Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the diseases with the greatest financial burdens worldwide and within the United States. Studies have shown that the average annual COPD-related expenditure is around $4,147. And while 51% of these costs are covered by Medicare according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that still leaves roughly $2,000 a year that COPD patients need to spend out-of-pocket. Combine this with the cost of aging and limited retirement funds and it’s not hard to see why COPD is such a major financial burden for so many people.
{{cta('fa8abc2a-1e88-4fa3-82fd-1cb5b9ed43b2','justifycenter')}}
Without a doubt, the later stages of COPD pose the greatest burden for most people. It’s during end-stage COPD that you’re most likely to experience hospitalization due to exacerbation and you’re also more likely to be hospitalized for an extended period of time. Since symptoms tend to develop more quickly during this time, you’re also more likely to schedule more doctor’s appointments, use your medication more frequently, and seek out other treatment options for your disease.
In this post, we’re going to discuss end-stage COPD (also called late-stage or stage 4 COPD). We’ll take a closer look at what exactly this term means, what to expect, and how to prepare for this stage of COPD in order to mitigate some of the physical and financial challenges it poses. If you have any questions, either leave them in the comment section below or reach out to your doctor to schedule an appointment.
What is End-Stage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?
Since COPD is a long-term condition that progresses slowly, it’s generally divided into four different stages. These stages help healthcare specialists identify the symptoms of your disease, predict the prognosis of your disease, as well as your life expectancy. And because COPD manifests differently in every patient, that also means the stages are going to look different for everyone. While researchers have a good idea of the average life expectancy of someone with COPD, what ultimately matters is your own health. In this way, it’s often better to think of COPD as a sort of “catalyst” for other health issues.
The best way to know that you’re approaching late-stage COPD is based on your symptoms. Someone with end-stage COPD will likely experience similar symptoms that they’ve experienced for many years such as coughing, breathlessness, fatigue, or chronic pain. In end-stage, however, these symptoms become significantly more debilitating to the point where they may need to rely on caretakers, friends, or loved ones to take care of them. They’ll also experience more frequent trips to the hospital due to flare-ups and exacerbations.
The term “end-stage” is controversial in many ways because it can imply that the patient doesn’t have much time left to live, but this isn’t always the case. Even when it’s evident that symptoms are increasing in frequency and severity, that doesn’t mean that won’t outlive them and go on to live many more years. However, using this term can be helpful when it comes to planning and the approach that you use to treat your disease. For example, some people prefer to switch to palliative care which is a type of specialized medical care that’s focused on optimizing a patient’s quality of life and ease discomfort.
How to Recognize End-Stage COPD
As aforementioned, late-stage COPD looks different for everyone. This is why it’s important to maintain open lines of communication with your doctor who can provide you with detailed information about your disease prognosis as well as advice on how to plan. Generally speaking, however, you’ll be able to notice an increase in the frequency and severity of symptoms you’re experiencing. Take a look at some of the symptoms below and see if you notice any similarities to what you’re experiencing.
- You experience heavy coughing or wheezing throughout the day
- You experience shortness of breath even while at rest
- You lack the energy or will to maintain your diet
- You’re becoming more reliant on friends and family for simple tasks
- You experience dizziness, confusion, or trouble sleeping
- You experience more frequent or severe exacerbations that lead to hospitalization
Another way to recognize end-stage COPD is by performing a spirometry test. A spirometer is a simple device used to derive two different results: Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC). Combined, these results will tell you how well your lungs are functioning, and if you have spirometry results already, you and your doctor will be able to compare them to determine how quickly your lungs are deteriorating. FEV1 refers to the total amount of air you can force from your lungs in one second and FVC refers to the total amount of air you can expel from the lungs in one breath.
From a diagnostic perspective, stage four COPD is recognized as an FEV1/FVC ratio of less than 70% or an FEV1 less than 30%. Even if your FEV1 is above 30%, however, your doctor may classify you as stage four severe COPD if you have chronic respiratory failure. Several other tests your doctor may use to diagnose stage four COPD include lung volume tests, gas diffusion tests which measure how well oxygen moves from the lungs to the bloodstream, and exercise tests.
How to Ease End-Stage COPD Symptoms
All-in-all, your treatment plan for end-stage COPD shouldn’t look all that different from your treatment plan for any other stage of COPD, but you may need to make adjustments based on your physical, mental, and emotional abilities. What’s more, there are several additional strategies you can add to your routine that can ease some of the pain and increase your comfort.
Supplemental Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen therapy is likely the most consistent treatment you’ve used since being diagnosed with COPD. Since COPD leads to progressive lung obstruction, one of the best ways to remedy this is by helping your lungs out and providing them with a higher concentration of oxygen. By doing so, your body will have the resources it needs in order to stay healthy. Unfortunately, many COPD patients use oxygen incorrectly or they use an oxygen device that doesn’t suit their needs and lifestyle.
{{cta('b59df0c1-c4de-47a8-8e1c-0d33d4b414aa','justifycenter')}}
When it comes to oxygen delivery devices, there are several options available to you. Oxygen tanks have been around the longest, followed by liquid oxygen tanks, home oxygen concentrators, and portable oxygen concentrators. While each of these can provide you with the oxygen you need, portable oxygen concentrators tend to offer the most comfort and convenience in end-stage COPD. There are many reasons for this, but above all, they don’t need to be refilled.
Rather than containing compressed oxygen like oxygen tanks do, portable oxygen concentrators run off of powerful lithium-ion batteries which allows you more freedom to move around on your own time. Instead of having to call an oxygen company to deliver full tanks to you, simply plug your POC into any wall outlet and you’ll be able to recharge your batteries. You’ll even be able to use the device while it’s charging.
There are several different types of POCs you can choose from depending on your wants and needs. Pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort or Inogen One G5 closely monitor your breathing and only deliver oxygen when you inhale. These devices are incredibly efficient, lightweight, and small. On the other hand, you could opt for a continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator like the Respironics SimplyGo which provides the user with a constant stream of oxygen. These machines tend to be slightly bigger and bulkier than their counterparts.
Nutritional Counseling
Like we mentioned before, malnutrition is a significant problem that many stage-four COPD patients face. Symptoms like breathlessness and chronic fatigue can lead to a situation where patients simply don’t have the energy to eat or they don’t get the same satisfaction from it that they used to. Conversely, it could lead to someone choosing foods that are convenient and provide a quick energy boost. Unfortunately, these foods tend to also be filled with sugar and other problematic ingredients that don’t provide your body with the nutrients it needs.
If either of these situations sounds like you, it might be a good idea to consider nutritional counseling. This is a type of therapy that’s focused solely on your eating habits and it attempts to break down any barriers you might be facing that are preventing you from sticking with the diet that your doctor has provided for you. Contrary to popular belief, nutritional counseling isn’t just for people facing weight issues, it’s also extremely beneficial for people with chronic illnesses like COPD who struggle to get the nutrients they need. It’s also useful for anyone who believes that they have “unhealthy” or “unproductive” eating habits.
Complementary Therapies
Complementary therapies are any therapy that can help you ease the burdens associated with late-stage COPD. As you can imagine, this varies greatly depending on the patient because everyone faces different issues with their disease. For some, this might mean attending cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) sessions in order to prevent anxiety or depression, for others it could mean speaking with a spiritual or religious leader who can help you settle any concerns or fears about living out the later stages of your life.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psycho-social intervention that’s focused on correcting negative or inaccurate thought processes or actions. It’s a type of therapy that’s become very popular among older adults, especially those with chronic conditions, who want to seek more fulfillment in their daily lives. CBT takes place over the course of several weeks, months, or however long it takes for the patient to feel comfortable on their own.
