COPD encompasses three main obstructive lung diseases, all of which can cause blockages and reduced airflow: emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma.
The possible symptoms of COPD include :. The treatment for COPD focuses on improving symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. In some cases, a person may receive palliative care. Some common treatments include medication, surgery, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and complementary therapies. It may not be possible to prevent COPD in all cases. However, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute states that the best way to reduce the risk is to stop or never start smoking.
In addition, a person should avoid irritants, such as pollution, chemicals, and fumes, whenever possible. Learn more about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease here. This impairment also results in a backup of blood in the venous circulation. Blood can pool in the blood vessels in the lungs, causing breathing trouble, and in other areas of the body, which can cause swelling.
The AHA also states that a person may experience symptoms such as:. Learn more about congestive heart failure here. A person living with either condition should work with a doctor to manage their symptoms and ensure that the condition does not lead to other health issues.
A person should talk with a doctor if they experience new respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing or trouble breathing. A person can take steps to avoid both conditions by managing their weight, quitting smoking , and eating a nutritious, balanced diet.
When someone with COPD exhales, this damage prevents oxygen from being fully released before the next breath is drawn in, resulting in shortness of breath. COPD and congestive heart failure are two different conditions that may present with similar symptoms.
However, there are two other forms of heart failure, left-sided and right-sided, which may be directly related to or exacerbated by the presence of COPD. There is not a direct connection between COPD and left-sided heart failure.
However, the two conditions can exist together and exacerbate one another. COPD can cause low oxygen levels in the blood, thereby placing additional stress on the heart and worsening symptoms of left-sided heart failure. On the other hand, left-sided heart failure can contribute to fluid buildup in the lungs, aggravating the symptoms of COPD. In severe cases of COPD, the condition can actually cause the development of right-sided heart failure.
This occurs when low oxygen levels due to COPD cause a rise in blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, a condition known as pulmonary hypertension. As a result, the heart muscle weakens and right-sided heart failure can occur. Other causes of heart failure include diseases of the heart valves, high blood pressure , and diseases of the heart muscle.
Regular physical activity is important to strengthen your heart and lungs, but both COPD and CHF can limit what types of exercises you can do. Talk with your doctor about activities that are safe, and what precautions you should take before and during exercise.
A common COPD medication is a bronchodilator. This medication relaxes the muscles around your airways, making breathing easier. Long-lasting bronchodilators can last up to 12 hours and are used every day. If you have severe COPD, you may also need inhaled glucocorticosteroids. These are steroids that help minimize inflammation in your airways. CHF can involve the use of several medications.
Vasodilators help your heart by widening blood vessels and lowering blood pressure. This helps reduce the burden on your heart. Beta blockers can lower the heart rate and reduce the burden on the heart. Other key medications include diuretics , which reduce the amount of fluid and sodium in your body.
They can also help lower blood pressure. A drug called digoxin strengthens heart contractions. It can be an important part of CHF treatment if other medications are not helpful, or if you have an abnormal heart rhythm like atrial fibrillation. Anticoagulant medications may also be used to treat CHF. These medications can help reduce the risk of blood clots. This therapy delivers oxygen to the lungs through a tube in the nose.
The main preventive measure to avoid COPD is to never smoke, or to stop smoking. Many products and therapies can help people quit smoking. Ask your doctor about these methods or look for programs in your community or at your local hospital.
Not smoking can also help preserve heart health. Other steps to help lower your risk of CHF include:.
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