, including improved physical and mental health, increased self-esteem, and a greater sense of control over their condition. By working with healthcare professionals to set realistic goals and develop a plan for achieving them, people with COPD can improve their quality of life and live as independently as possible, regardless of their life expectancy.

If you are interested in owning your owning your own ARYA Airvito POC, you can call us at 1-888-416-3855 and talk to an experienced oxygen specialist about your options!

There’s nothing worse than waking up in the morning to symptoms like fatigue, stiffness, chest pain, or grogginess. However, this is a reality that many Americans face, especially those with pulmonary illnesses like COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and asthma.

According to Dispatch Health, fatigue is the second most common symptom of COPD behind dyspnea (shortness of breath). This study found that the amount of COPD patients with clinically significant fatigue is around 50%, in contrast to 10% in elderly people without COPD.

Although there are many factors that contribute to tiredness, fatigue, and grogginess in COPD patients, the most significant cause is decreased lung function. According to WebMD, it can take up to 10 times as much energy for someone with COPD to breathe as it does for their healthy counterparts.

As you can imagine, over time, this can become quite exhausting. Additionally, if labored breathing leads to reduced oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxemia), this can lead to further fatigue.

While we could sit here and rattle off all of the causes of fatigue in COPD patients, you’re probably a lot more interested in the solutions. That’s why, in this post, we’re going to be discussing some of the proven ways for COPD patients to improve their energy levels.

Whether you have mild, moderate, or severe COPD, these tips will help you take back control and start feeling more motivated in your daily life. As always, if you have any questions for us, please leave them in the comments below or speak with an oxygen concentrator representative.

Quit Smoking Immediately

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung disease in the world. A burning cigarette emits more the 7,000 chemicals, and when they enter the body, they quickly damage the air passages, air sacs (alveoli), and your lungs’ natural immune functions. 

Years of smoking almost inevitably leads to some of the most common lung diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and more. But lung damage is not the only thing that you have to worry about when you light up a cigarette. The way smoking affects the brain is of equal concern.

One of the most concerning chemicals found in cigarette smoke is nicotine. You probably know this as the chemical that makes cigarettes “addictive”. While this is true, it has far worse effects on the body than this. Like coffee, nicotine is a stimulant. Smoking a cigarette or two will give you a sort of “high” where you feel like you have a lot of energy and alertness. 

However, when the effects of nicotine begin to wear off, you’ll start to experience a crash and eventual withdrawals, causing you to start the whole process over again. Over time, this can mess with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle causing you to lose sleep at night.

Another way that smoking can lead to reduced energy levels in COPD patients is through the development of mood disorders. We talk about mental health a lot here at LPT Medical because, no matter how physically healthy you are, you can’t be happy if your mental health isn’t in check. 

Studies have found that, contrary to popular belief, cigarette smoking leads to increased anxiety, and smokers are more likely to develop depression and other mental illnesses than their non-smoking counterparts. According to Hopkins Medicine, about 75% of people with depression have trouble getting to sleep at night.

Manage Your Diet Carefully

If there’s one thing that everyone should be taught from a young age, it’s the importance of a healthy, well-balanced diet. While you can go through all of the foods you eat and pick out the “unhealthy” from the “healthy”, it makes more sense to think of what your individualized needs are and then tailor your diet to that. 

For example, COPD patients often have trouble maintaining their weight because they have a higher energy expenditure than healthy people due to their reduced lung function. This means that COPD patients oftentimes need to increase their protein intake. Loss of muscle mass (muscle atrophy) not only leads to fatigue but can also lead to osteoporosis and other bone disorders.  

Another thing you should do is replace simple carbohydrates in your diet (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) with complex carbohydrates (whole grains, vegetables, and fruits). The problem with simple carbs is that they are broken down and digested very quickly by the body. 

This leads to a quick spike in blood glucose and thus immediate energy. However, consuming simple carbs also means that you will experience a “crash” later on, which will leave you feeling exhausted and unmotivated. According to the Lung Institute, carbohydrates produce the most carbon dioxide in the body in relation to the amount of oxygen that’s used to break it down while fat produces the least. 

So eating too many carbs as a COPD patient can lead to increased breathlessness and fatigue.

One last modification you can do to your diet to have more energy throughout the day is to eat more frequently. While you’ve probably been told before that “snacking” is a bad thing, it can be incredibly beneficial if you do it the correct way. 

Many store-bought snacks like granola bars, candy bars, or yogurt are filled with sugar and other additives but if you create your own snacks, you can be sure that they’re healthy and won’t sap your energy. For example, a piece of fruit, some veggies, and hummus, or unsalted nuts will provide you with lots of energy to make it through the day. 

One of the best benefits of healthy snacking is that you won’t be so hungry once mealtime comes around, meaning you’ll eat less and won’t feel so bloated and exhausted afterward. 

Stay Hydrated

As a whole, the human body is around 60% water, the lungs are about 83% water, and the brain is 73% water. Water plays a pivotal role in some of the most basic functions of the body including circulation, digestion, and temperature regulation. And according to Healthline, being dehydrated can make you feel tired even when you’re fully rested. 

This is likely due to low blood pressure that results from having insufficient water intake. While there are many drinks you could consume to stay hydrated, water is always the best choice. The Lung Institute recommends that COPD patients drink between 64 to 96 ounces par day. 

In addition to drinking enough water, it’s important to avoid things like sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic beverages. Although sugar and caffeine are great for a quick pick-me-up, they are not a good long-term solution to your fatigue and sleepiness. 

Alcohol, on the other hand, is a central nervous system depressant that causes feelings of sleepiness and relaxation. Overconsumption of alcohol has been shown to delay the onset of sleep and many people even experience sleep disruptions or poor quality of sleep. 