Another type of therapy you might want to consider when it comes time to plan for end-stage COPD is massage therapy. Studies have shown that anxiety can cause a lot of tension to form in our bodies and this tension can lead to more anxiety. Massage therapy is a great way to break this tension causing us to feel better both physically and mentally. According to this medical report, there are two reasons massage therapy is beneficial for COPD patients. Firstly, it causes hyperemia which is the increase of blood flow to different tissues. Secondly, it activates the lymphatic system which is responsible for draining your body of toxins.
A Revised Pulmonary Rehabilitation Routine
Most people are well-aware that with aging comes problems with mobility, endurance, and strength. It’s a natural part of life that we lose a lot of our physical abilities as we get older, but that doesn’t mean you can’t continue to do pulmonary rehabilitation. It simply means that you will need to find new ways to do it. Some people find that the best option for them is to switch to exercises that involve sitting as well as ones that don’t require them to leave the house or meet up with other people.
The important thing to remember is that any form of exercise will benefit your lung health, not just exercises that work your lungs specifically. In many cases, this mindset can even be counterproductive in late-stage COPD because most people don’t have the lung capacity to perform any strenuous endurance exercise that gets your heart rate up. Rather, targeting specific muscle groups in your body will improve your strength and circulation, thus easing some of the burden on your lungs. Studies have shown that muscle requires less oxygen to use and it produces less carbon dioxide as waste, ultimately resulting in less air that your lungs need to take in.
The thing that we would like to stress, like we’ve done many times before, is the importance of consistency when it comes to your pulmonary rehabilitation. Just like maintaining a healthy diet, your exercise routine will be more effective if you are able to do it everyday without letting yourself fall back on your goals. Ideally, you should have someone like a friend or family member who can hold you accountable at least until you are able to do so for yourself.
Address Your Concerns With Your Doctor
Just like with any other stage of COPD, you’re going to want to work closely with your doctor in end-stage COPD. This is because you’ll want to make sure that your goals are in line with or at least not counterproductive towards your treatment goals. Like we mentioned earlier, end-stage COPD should be all about improving your comfort and reducing chronic pain. But this doesn’t mean that you should completely ignore the treatment plan that you’ve followed throughout your whole life with COPD.
Another reason to consult your doctor is because he/she will likely have some helpful resources for you in regards to finding other health specialists such as nutritionists or mental health experts. This will not only save you a lot of time but it will set you off on the right path. You should also make it a priority to visit your doctor more frequently so that you can make healthy choices that fall in line with your COPD treatment plan.
Conclusion
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an ailment that develops and progresses over the course of many years — sometimes even decades. This is why it’s important to always be adaptive when it comes to your treatment plan and lifestyle. While during stage one COPD, you were likely very active and took the time to travel as much as possible, stage four COPD treatment should focus more on improving your comfort and ensuring your psychological, physical, and even spiritual needs are met.
{{cta('43b79c5e-6bd6-4f02-ac27-2d038d20c146','justifycenter')}}
While you should take the initiative to do these things for yourself, it’s also important to consult your doctor to make sure you don’t leave out any aspect of your treatment plan in the process. Even in end-stage COPD, you’ll need to keep up with your oxygen therapy, dietary plan, pulmonary rehabilitation, and avoid environmental triggers such as pollution or airborne allergens.
If you are ill with a chronic lung disease, you have likely experienced hypoxemia or hypoxia or both, these conditions limit the amount of oxygen your body is able to generate and so it greatly impacts your health. Breathlessness, fatigue, and insomnia are three of the prime symptoms associated with hypoxemia and hypoxia but all of the symptoms can be mitigated and managed with the help of supplemental oxygen therapy.
Not everyone who experiences hypoxia or hypoxia requires supplemental oxygen there are a series of tests that will inform your doctor of the serenity of your condition, and whether or not you require oxygen in order to treat your disease.
{{cta('fa8abc2a-1e88-4fa3-82fd-1cb5b9ed43b2','justifycenter')}}
Everyone is different and everyone's disease can impact their health in different ways, therefore as a respiratory patient it is important to understand your disease to the best of your ability so you are able to treat it to the best of your ability.
While reading this article, bear in mind that everyone is different, and some things in this blog may apply to you while other aspects of your disease do not. Talk with you pulmonary health specialist, whether that is your doctor or pulmonary rehabilitation health care team to understand your disease better.
In this blog we are focusing on the contrast between hypoxia and hypoxemia and how these conditions can be treated with the help of oxygen therapy.
Oxygen therapy
There are many ways people utilize oxygen therapy. LPT Medical highly recommends some kind of portable oxygen concentrator for oxygen patients who are medically qualified for one. These devices are lightweight and run on batteries, meaning you can bring them anywhere (even on an airplane) and they will never have to be refilled.
If you are interested in the oxygen devices LPT Medical offers, call 1(800)-946-1201 to speak with a respiratory specialist. They will ask you a series of questions about your health and lifestyle in order to narrow down your options to buy a portable oxygen concentrator.
You can also take a look at these 3 other blogs that go into detail about some of LPT Medical’s best selling portable oxygen concentrators.
Comparing the Three Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators of 2021
7 Reasons to Replace Your Liquid Oxygen Tank with a Caire FreeStyle Comfort
Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators and You: A Match Made in Breathlessness
Having an oxygen device that you enjoy using makes life so much easier, and spending the money upfront actually saves you money in the long run, so portable oxygen concentrators are the way to go if you are on a budget.
COPD Treatments
COPD treatment consists of lifestyle changes, medication, and oxygen therapy if needed. Not every COPD patient needs long term oxygen therapy (LTOT), but if you and your doctor decide it is time to take that course of action, LTOT is a beneficial treatment that can enhance the quality of life and even add years to your life.
Hypoxemia vs. Hypoxia
Hypoxemia and hypoxia do not always coexist.
Hypoxemia
Typically, patients with hypoxemia have blood oxygen levels at or lower than 92% which is a decrease in partial pressure of oxygen blood vessels, oxygen therapy is typically a go to treatment for hypoxemia.
Many people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have hypoxemia. If you do, supplemental oxygen treatment can improve your well-being; alternatively, in some, this can lead to hypercapnia, which is the adverse effect of elevating the carbon dioxide content in the blood to toxic levels.
This is why it is important to only take oxygen when directed to by your doctor. Too much oxygen or taking supplemental oxygen when you do not need it is toxic for your system.
The adverse effect of oxygen on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is to cause increased carbon dioxide retention.
Carbon dioxide retention can look like:
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- In severe cases lack of respiration, which may lead to death
Hypoxia
Hypoxia means you have reduced levels of tissue oxygenation. Hypoxia can be attributed to a defective delivery of oxygen or your tissues are defective in utilizing oxygen, either way this condition will affect individuals differently based on the condition’s cause and severity.
Generally, symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- increased heart rate
- Headache
- bluish color in the skin, lips, or fingernails (called cyanosis)
Severe cases might even cause:
- Fainting
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Difficulty speaking
- Temporary memory loss
- Difficulty moving
- Coma
Chronic or less severe cases of hypoxia can cause general fatigue and shortness of breath, especially after physical activity.
