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Respiratory illness is a common problem in the whole world. Many times, people are genetically more likely to get respiratory conditions, but your work place or environmental exposures could also play a big role. These are some of the diseases that could take away your breathe.

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Inhalation of volcanic ash can be very detrimental to human health, due to the harmful aerosols and poisonous gases the ash is made up of. Health effects include respiratory problems, eye problems, and skin irritation.

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When panic and anxiety occur, our breathing may become more shallow and restricted. Instead of filling the lungs with full, complete breaths, we take in quick and short breaths. Known as hyperventilation, this over-breathing causes carbon dioxide levels in the blood to decrease. Reduction of carbon dioxide can cause many physical symptoms, such as tingling and numbness, chest pain and dry mouth.

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With repeated exposure, the body produces large amounts of the antibody specific to that allergen and stimulates cells in the respiratory system (nose, throat, eyes, and lungs – all called mast cells) to release histamine, a chemical responsible for traditional allergic symptoms such as a runny nose, coughing, itchy eyes, and sneezing.

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A volcano erupting and spewing volcanic ashes into the atmosphere

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A volcano erupting and spewing volcanic ashes into the atmosphere

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What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a long-term disease of the lungs. It causes your airways to get inflamed and narrow, and it makes it hard to breathe. Severe asthma can cause trouble talking or being active. You might hear your doctor call it a chronic respiratory disease. Some people refer to asthma as " bronchial asthma."

Asthma is a serious disease that affects about 25 million Americans and causes nearly 1.6 million emergency room visits every year. With treatment, you can live well. Without it, you might have to go to the ER often or stay at the hospital, which can affect your daily life.

What Does Asthma Feel Like?

Asthma is marked by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, with extra sticky secretions inside the tubes. People with asthma have symptoms when the airways tighten, inflame, or fill with mucus.

There are three major signs of asthma:

Airway blockage. When you breathe as usual, the bands of muscle around your airways are relaxed, and air moves freely. But when you have asthma, the muscles tighten. It's harder for air to pass through.

Inflammation. Asthma causes red, swollen bronchial tubes in your lungs. This inflammation can damage your lungs. Treating this is key to managing asthma in the long run.

Airway irritability. People with asthma have sensitive airways that tend to overreact and narrow when they come into contact with even slight triggers.

These problems may cause symptoms such as:

Not every person with asthma has the same symptoms in the same way. You may not have all of these symptoms, or you may have different symptoms at different times. Your symptoms may also vary from one asthma attack to the next, being mild during one and severe during another.

Some people with asthma may go for long periods without having any symptoms. Others might have problems every day. In addition, some people may have asthma only during exercise or with viral infections like colds.

Mild asthma attacks are generally more common. Usually, the airways open up within a few minutes to a few hours. Severe attacks are less common but last longer and require medical help right away. It is important to recognize and treat even mild asthma symptoms to help you prevent severe episodes and keep asthma under better control.

When to see your doctor
Get medical help right away if you have serious symptoms including:

Fast breathing

Pale or blue face, lips, or fingernails

The skin around your ribs pulls inward when you breathe in

Trouble breathing, walking, or talking

Symptoms that don't get better after you take medication

What Is an Asthma Attack?

An asthma attack is the episode in which bands of muscle around the airways are triggered to tighten. This tightening is called bronchospasm. During the attack, the lining of the airways becomes swollen or inflamed, and the cells lining the airways make more and thicker mucus than normal.

All of these things -- bronchospasm, inflammation, and mucus production -- cause symptoms such as trouble breathing, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and trouble with normal daily activities.

Other symptoms of an asthma attack include:

Severe wheezing when breathing both in and out

Coughing that won't stop

Very rapid breathing

Chest pain or pressure

Tightened neck and chest muscles, called retractions

Difficulty talking

Feelings of anxiety or panic

Pale, sweaty face

Blue lips or fingernails

An asthma attack can get worse quickly, so it's important to treat these symptoms right away.

Without immediate treatment, such as with your asthma inhaler or bronchodilator, it will become harder to breathe. If you use a peak flow meter at this time, the reading will probably be less than 50% of your usual or normal peak flow reading.. Many asthma action plans suggest interventions starting at 80% of normal.

As your lungs continue to tighten, you won't be able to use the peak flow meter at all. Your lungs will tighten so there is not enough air movement to make wheezing. You need to go to a hospital right away. Unfortunately, some people think that the disappearance of wheezing is a sign of improvement and don't get emergency care.

Without proper treatment, over time, you may be unable to speak and will get a bluish coloring around your lips. This color change, known as cyanosis, means you have less and less oxygen in your blood. It can cause a loss of consciousness and death.

If you have an asthma attack, follow the "Red Zone" or emergency instructions in your asthma action plan right away. These symptoms happen in life-threatening asthma attacks. You need medical attention right away.

How Is Asthma Classified?

Doctors rank how bad asthma is by its symptoms:

1. Mild intermittent asthma. Mild symptoms less than twice a week. Nighttime symptoms less than twice a month. Few asthma attacks.

2. Mild persistent asthma. Symptoms three to six times a week. Nighttime symptoms three to four times a month. Asthma attacks might affect activities.

3. Moderate persistent asthma. Daily asthma symptoms. Nighttime attacks five or more times a month. Symptoms may affect activities.

4. Severe persistent asthma. Ongoing symptoms both day and night. You have to limit your activities.

Your asthma may be getting worse if:

You have symptoms more often and they interfere more with your daily life.