Get Tested for Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamins and minerals play a vital role in the body’s function. They are considered “essential nutrients” because they have hundreds of functions from assisting in bone development to boosting your immune system. Unfortunately, many COPD patients are deficient in vitamin D which is responsible for regulating bone health and energy levels in the body.

Vitamin D assists mitochondria to use oxygen in the healthy function of muscles and various other parts of the body. In other words, when you are vitamin D deficient you’re at a higher risk for osteoporosis and low energy levels.

There are several reasons why COPD patients might be vitamin D deficient. Firstly, our primary source of vitamin D is the sun because our bodies naturally produce vitamin D when we’re exposed to sunlight. 

However, many COPD patients are not as active as they used to be before being diagnosed and may avoid going outside when it’s sunny because of the risk of respiratory exacerbation or heat exhaustion. Another reason COPD patients may be vitamin D deficient is their diet has changed. 

Fatty fish, egg yolks, and vitamin D fortified foods are some of the best sources of vitamin D. 

If you have reason to believe that you are vitamin D deficient, it’s best to consult with your doctor to discuss your symptoms. Typically, vitamin deficiencies are diagnosed through a type of blood test called 25-hydroxyvitamin D or 25(OH)D for short. Your vitamin D levels are measured in nanomoles/liter (nmol/L) or nanograms/milliliter (ng/mL):

• Deficient: under 30 nmol/L
• Potentially deficient: 30-50 nmol/L
• Normal: 50-125 nmol/L
• Higher than normal: over 125 nmol/L
  
  

Take Oxygen as It’s Prescribed

Supplemental oxygen is a type of medical therapy designed for people with impaired lung function. In the case of emphysema, the tiny air sacs in the lungs called alveoli become damaged and swollen. Since the alveoli are responsible for transferring oxygen to the blood and carbon dioxide back into the lungs, this disease results in low blood oxygen levels. 

Emphysema patients need to use oxygen as it was prescribed by their doctor in order to maintain the appropriate level of oxygen in their blood.

When someone with emphysema has low blood oxygen levels for an extended period of time, this can result in hypoxia or low oxygen levels in the body’s tissues. This can cause complications like headaches, confusion, fatigue, and even organ failure. 

On the other hand, increasing your oxygen intake to an amount higher than what your doctor prescribed can be equally harmful. Oxygen toxicity is what happens when you ingest too much oxygen. It can result in symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea.

One of the best ways to ensure that you have access to a reliable supply of oxygen wherever you go is to choose the right oxygen device. While oxygen tanks have been used by COPD patients for decades, they are not the best option for the majority of people. Portable oxygen concentrators tend to be a much better choice because they don’t need to be refilled like oxygen tanks do, and they’re also much lighter and smaller. 

What this means is that you won’t have to stop what you’re doing constantly to find a place to refill your oxygen device. Concentrators run on batteries, so you only have to carry what you need.  

One of the greatest features of newer portable oxygen concentrators like the ARYA Airvito, Inogen One G5 and Caire FreeStyle Comfort is their auto-adjusting flow rates.

If you’re using the device while you’re sleeping, the concentrator will adjust its oxygen output based on your breathing rate and breathing depth ensuring that you always get the optimal amount of oxygen. 

This will prevent you from receiving too little or too much oxygen while you sleep resulting in fewer interruptions and more restful sleep. And finally, if you’re taking oxygen as it was prescribed but you still feel out of breath or fatigued, be sure to consult your doctor before increasing your flow setting.  

Exercise Consistently

Exercise is important for everyone, regardless of their age and health condition. However, a healthy exercise routine looks different for everyone. For example, if you’re in early-stage COPD and your symptoms are very mild, you might want to try a high-intensity exercise routine. Conversely, if you’re in stage three or four COPD, you may need to resort to moderate exercise.

The important thing is that you’re consistent with your exercise routine and you don’t resort to long periods of sedentary behavior. This will keep your body’s circulation in check and ensure that you don’t overexercise.

According to WebMD, studies show that exercise is a great way to improve energy levels, even in people with chronic diseases that are associated with fatigue. By exercising, you’re improving your cardiovascular health and strengthening your lungs and muscles meaning your body, as a whole, will be more efficient and you won’t get exhausted from simple things like carrying the groceries or walking to the mailbox. 

Believe it or not, the stronger your muscles are, the less oxygen they need in order to function properly. If you want to start exercising but don’t know where to begin, ask your doctor about pulmonary rehabilitation. This is a course where you will learn the proper way to exercise with your disease.

Another way that consistent exercise boosts your energy is by helping you get restful sleep. If you feel restless and anxious when you go to bed, you’re not alone. According to SleepHealth.org, 70% of Americans report getting insufficient sleep at least once a month, and 11% report feeling this way every night. 

Sleep disorders are a major issue in the United States, especially amongst people with COPD and other chronic diseases. 

Conclusion

Studies have shown that fatigue is one of the most commonly reported symptoms of COPD. These patients spend a significant amount of energy just getting a full breath and alterations to their diet can leave them without the nutrients they need to feel alert and full of energy. 

If you or your loved one has COPD and is experiencing fatigue, restlessness, or sleepiness, try some of the tips above or consult your doctor who can help you get to the root cause of the issue. Most people are surprised to find that these symptoms can be treated naturally and without having to drastically change their daily routine.

In the meantime, if you’re in the market for an easy-to-use, reliable, and affordable oxygen generator, look no further than LPT Medical. We have a wide variety of units available including but not limited to stationary oxygen concentrators, continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators, and pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators. 

We also sell a range of different accessories to help you make the most of your new concentrator such as backpacks, extra battery packs, external charges, oxygen tubing, and much more. If you have any questions, just give us a call or email us and ask to speak with an oxygen concentrator specialist.