How does an Inhaler help in managing symptoms of COPD
COPD or similar breathing problems can make it difficult for a person to breathe. Generally, the symptoms can be mild initially but later on it can become frequent. This is where an inhaler comes to help. With the help of an inhaler, one can get instant relief from the symptoms. Inhalers should only be used if prescribed by the doctor.
Let us first understand, What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a progressive inflammatory disease of the lungs. A progressive disease usually gets worse over time. In COPD, the inflammation of the airways in the lungs results in the decrease of air flow in and out of lungs which further causes decrease in the oxygen being supplied to the body. COPD may cause symptoms such as coughing with mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness of chest, etc.
The diagnosis of COPD is important to prevent worsening of conditions
COPD causes
While not all smokers are diagnosed with COPD, smoking cigarettes can be considered to be one of the major causes of COPD. Mostly at the age of 40 or above people start having breathing troubles. This is why it is suggested by the doctors to quit smoking and stop getting exposed to tobacco. Generally, people who are regular smokers are at the highest risk of developing COPD.
Other causes include – Pre-existing Asthma condition, long term workplace exposure to chemicals or dust, household air pollution from smoke due to burning fuel like wood, agricultural waste etc.
Lifestyle management
COPD has no cure, but a patient can learn to manage his symptoms better by proper lifestyle management. Adhering to the prescribed treatment plan can help slow the progression of the disease.
To keep their COPD in control, one needs to take care of their health and maintain a disciplined life. One should quit smoking immediately if they are diagnosed with COPD. There are also people who are allergic to dust or chemicals at the workplace. Identify the different triggers around you that can make your symptoms severe and keep away from them.
Use of inhalers
There are different ways of managing your COPD problems, and Inhalers are one of them. The inhaled medicine works to open the airways and allows the air to flow freely into the lungs. It starts to work within a few minutes and the effect is known to last for a few hours.
Inhalers help the medication to reach the lungs directly and allow faster treatment of the symptoms. This provides immediate relief to the patient. In case of any severity, one should always consult the doctor regarding the use of the medicine to keep things in control. Taking your medication regularly as prescribed by the doctor will help in reducing the severity of the symptoms.
To Conclude–
Inhalers are one of the preferred modes of treating COPD, as they facilitate the delivery of the medication directly to the lungs. This, along with appropriate lifestyle management helps in the treatment of the symptoms of COPD.
References:
- https://www.webmd.com/lung/copd/copd-treatments-improving-your-quality-of-life
- https://www.breathefree.com/breathing-condition/copd
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