Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is known to be a collection of lung diseases. People who suffer from this disease experience blocked airways, they have trouble with breathing, coughing, wheezing and mucus production. Moreover, COPD might contribute to developing other conditions. Today, we will discuss the complications that could occur, how to prevent them, and how to deal with them if necessary.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia takes place when germs such as bacteria or viruses enter the lungs and form an infection. For people with COPD, this condition is a serious threat because it can weaken their pulmonary system and create profound damage in the lungs. This can further create several illnesses that weaken the lungs and can even be fatal for people already struggling with COPD. Therefore, to be generally in good health means a great deal when it comes to preventing complications like these. We offer you some tips to reduce the risk of catching an infection:

• Drink as much water as you can, to maintain healthy bronchioles while thinning out mucus and secretions.
• Avoid smoking to maintain proper lung health.
• Maintain good hygiene and make sure you wash your hands regularly.
• Avoid contact with anyone showing signs of respiratory infections and any sick people.

COPD Heart Failure

Unfortunately, lung and heart functions are intertwined, and due to this, heart failure is one of the risks when dealing with COPD. The delicate thing is that symptoms of both conditions are the same, and they can easily be overlooked. What can be done? It is best to work on slowing the progression of COPD and by doing this you will hopefully prevent heart failure. Some more tips on this subject:

• Moderate physical activity will help you build up heart and lung stamina.
• Make sure to follow as carefully as possible your COPD treatment plan as ordered by your doctor.
• Give up smoking immediately.

Lung Cancer

COPD is often related to smoking, thus it’s not surprising that people with COPD are at a greater risk of developing lung cancer.

Of course, exposure to other chemicals can contribute to developing lung cancer as well. Furthermore, genetics can play a vital role. However, the most crucial thing about people with COPD, and also the most practical thing they can do is to avoid smoking to prevent further damage to the lungs.

Diabetes

COPD isn’t known to cause diabetes, but it does complicate matters if you have both COPD and diabetes. This is mostly because medications for COPD can adversely affect glucose control and bring further complications. What you should do is learn to manage your blood levels, seeing that unmanaged, diabetes causes persistently high blood sugar levels which can lead to reduced lung function. Your doctor must aim to prescribe medications that will work to treat both conditions with a minimal adverse effect on either.

Dementia

COPD is absolutely a risk factor for developing dementia. Conditions such as low oxygen and high carbon dioxide levels might damage the brain as a result of COPD, and additional cerebrovascular damage caused by smoking also plays a huge role in developing dementia with COPD. Things you could do to improve your chances are the following:

• Aim to maintain a healthy body weight.
• Always make sure to manage diabetes and cholesterol levels.
• Don’t smoke tobacco products by all means.
• Practice mentally stimulating activities, like crossword puzzles and other brain games.

Have in mind that life expectancy depends tremendously on a person’s age at the time of diagnosis and also other health conditions. Although COPD is absolutely a serious condition, there is much hope that its progression can be slowed with timely and proper medical care.