Causes of hypoxia could be Asthma attacks and lung diseases. Both of these conditions restrict your oxygen supply thereby causing hypoxia directly.
Heart diseases can also impair your cardiac output, and decrease the blood flow to and from your organs, this is ineffective oxygen transport that causes hypoxia.
Since coronavirus (COVID-19) has emerged, this sickness has also been known to cause hypoxia.
Many people experience hypoxia when there is low oxygen concentration in the surrounding air for example at high altitudes. This is especially true for individuals with pre-existing risk factors like COPD or asthma.
Testing for Low Oxygen Levels
To test for Hypoxemia and Hypoxia, doctors will first give you a physical exam to evaluate your heart and lungs. If they recognize signs of hypoxia or hypoxemia, they can confirm these signs with other tests.
If they see signs, they will try tests like pulse oximetry which is a non-invasive test used for measuring oxygen saturation or the percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen in your blood.
You can also use a pulse oximeter monitor in your everyday management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to check up on your pulmonary function, or how well your lungs are working.
An arterial blood gas test is a blood sample test used to measure the partial pressure of oxygen, oxygen saturation, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide, and blood pH levels within your blood. This means the test is looking at the levels of oxygen in your blood, and whether or not they are healthy.
{{cta('43b79c5e-6bd6-4f02-ac27-2d038d20c146','justifycenter')}}
After all of this, your doctor may order other tests like an MRI, CT scan, echocardiogram, or electroencephalogram (EEG) in order to ensure your diagnosis, and to understand its severity. These tests will also determine the course of action your doctor will recommend you to take and any prescription medication ro oxygen therapy you may need.
Once you have been tested and it is confirmed that you are experiencing Hypoxemia and Hypoxia, either due to a chronic condition or an environmental aliment, you may require the utilization of oxygen therapy. If you have a chronic illness, you may need long term oxygen therapy.
How Does Supplemental Oxygen Help Hypoxemia and Hypoxia
Supplemental oxygen therapy improves your lungs and oragn’s ability to function, thereby reducing your symptoms, improving your well being, and even adding years to your life.
Supplemental oxygen therapy can help treat hypomania and hypoxia in many ways…
Treating Shortness of Breath
First and foremost, oxygen therapy helps you to be less short of breath, breathlessness is one of the most prevalent symptoms of lung disease, and one of the most notably uncomfortable symptoms. Relieving breathlessness can open up a lot of doors for oxygen patients to become more active and to have more energy.
Everyday activities become easier, and with the help of a lightweight portable oxygen device you can find the will to exercise which is very important to do if you have a respiratory illness.
Treating Fatigue
With the help of oxygen therapy, you will feel less fatigued because oxygen will be circulating your bloodstream and rejuvenating your organs. Once your oxygen levels are back to a normal rate, your mind and body will both feel more energized.
Treating Insomnia
People with lung disease often have a hard time sleeping. This is because of the lack of oxygen your body is receiving from your lungs with every breath if you have hypoxemia or hypoxia.
Everyone for the most part, has trouble sleeping if there is a lack of oxygen, for example, people will have trouble sleeping at higher altitudes, where there is less oxygen in the air to begin with. When you spend the night at higher altitudes than you are accustomed to, for instance in Denver, Colorado, every lungful of air you take provides fewer oxygen molecules to your body.
Lack of oxygen for long periods of time can induce insomnia, so visiting high altitude areas, or having a lung disease that impairs your bodies ability to process and use oxygen increases the risk of experiencing headaches, fatigue, digestive issues and nausea.
The lack of oxygen initiates unstable breathing patterns while you sleep, so your body works overtime to try and restore normal oxygen levels. Rather than sleeping through the night, your body will go through periods of breathing, not breathing, waking up, and dozing off, and overall you do not get good rest.
Oxygen therapy gives your body the oxygen you need so that your system does not have to struggle to oxygenate your blood and organs. Even if you do not require oxygen therapy at night while you sleep, using supplemental oxygen during the day stabilizes your oxygen levels, so when you do go to sleep you will not suffer from lack of oxygen induced insomnia.
If you do need oxygen while you sleep, it is important to have portable oxygen concentrators that can cover your oxygen requirements at night. For instance, the Respironics SimplyGo portable oxygen concentrator is CPAP/BiPAP compatible and it is equipped with both pulse flow and continuous flow oxygen delivery modes to cover you 24/7. It offers pulse flow settings 1-6 and continuous flow settings 0.5-2.0 LPM.
To learn more about this device, and the others that could help you get to sleep and stay asleep, call 1(800)-946-1201 to speak with a respiratory specialist at LPT Medical.
Overview
Oxygen is life, and not getting the oxygen you need is debilitating. Taking care of yourself means adjusting to a proper oxygen therapy regime and adhering to your treatment.
Chronic illnesses, such as COPD, are not curable, but they can be treated, and you can live a healthy and long life with these conditions.
That being said, feeling the effects of hypoxemia and hypoxia will be very uncomfortable and addressing these conditions is crucial for your wellbeing. You can address the symptoms of breathlessness, fatigue, and insomnia by utilizing your oxygen therapy.
If you are not happy with your oxygen therapy method, there are ways to make oxygen therapy more comfortable and suitable for your lifestyle. You can start by understanding your options when it comes to oxygen therapy methods, there are three different oxygen devices and depending on your oxygen prescription you can fit the requirements laid out by one or all three of these devices.
People with a high oxygen output prescriptions normally need to use an oxygen tank or a home oxygen concentrator because these devices can emit a lot of oxygen at one time, that being said there are downsides to these devices, and if you do not have to use one, there are better more mobile devices available today.
Overall it is important that you do not wait to address symptoms associated with hypoxemia or hypoxia, and that you get tested right away, because it is possible that you are experiencing signs of a chronic illness like COPD. If this is the case, treating the disease in a timely manner can be the difference between experience very severe symptoms and managing your symptoms before they get worse.
Many people assume that the longer they live, the less capable they are of improving various aspects of their lives. For example, some people take for granted that you can’t learn a musical instrument as an adult. These people are often told throughout their lives by their parents or friends that if you want to learn something complex, you have to start when you’re younger. It’s also assumed that you’ll stop progressing very early on in your life.
Fortunately, this is not always the case. While studies have shown that children are able to learn more easily due to an undeveloped prefrontal cortex, this does not mean that adults can’t become well-versed in a particular skill. And more importantly, this doesn’t mean that there is no reason for learning something even if you’re faced with the reality that you will never reach your full potential.
{{cta('b59df0c1-c4de-47a8-8e1c-0d33d4b414aa','justifycenter')}}
Being diagnosed with COPD is similar to the situation discussed above. Many people diagnosed with COPD are immediately hit with a sense of inferiority. They begin to think that they’re no longer capable of things that they previously were. And for some people, this can even lead to a self-defeating attitude that can be very counterproductive when it comes to your health and happiness. In this post, we’re going to take a look at seven different things that you should never stop pursuing, even after being diagnosed with COPD.
Your Relationships
If you’re like most people, your relationships play a key role in your well-being and happiness. Despite how busy your day gets, you probably ensure that you put enough time aside to spend with your family and friends. Studies have shown that, not only do healthy relationships increase our perceived level of happiness, but they also have real clinical effects that can affect us both psychologically and physically. Furthermore, this study states that these relationships may be especially important in treating COPD due to the high levels of anxiety and depression among this demographic.
Family relationships primarily have an effect on the onset and course of depression. In other words, positive interactions with your loved ones may cause depression to develop more slowly and ease some of the burden when you have depression. This study also found that people who are dissatisfied with their marriage are about three times more likely to experience an episode of depression over the course of a year than people who are satisfied with their marriages. Finally, people who experience “perceived criticism” from family members are more likely to experience a release of depressive symptoms.
You’ll be happy to know that this isn’t the only study that confirms these findings. Depression has been studied in many other chronic conditions and relationships consistently rank among the most important determining factors. According to this study of lung cancer patients, people who were married had a greater survival rate than those who were not. It also found that people with the most severe symptoms had smaller social networks and were more likely to experience comorbid conditions like traumatic stress, anxiety, in addition to physical symptoms.
So now that we’ve established that your relationships play an important role in helping you manage COPD, you’re likely wondering how you can actually improve your relationships. Many people believe that they have good relationships already, so there’s no point in worrying about it. However, even if you already have positive relationships, there’s a good chance that you can take steps to improve them.
According to the University of Delaware, the first step in improving relationships with family members is to become a better listener. Rather than being quick to react to what someone is saying, take the time needed to fully understand what they’re saying and focus your attention equally on how they’re feeling as much as what they’re saying. It also helps to eliminate as many distractions as possible such as your cell phone, the TV, or anything else that could take your attention away from the conversation.
Another aspect of building good relationships is to make time for people. In this day and age, it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to make time for friends and loved ones because there are so many things to schedule around. This is no different for COPD patients because your day is likely full of pulmonary rehab, doctor’s visits, and you might even work a part-time or full-time job.
Your Hobbies and Pastimes
Hobbies and pastimes may not seem like something you should be focusing your attention on. But the truth is, the older you get and the more COPD symptoms progress, the more important your pastimes become. This is because even as your respiratory symptoms progress, you’ll still be able to improve at hobbies like playing music, card games, puzzles, and more. All of which will keep your mind occupied, improve your mood, and help prevent issues like anxiety and depression.
According to the Lung Institute, hiking, reading, and puzzles are three of the best hobbies you can have as a COPD patient. Hiking is one of the best ways to get out and enjoy the great outdoors without doing anything too strenuous. However, there are several important considerations you should make before going on a hike. Extreme weather, either hot or cold, can exacerbate your COPD symptoms. As such, it’s important to check the weather beforehand and make sure it’s comfortable enough for a hike. Read through this post to learn about preventing heat-related COPD symptoms. Another factor you should consider is outdoor air quality. Visit AirNow.gov and type in your ZIP code or city to check the air quality in your area.
Reading is the second hobby that the Lung Institute recommends. Reading is unlike any other hobby in that it allows you to learn about any topic you want without ever leaving the comfort of your living room. Whether you’re into historical books, fantasy, or educational books, there is something out there for everyone. What’s more, reading content is more accessible than it ever has been before. You can read books directly off your phone, computer, or tablet, order them online which is far more affordable than you might expect.
If reading isn’t exactly your thing, there are always puzzles or games. Jigsaw puzzles are a great way to occupy your time and they can even be used as a socializing tool or teambuilding exercise if you want to spend more time with friends and family. If you’d like to expand your vocabulary, crossword puzzles might be something to consider. Or if interested in working with numbers, give Sudoku a try. You can either print them off, find them in magazines, or install an application on your smartphone or tablet.
Your Exercise Routine
According to Everyday Health, moderate exercise makes it easier for COPD patients to breathe by strengthening respiratory muscles and helping the body use oxygen more efficiently. In many ways, however, this can be a vicious circle because many COPD patients find themselves unable to exercise in the first place. This can lead them to outright stop trying to implement an effective exercise routine into their lives.
The solution to this is to speak with your doctor about joining a pulmonary rehabilitation program. During this program, you will not only learn how to exercise correctly with COPD, but you will also learn what causes flare-ups and exacerbations so that you can avoid them in the future. Many COPD patients do not know very much about their condition or even what it is when they’re first diagnosed, so pulmonary rehab is one of the most effective ways to learn about it and address any concerns you may have.
{{cta('fa8abc2a-1e88-4fa3-82fd-1cb5b9ed43b2','justifycenter')}}
Generally speaking, your exercise routine is something that you can always improve on. Whether you just started pulmonary rehab or you’ve been exercising on your own, it can be extremely beneficial to try new exercises. If you see improvements in your symptoms, you can make gradual adjustments to your exercise routine, however, if not you can try something else. If you’re in need of guidance be sure to consult your doctor.
Your Diet
Many people would argue that your diet is equally important, if not more important than your exercise routine. The food you eat is inextricably linked to your lung, heart, and circulatory health because the nutrients you gain from your food can benefit (or harm) your overall health. While you might believe that you already maintain a healthy diet, when it comes to coping with a chronic condition like COPD, it’s more about maintaining the right diet for your needs. For example, if you’re someone who’s underweight because of your COPD, you will need to consume more calories and more protein to get back up to a healthy weight.
Your Sleep Schedule
Sleep is vital for anyone’s health, but especially so for people with COPD and other chronic respiratory ailments. While COPD doesn’t cause sleep disorders or vise versa, they often occur simultaneously in a condition called COPD-OSA overlap syndrome. People may live their whole lives with this condition without realizing it and it can lead to loss of sleep, chronic daytime fatigue, and even increase your risk for conditions such as high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
Aside from getting more sleep, you should take the opportunity to take a sleep test (polysomnography). These tests are done by trained professionals who will monitor your brain activity, breathing rate, and heart rate as you sleep. This information can be used to determine a number of things such as if a sleep disorder is present. It can even help your doctor understand how your COPD is affecting your sleep at night so that you know whether to increase or decrease your oxygen supply while you sleep.
Your Mental Health
While we’ve already mentioned two things you can do to improve your mental health including improving your relationships and spending time with your favorite hobbies, there are many other things you can do as well. Mental health issues look different for everyone. Some people experience regular anxiety or depression whereas others experience it off and on, like with a change of seasons. Others have had anxiety so long that they may not even realize they have it.
One of the best ways to combat mental health issues if you have COPD is to attend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This is a type of intervention that’s designed to pinpoint where your negative or unconstructive thoughts are coming from and take steps to change them. CBT is used by people of all ages and with a variety of different mental or physical conditions. It’s becoming increasingly popular among COPD patients because the idea of seeking help for mental health conditions is becoming de-stigmatized.
Your Goals and Aspirations
Last but certainly not least, your goals and aspirations should never stop changing and improving even after you’re diagnosed with COPD. Far too many people believe that being diagnosed with a chronic condition means letting go of your dreams or goals, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. While COPD should be taken seriously, it’s not a doomsday scenario like many people make it out to be. In fact, people who follow a strict treatment plan often see significant improvements to both their symptoms and their life expectancy.
If you want to stick with your short- and long-term goals, it’s always best to write them down. According to Forbes, there are two reasons why this is the case: external storage and encoding. External storage simply means that you will have a physical reminder of what your goals are. You can post sticky notes around your home or around the office to remind yourself to stay on track for what you’re trying to accomplish. The other aspect of this, encoding, refers to your brain's biological ability to remember things better when they’re written down. Studies have shown that note takers are able to retain about 23% more information than those who do not take notes.
Conclusion
COPD is one of the leading lung conditions in the world and it’s even one of the leading morbidities in general. While COPD can lead to debilitating symptoms like a chronic cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath, this condition is unique in that it develops over the course of many years. This means that it’s very possible to live a long and happy life after being diagnosed with COPD.
{{cta('43b79c5e-6bd6-4f02-ac27-2d038d20c146','justifycenter')}}
One of the most important aspects of happiness is being able to always learn and improve at things that are important to you. In this post, we highlighted seven things you should be focusing on. If you can think of anything else, however, be sure to create your own list and make reminders so that you remember you’re never too old to pursue things that are important to you.
If you’re interested in reading more articles about living a rewarding life with COPD, supplemental oxygen therapy, smoking cessation, or holistic health, be sure to bookmark our blog page. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below or reach out to us by phone or email.
Happiness, an emotional state of being that humans are innately attracted to. Happiness overall embodies positivity and satisfaction, yet it is a subjective well-being that makes an individual truly happy. This means that everyone's happiness is rooted in something unique to them, and their journey through life is fueled by their own desires, and while society can inflict its bias on everyone and sway people into believing there is only one way to be happy, in reality happiness is limitless.
But how can you be happy if you are suffering? If you have COPD, it is fair to say that you are spending a lot of time in discomfort and even in pain, both physical and emotional, so seeking out happiness throughout you COPD diagnosis can seem like a daunting and even impossible task.
In this blog, we look into your COPD symptoms and how you can ease some of these uncomfortable feelings associated with your disease. Beyond treating your disease there are a few ways that you can begin to feel happy again, and we hope that some of these concepts resonate with you so you can start implementing them into your life.
{{cta('fa8abc2a-1e88-4fa3-82fd-1cb5b9ed43b2','justifycenter')}}
At LPT Medical, our goal is to help respiratory patients nationwide by giving them the oxygen equipment they need at the most affordable price. We offer the very best portable oxygen concentrator on the market that gives respiratory patients the freedom and independence many people crave in order to be happy! Again, happiness is subjective, and unique to every individual, which is why we supply many different brands, makes, and models on POCs, check out our inventory on our website LPTmedical.com, or reach a respiratory specialist based in Denver, CO by calling 1(800)-946-1201
Happiness is Reliable and Easy Oxygen Equipment
For many respiratory patients happiness is having oxygen equipment that is not only reliable but helpful. Studies have proven that oxygen therapy prolongs life in patients who are a certain level of hypoxic. So while the oxygen therapy is giving you a quantity of years back, remember that the type of oxygen equipment you are using can impact the quality of those years you are getting back.
If you utilize oxygen therapy you are most likely using one of these three methods:
- Portable oxygen concentrators
- Liquid oxygen tanks
- Gas oxygen tanks
There are several reasons why POCs give oxygen patients a quality of life that tanks cannot.
Portability
First and foremost, is the portable aspect of a POC compared to the two alternative methods. POCs were designed with the active oxygen patient in mind. We wanted to give oxygen patients who were looking to be more active the opportunity to do so without being weighed down by heavy machinery.
POCs like the Caire Freestyle Comfort weight just under 5 pounds and have an ergonomic shape that makes this device easy to carry with you in a Caire Freestyle backpack, or its Caire Freestyle custom carrying case. Have the accessibility to move freely around your home is happiness in itself. But in addition to this you will have the capabilities to exercise more frequently which is known to increase happiness and promote healthy emotional responses, and for many people more exercise means more happiness.
Battery powered
If you have an oxygen tank, you have to spend a lot of time and money waiting for your oxygen to be delivered to you weekly. Spending all of this cash and waiting around for a delivery service would weigh on anyone. There are often delivery delays that cause unnecessary stress, not to mention additional fees and price jumps for oxygen services that you have been using for years.
With a POC you are cutting off all dependability you have on other aspects outside of your control. Instead you are responsible for charging your device, and that's it. The Respironics SImplyGo POC is a pulse flow and continuous flow device, and its battery can last up to 3.4 hours, and when it needs to be charged you can do so almost anywhere. With the AC and DC charging cable you will be able to plug in your device at home, in the car or RV, even a boat!
Because POCs are not oxygen reservoirs, you can travel with your POC on an airplane. And it is no surprise that travel promotes happiness in so many people! If you love to travel, but are limited by your oxygen tanks, it could be very beneficial to you and your happiness to buy a portable oxygen concentrator.
Happiness is Treating your COPD with Care and Attention
For many people happiness is keeping their COPD symptoms at ease and treating their disease diligently in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Since we already discussed oxygen therapy, there are 6 other main treatments for COPD that can make a very big difference in the quality of life and happiness you are experiencing throughout your diagnosis. All of these treatments can go a long way in easing some of your symptoms and supporting your mental health.
- Medication
- Quit smoking
- Eating a COPD healthy diet
- Taking supplements if you have deficiencies
- Pulmonary Rehabilitations
- Therapy and/or support groups
Happiness is Appreciating the Little Things
Life is hard, and it's harder if you have COPD. The simplest thing in life, breathing, is being stripped away from you. It is uncomfortable and disheartening. Life seems unfair, and it is in the hardest and most painful moments you have to be strong enough to appreciate the small things in your life that are positive.
This is so much easier said than done, and it takes effort and time to be able to accomplish this practice. Here are some steps into focusing on the positive things:
1. Start a journal and write down one thing a day that you are grateful for. This can be easy because you can write down something as small as being grateful for a cup of coffee, or the support of a loved one. Try to think of something different everyday.
2. Drink more water and eat healthy. Staying hydrated and good gut health is directly related to our emotional responses in our brains, so what you eat has a large impact on how you feel emotionally.
3. Connect with your family and friends.Even if you can only do this virtually, try to call and speak with someone that you love once a day, even if it's just for a small amount of time. Humans are very social creatures, and social interaction can promote happiness if you value togetherness.
4. Try mediation. Mediation is the practice of being in the here and now, which is something everyone struggles with from time to time, and if you have COPD or another chronic illness it is even harder to be present. It is very possible that you are thinking about your next doctor's visit, or how you once love to do something that you are incapable of doing now that you are sick. Thinking about the past and future can cultivate a negative headspace. Mediation helps bring you back to this moment, so you can start to focus on your life right in front of you rather than the past and future moments that are out of your control.
5. Treat yourself. Understanding that you are in a difficult position and giving yourself credit for going through the trials and tribulations of your disease is a useful way to promote a little bit of happiness in your life here and there. Think about what brings you joy whether it is scoop of ice cream or a new pair of shoes, and go out and get it!! Remember that these little gifts to yourself are sometimes a form of instant gratification, and the happiness you gain from these types of endeavors can be fleeting, but every so often we all need a little pick me up!
Happiness is Being Empathic
Empathy is an interesting thing, and often confused with sympathy. As a person with COPD, it is easy to forget that the people around you are going through their own challenges, and as small as those hardships may seem to you compared to what you are going through, people’s challenges are relative to them and their experiences.
If you can find the energy to be empathic to a loved one in your life, you will gain a sense of understanding and more importantly perspective.
Perspective is the lens in which we see and react to certain situations, the broader and more complex your perspective is the more in control of your emotional state you will be. This means that by taking a step back from the issue or circumstance in front of you you will be able to see the bigger picture and deal with the issue reasonably rather than being intimidated and stressed out by your situation.
Empathy helps you broaden your perspective by connecting with other people on a level deep enough where you understand that everyone has hardships and while you are suffering and COPD is a very invasive disease, you have the ability to get stronger and deal with your disease and life in general.
Overview
COPD patients have to be some of the strongest and most willful people on the planet. They are constantly struggling to breathe and experiencing other symptoms on top of that daily. The mental and physical exhaustion is something that a healthy person would ever understand. Yet, here you are, alive!
Happiness is attainable, and as hard as it may seem, if you can find happiness in the simple things if you are able to change your perspective and focus on more positive things. You can also do a lot for your well-being by getting oxygen equipment that promotes a healthy lifestyle. Lastly, being diligent and treating your COPD can make a huge difference not only for your physical wellbeing but your mental state of mind!
Supplemental oxygen is a type of medical therapy used to treat chronic lung conditions like cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and COPD. The aim of supplemental oxygen is to maintain a patient’s blood oxygen levels which are vital for systemic health. Every organ in the body requires oxygen in order to function properly, so using supplemental oxygen as it’s advised by your doctor can provide you with immense short- and long-term benefits.
Despite how important supplemental oxygen is for respiratory patients, receiving a prescription for oxygen therapy can be a scary experience. You likely have a lot of thoughts and concerns running through your mind and you’re likely overwhelmed by the prospect of being connected to an oxygen delivery device. While these concerns are certainly justified, it’s important to take a step back and begin to clarify your concerns with your doctor. Chances are, as you learn more about oxygen therapy and become more experienced with using it, many of your concerns will begin to disappear.
{{cta('fa8abc2a-1e88-4fa3-82fd-1cb5b9ed43b2','justifycenter')}}
To help you organize your thoughts, we’re going to be discussing 14 questions you should ask your pulmonologist about supplemental oxygen therapy. Feel free to either print out this article or take notes so that you know exactly what to ask your doctor during your next visit. If you enjoy this article and you’re looking for more information, be sure to read through our post titled “16 Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor About COPD.”
1.) Is Oxygen a Necessity or a Suggestion?
Chances are, you or someone that you know has fallen back on a prescription at some point. Either you never make it to the pharmacy to pick up your medication or you simply stop using the medication for one reason or another. This Harvard Medical report states that many people either forget to use their medication, or they never fill it due to high copayments. So, naturally, you might wonder whether or not your oxygen therapy prescription will follow a similar trend. As a general rule of thumb, you should take what your doctor says seriously, because it’s unlikely that he/she would make you go out of your way or spend extra money on something that isn’t necessary. However, it doesn’t hurt to address these concerns so that your doctor can clarify the rationale behind your oxygen prescription.
2.) What are the Benefits of Oxygen Therapy?
The second thing you should ask your pulmonary doctor about are the benefits you can expect to reap from using supplemental oxygen. The air around us contains about 21% oxygen, but for someone with impaired lung function, this is not always enough for them to sustain their blood oxygen levels. The goal of oxygen therapy is to provide the lungs with a higher concentration of oxygen in order to reduce the load on the lungs. You may experience additional benefits from using supplemental oxygen based on the severity of your disease. Be sure to ask your doctor about this.
3.) What is My Flow Rate?
Your flow rate determines the amount of oxygen that you will be receiving when you put on the nasal cannula. It’s imperative that you know the exact amount of oxygen that you should be receiving because inhaling too much oxygen can lead to a condition called oxygen toxicity. This condition results in dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and eventual lung damage. Conversely, receiving too little oxygen will not provide you with the full benefits of supplemental oxygen.
Oxygen flow is measured using one of two different measurements. Pulse dose oxygen devices are measured in milliliters per minute (ml/min) and continuous flow oxygen devices are measured in liters per minute (LPM). The amount of oxygen that you’re prescribed will be based on the severity of your respiratory impairment, but generally speaking, most people need less than 2 LPM of oxygen.
4.) How Many Hours a Day Should I Use Oxygen?
Knowing how long you should be using oxygen is just as important as knowing your oxygen flow setting. If you’re using oxygen inconsistently, you might see a lot of your respiratory symptoms start to return. Long-term oxygen therapy is usually done for at least several hours a day, and your doctor will work with you to determine the best time to use it. If your doctor prescribes you with 24/7 oxygen, then you should discuss with your doctor about using an oxygen concentrator which doesn’t need to be refilled constantly like oxygen tanks or liquid oxygen tanks.
5.) What Type of Oxygen Device Should I Buy?
You might be surprised to find out how many oxygen devices there are on the market. You’ll have a whole host of options to choose from including traditional oxygen tanks, liquid oxygen tanks, stationary oxygen concentrators, and portable oxygen concentrators. But as someone who’s new to supplemental oxygen, you likely don’t know where to even begin with choosing one of these. Your doctor will likely have some information for you regarding which oxygen devices you should avoid and which ones you should consider.
It’s important to be careful when you’re purchasing an oxygen device. You may encounter companies that try to sell you oxygen without a prescription or that boasts prices that are significantly lower than any other company. However, these are most likely scams. Before making any decisions, be sure to research the company that you’re buying from to make sure that their products are reliable and that they follow all laws and regulations. For more information about how the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates oxygen, please visit this page.
6.) Is it Okay to Adjust My Flow Rate Depending on How I’m Feeling?
If you have a chronic respiratory condition like COPD or pulmonary fibrosis, it’s not uncommon for symptoms to come and go. One day, you might be out of breath or lightheaded and the next you could feel perfectly fine. Because of this, you’re going to want to clarify with your doctor when it’s okay to adjust your oxygen flow and when you should not adjust your oxygen flow. The reason it’s important to ask this question is because your increase in symptoms may be due to something completely unrelated to your blood oxygen levels. In which case, increasing your oxygen flow would not benefit you.
7.) How Can I Track My Blood Oxygen Level?
A pulse oximeter, or pulse ox device, clips onto your finger and measures the saturation of oxygen in your blood (SpO2). They are noninvasive and they work by passing rays of light through your finger to measure the amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin. While they aren’t the most accurate method of measuring blood oxygen levels, they are very lightweight and portable meaning you can pack one in your purse or handbag for easy access. If your doctor hasn’t already provided you with one, it’s worth mentioning it so that you have a way of monitoring your oxygen levels. To learn more about blood oxygen levels, read this post.
8.) Is Oxygen Therapy Safe?
Since oxygen is a controlled substance in the United States and requires a prescription, you may be wondering if it’s even safe to use in the first place. The answer to this question is “yes,” however, there are some things you should be aware of. Firstly, as aforementioned, using more oxygen than you’re prescribed will put you at risk of experiencing oxygen toxicity. Secondly, the safety of oxygen therapy depends heavily on the type of oxygen device you’re using.
Traditional oxygen tanks are the most dangerous because they contain compressed oxygen and they’re also heavy and bulky. Portable oxygen concentrators are the least dangerous oxygen device because they are lightweight and do not contain compressed oxygen. Oxygen is an “oxidizer” meaning it increases the flammability of anything it comes into contact with. So, you should never smoke near your oxygen device or use it near an open flame.
9.) Should I Be On Oxygen When I Sleep?
If your doctor prescribes you with 24/7 oxygen, you might be wondering how this will work when you’re sleeping. Your breathing rate and depth fluctuate a lot when you sleep so the amount of oxygen that you’re receiving could change throughout the night. This is why it might be worth it to invest in a portable oxygen concentrator like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort or the Inogen One G5. Unlike oxygen tanks, these devices closely monitor your breathing as you sleep and adjust your intake accordingly.
If you have a sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you may need to use your PAP device and your oxygen device at the same time while you sleep. PAP therapy is of critical importance for OSA patients because it keeps their airways open as they sleep allowing them to get restful sleep without interruptions. To use your CPAP device with your oxygen device, you need to be using a continuous flow oxygen unit and have a bleed in adapter that connects the tubing together. The Respironics SImplyGo is the perfect portable oxygen concentrator for CPAP compatibility.
10.) How Can I Eliminate Discomfort While on Supplemental Oxygen?
For the most part, oxygen therapy shouldn’t cause any discomfort. However, some people encounter issues with the nasal cannula such as irritation inside the nose due to dryness or some other reason. Humidifiers can actually be attached to your oxygen device to help ease the discomfort and there are a number of other accessories you can purchase that make the process more comfortable. We actually wrote a guide discussing some of the issues oxygen patients face and how to solve them. Check it out here.
11.) Can I Exercise on Oxygen?
Consistent moderate exercise is crucial for pulmonary wellness. Not only does exercise improve the strength of your lungs but it also increases the efficiency that your heart pumps oxygen throughout your body. So, just because you’ve started oxygen therapy does not mean that you should stop exercising. Check out this post which has some tips for exercising with an oxygen device and be sure to ask your doctor for advice as well.
12.) What Do I Need to Know to Travel With Oxygen?
Traveling around the world with COPD is much easier than ever before thanks to portable oxygen concentrators. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the organization that oversees all commercial flights in the United States has approved most POCs for in-flight use. However, to make sure you have everything you need, you should contact your airline at least 48 hours before your flight. Most airlines require that you have at least one and a half times as much battery life as the duration of the flight. This will make up for any delays that may occur before and after you land.
13.) How Do I Maintain My Oxygen Device?
With the advent of the novel coronavirus, cleaning has taken on a whole new meaning. No matter what type of oxygen device you decide to use, you should take the time to clean it regularly. What’s more, nasal cannulae and oxygen tubing should be replaced every two weeks to ensure it’s clean and ready for use. If you purchase a portable oxygen concentrator you should remove the particle filters each week and wash them off. This will ensure that the air you’re inhaling through the cannula is clean and free of dust and dirt.
14.) Will I Need to Get Retested For Supplemental Oxygen?
Doctors typically use arterial blood gas analysis, pulse oximetry, and various lung tests to determine your need for supplemental oxygen. However, you may need to take on-going tests to help your doctor determine whether or not you still need oxygen in the future. Ask your doctor what kind of tests you will need to take and how often you should come in for a checkup once you are using your oxygen device. Some patients find it helpful to get a certificate of medical necessity which can help you file insurance claims and apply for benefits.
Conclusion
Supplemental oxygen is a very important facet of your treatment regime if you have COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, or any other number of lung conditions. Unfortunately, it’s something that takes time to get used to and learn about if you’ve never done it before. Many people don’t even know what questions they should be asking their doctor so we hope that this guide will help with demystifying oxygen therapy.
{{cta('b59df0c1-c4de-47a8-8e1c-0d33d4b414aa','justifycenter')}}
Here at LPT Medical, we take your search for an oxygen therapy device very seriously. We work with some of the top brands in the industry such as Inogen, Respironics, AirSep, and Caire in order to provide our patients with the best oxygen devices on the market for an affordable price. Our respiratory specialists will work with you one-on-one to determine what your medical needs are, then they will help you narrow down your options based on your lifestyle and preferences. We also have a number of buying options like new, refurbished, and used units so you can choose which one best fits your needs.
Feel free to reach out to us either by email or phone to get started finding an oxygen device for you.
Respiratory conditions are some of the most common illnesses in the world. According to HealthDay, about one in every seven people in the United States has some type of respiratory disorder such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and some people have more than one. While many people are aware of what kinds of lung diseases there are, there isn’t a lot of awareness surrounding the global burden of lung disease and how much harm they actually cause.
Although COPD is a disease that develops slowly over the course of many years, it puts the patient at risk for many other conditions such as recurring lung infections, pulmonary hypertension, and even cardiovascular disease. In this post, we’re going to take a look at one of the lesser-known side-effects of COPD called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We’ll discuss exactly what this condition is, its symptoms, as well as how it’s linked to COPD and other chronic illnesses.
{{cta('fa8abc2a-1e88-4fa3-82fd-1cb5b9ed43b2','justifycenter')}}
As always, if you have any questions about what you read here, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
What is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome?
Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a life-threatening condition that causes the tiny air sacs in the lungs called alveoli to fill with fluid. It’s referred to as an “acute” illness because it usually develops quickly and without much warning. Since the alveoli are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the blood, patients with ARDS will experience a sharp decline in their blood oxygen levels. This is called hypoxemia, and over time, it can lead to tissue and organ damage because they rely on oxygen to function properly.
ARDS is considered a type of respiratory failure. This is an umbrella term that includes a wide range of chronic and acute conditions like COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and asthma. There are fewer than 200,000 cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome each year making it a fairly uncommon condition. The survival rate of ARDS is between 50% and 70%. Symptoms of ARDS vary from patient to patient, but severe shortness of breath, low blood pressure, and confusion or dizziness are the most common.
In ARDS, the lungs go through several different phases. These phases vary from patient-to-patient but we’ve outlined the basics of each for your convenience.
Exudative
“Exudate” is a term that refers to the buildup of fluid due to cellular damage or inflammation. In the case of an ARDS patient, water, protein, and inflammatory and red blood cells leak from surrounding blood vessels into the alveoli, preventing the transfer of oxygen into the blood. What also occurs during this phase is reduced lung compliance. In other words, the lungs become stiff, losing a lot of the elasticity that allows you to fill them with air fully. This is why mechanical ventilation is often the first step in solving ARDS because it reduces the physical burden of breathing for the patient.
Proliferative
Cell proliferation is when a cell grows and divides into two daughter cells. The type of proliferation that occurs in ARDS is called fibroproliferation and it’s when the alveolar structure begins to repair itself and re-establish the barrier function. This is also when fibroblasts begin to proliferate. Fibroblasts are the most common cell found in connective tissue. They secrete the protein collagen which creates a structural framework for many tissues in your body. Typically, the proliferative phase of ARDS lasts around 7 to 14 days after the incident.
Fibrotic
The final stage of ARDS is known as the fibrotic stage. Pulmonary fibrosis refers to the development of scar tissue in the lungs. If inflammation and fluid buildup continue in the lungs it can lead to the formation of scar tissue which puts you at a high risk of pneumothorax. This is when one or both of the lungs deflate. Check out this article we wrote that discusses pneumothorax in detail.
What Causes Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome?
Acute respiratory distress syndrome causes are divided into two different categories: direct (pulmonary or primary) lung injury or indirect (extrapulmonary or secondary) lung injury. Direct lung injury occurs within the lung epithelium and indirect lung injury is a systemic disorder that diffusely damages the lung epithelium.
Primary Lung Injuries that Cause ARDS
Pneumonia
Pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome are very similar. They both result in the buildup of fluid in the alveoli of the lungs. However, pneumonia is caused by either a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection, whereas ARDS has a number of direct and indirect causes. Pneumonia is very common with over 3 million cases in the United States each year. Pneumonia can be a life-threatening condition for infants, people over the age of 65, and people with serious underlying health conditions.
Certain types of pneumonia can be prevented with vaccinations and bacterial infections can be treated effectively with the use of antibiotics. Pneumonia progresses to ARDS when the fluid buildup does not improve and the patient experiences worsening breathlessness and inability to breathe without the use of a ventilator. According to an article published in the Oxford Medical Journal, pneumonia is responsible for 31% of all patients who develop ARDS.
Thoracic Trauma
Thoracic trauma is another way of saying physical trauma that’s done to the chest. According to Science Direct, trauma patients account for 10% to 30% of all patients who develop ARDS. If you experience a chest injury, no matter the severity, be sure to speak with your doctor about the potential risk of developing ARDS.
{{cta('b59df0c1-c4de-47a8-8e1c-0d33d4b414aa','justifycenter')}}
Smoke or Gas Inhalation
Airborne particles like smoke and gas are a risk factor or direct cause of many chronic lung conditions like COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and more. People who work in industrial settings are highly susceptible to respiratory complications because they’re often exposed to high levels of air pollution for prolonged periods of time. However, everyone is at risk of the negative effects of air pollution. Visit AirNow.gov to learn more about the air quality in your area.
Secondary Lung Injuries that Cause ARDS
Severe Sepsis
Sepsis is a blood condition that results when you have an unusual reaction to an infection. In a normal immune response, your body sends immune cells and various chemicals to fight off the threat. However, sepsis occurs when the immune response spreads throughout your body causing inflammation. If sepsis is severe enough, it can begin to damage organs throughout your body including the lungs. Any type of infection can cause sepsis, so it’s important to keep an eye out for the warning signs.
The group of people most likely to experience sepsis are people over the age of 65 and people with weakened immune systems, so people with diabetes or an autoimmune disease are at high risk The symptoms of sepsis include confusion, body aches, shortness of breath, a fever, and a high heart rate. Sepsis typically develops pretty quickly after an infection, but the longer it prolongs without being treated, the higher the risk there is of the patient developing severe sepsis. Antibiotics are the primary treatment method for sepsis, but if damage has already been done, the patient may require surgery in order to remove damaged tissue.
Pancreatitis
The pancreas is an organ that sits just behind the lower part of the stomach. It’s part of the endocrine system and it’s responsible for secreting hormones and fluids that assist with the digestion of sugars, fats, and starches. Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed and it’s unable to perform its job correctly. Pancreatitis is usually caused by collateral damage from abdominal surgery, alcoholism, certain medications, or gallstones. It can also be acute, coming on quickly, or chronic, developing slowly over the course of many years. Similar to sepsis patients, pancreatitis patients may experience inflammation in other parts of the body due to the release of chemicals into the bloodstream.
Drug Overdose
According to PubMed, alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, and opiates can all cause acute respiratory distress syndrome. Studies have shown that about 10% of all ARDS cases are drug induced.
How are ARDS and COPD Linked?
ARDS and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are commonly confused, but they are not the same condition. Whereas ARDS is a condition that develops quickly and can often be life-threatening if it’s not treated quickly, COPD is a condition that develops over the course of many years. About 85 to 90% of COPD cases are caused by cigarette smoking, whereas ARDS has a number of different causes, some of which we have listed above. Although COPD doesn’t directly cause ARDS, it is a risk factor.
COPD is very uncommon in people under the age of 40, so the demographic of COPD patients alone puts them at a higher risk of ARDS. Secondly, the vast majority of COPD patients are either current smokers or have smoked in the past. It’s estimated that around 30% of COPD patients are current smokers. Smoking is known to have a number of adverse effects on the immune system including increased susceptibility to influenza and pneumonia.
What’s more, smokers experience more severe and longer-lasting illness due to a lack of protective antioxidants in the blood. Current or previous smokers are at a higher risk of contracting and experiencing severe symptoms from sepsis, pneumonia, and pancreatitis, all of which are causes of ARDS.
How is ARDS Treated?
Mechanical Ventilation
A ventilator is a device that assists a patient with the physical act of breathing. Since ARDS causes the lungs to fill with fluid, breathing becomes very labored meaning the patient will struggle to catch a breath and they may even struggle to expel air from the lungs. The ventilator will ensure that the patient is able to completely fill their lungs.
Supplemental Oxygen
Oxygen therapy differs from ventilation in that the air is not forced into the patient’s lungs. Rather, a high concentration of oxygen is released into either a nasal cannula or an oxygen mask and then it’s inhaled by the patient. Depending on your circumstances, your doctor may put you on both a ventilator and supplemental oxygen. Maintaining healthy blood oxygen levels is imperative because it promotes the proper function of all organs in your body, thus reducing the risk of complications due to ARDS.
Fluid Management
In order to get ARDS patients off of ventilation and supplemental oxygen the fluid that has built up in the lungs needs to be drained. This is a very difficult task because consuming too many fluids can exacerbate this issue and consuming none could lead to heart and kidney problems. Many doctors will prescribe a medication called a diuretic which helps them gradually release fluids from their system.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
ECMO is an extremely complex process that involves removing blood from the body, removing carbon dioxide, then re-oxygenating it and putting it back in the body. Essentially, this process allows medical specialists to bypass the heart and lungs allowing them to heal. ECMO is only done in medical emergencies because there are a lot of risks involved.
How Can ARDS be Prevented?
Smoking Cessation
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable illness in the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smokers have a life expectancy that is 10 years less than that of nonsmokers. Smoking not only damages and inflames the lungs, but it also suppresses your immune system which is needed to fight off infections that can cause ARDS.
Get Vaccinated
If you’re someone who’s at high risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome, getting vaccinated for pneumonia, influenza, and other diseases could be life-saving. However, before getting any vaccines you should speak with your doctor who will examine your medical history and help you determine which vaccines you should get and which ones to avoid. It’s estimated that about 5% of critical coronavirus (COVID-19) cases lead to ARDS so if you’re concerned about this, address them with your doctor.
Visit a Doctor if You’re Sick
Most healthy people simply stay home if they’re sick. However, if you’re at high risk for ARDS, you should keep in touch with your doctor to discuss your symptoms. Since ARDS develops quickly and it can be life-threatening, it’s best to know ahead of time what the warning signs are so that you can visit the emergency room.
Conclusion
COPD and ARDS are two separate conditions, but they are linked in a number of ways. Firstly, the damage to the alveoli in ARDS patients is similar to that found in emphysema patients. What’s more, COPD patients are more likely to experience severe ARDS in relation to the general population. Many COPD patients are smokers which also puts them at a high risk of experiencing ARDS. If you want to reduce your risk of severe respiratory events like this, your best bet is to follow your treatment plan and quit smoking immediately. It’s also important to seek immediate medical attention if you experience a traumatic injury or develop a lung infection.
{{cta('43b79c5e-6bd6-4f02-ac27-2d038d20c146','justifycenter')}}
One of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself if you have COPD is to follow your daily treatment plan. This includes maintaining a healthy and well-balanced diet, sticking to a moderate and consistent exercise routine, and keeping your blood oxygen levels normal. At LPT Medical, we aim to simplify your oxygen therapy routine by offering low-cost and convenient oxygen devices called portable oxygen concentrators. Devices like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort and Inogen One G5 weigh under 5 pounds and they’re small enough to carry under your shoulder without discomfort. Since portable oxygen concentrators are electronic devices, you simply need to keep them charged.
Give us a call or send us an email today to speak with an oxygen concentrator specialist.