You have a hard time breathing. You can measure this with a device called a peak flow meter.

You need to use a quick-relief inhaler more often.

Types of Asthma

There are several:

Adult-onset asthma. Asthma can start at any age, but it's more common in people younger than 40.

Status asthmaticus. These long-lasting asthma attacks don't go away when you use bronchodilators. They're a medical emergency that needs treatment right away.

Asthma in children. Symptoms can vary from episode to episode in the same child. Watch for problems like:

Coughing often, especially during play, at night, or while laughing. This may be the only symptom.

Less energy or pausing to catch their breath while they play

Fast or shallow breathing

Saying their chest hurts or feels tight

A whistling sound when they breathe in or out

Seesaw motions in their chest because of trouble breathing

Shortness of breath

Tight neck and chest muscles

Weakness or fatigue

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. You might hear this called exercise-induced asthma. It happens during physical activity, when you breathe in air that's drier than what's in your body, and your airways narrow. It can affect people who don't have asthma, too. You'll notice symptoms within a few minutes after you start to exercise, and they might last 10 to 15 minutes after you stop.

Allergic asthma. Things that trigger allergies, like dust, pollen and pet dander, can also cause asthma attacks.

Nonallergic asthma. This type flares in extreme weather. It could be the heat of summer or the cold of winter. It could also show up when you're stressed or have a cold.

Occupational asthma. This usually affects people who work around chemical fumes, dust, or other irritating things in the air.

Eosinophilic asthma. This severe form is marked by high levels of white blood cells called eosinophils. It usually affects adults between 35 and 50 years old.

Nocturnal asthma. Your asthma symptoms get worse at night.

Aspirin-induced asthma. You have asthma symptoms when you take aspirin, along with a runny nose, sneezing, sinus pressure, and a cough.

Cough-variant asthma. Unlike with other types, the only symptom of this kind of asthma is a long-term cough.

Asthma Causes and Triggers

When you have asthma, your airways react to things in the world around you. Doctors call these asthma triggers. They might cause symptoms or make them worse. Common asthma triggers include:

Infections like sinusitis, colds, and the flu

Allergens such as pollens, mold, pet dander, and dust mites

Irritants like strong odors from perfumes or cleaning solutions

Air pollution

Tobacco smoke

Cold air or changes in the weather, such as temperature or humidity

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Strong emotions such as anxiety, laughter, sadness, or stress

Medications such as aspirin

Food preservatives called sulfites, found in things like shrimp, pickles, beer and wine, dried fruits, and bottled lemon and lime juices

Asthma Risk Factors

Things that might make you more likely to have asthma include:

Things in the world around you before you're born or while you're growing up

Whether your parents have asthma, especially your mother

Your genes

Your race. Asthma is more common in people of African American or Puerto Rican descent.

Your sex. Boys are more likely to have asthma than girls. In teens and adults, it's more common in females.

Your job

Other conditions like lung infections, allergies, or obesity

Asthma Diagnosis

If you think you have asthma, see your doctor. They may refer you to a lung doctor, called a pulmonologist, or a specialist in allergy and immunology.

The doctor will start with a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and medical history.

You'll have tests to see how well your lungs work, which may include:

Spirometry. This simple breathing test measures how much air you blow out and how fast.

Peak flow. These measure how well your lungs push out air. They're less exact than spirometry, but they can be a good way to test your lungs at home, even before you feel any symptoms. A peak flow meter can help you figure out what makes your asthma worse, whether your treatment is working, and when you need emergency care.

Methacholine challenge. This and similar tests involve using triggers or challenges. Adults are more likely to have this test than children. You might get it if your symptoms and spirometry test don't clearly show asthma. During this test, you inhale a chemical called methacholine before and after spirometry to see if it makes your airways narrow. If your results fall at least 20%, it is possible that you have asthma. Your doctor will give you medicine at the end of the test to reverse the effects of the methacholine.

Exhaled nitric oxide test. You breathe into a tube connected to a machine that measures the amount of nitric oxide in your breath. Your body makes this gas normally, but levels could be high if your airways are inflamed.

Other tests you might get include:

Chest X-ray. It isn't an asthma test, but your doctor can use it to make sure nothing else is causing your symptoms. An X-ray is an image of the inside of your body, made with low doses of radiation.

CT. This test takes a series of X-rays and puts them together to make a view of your insides. A scan of your lungs and sinuses can identify physical problems or diseases (like an infection) that may cause breathing problems or make them worse.

Allergy tests. These can be blood or skin tests. They tell if you're allergic to pets, dust, mold, and pollen. Once you know your allergy triggers, you can get treatment to prevent them -- and asthma attacks.

Sputum eosinophils. This test looks for high levels of white blood cells (eosinophils) in the mix of saliva and mucus (sputum) that comes out when you cough.

Asthma Treatment

Many asthma treatments can ease your symptoms. Your doctor will work with you to make an asthma action plan that will outline your treatment and medications. They might include:

Inhaled corticosteroids. These medications treat asthma in the long term. That means you'll take them every day to keep your asthma under control. They prevent and ease swelling inside your airways, and they may help your body make less mucus. You'll use a device called an inhaler to get the medicine into your lungs. Common inhaled corticosteroids include:

Leukotriene modifiers. Another long-term asthma treatment, these medications block leukotrienes, things in your body that trigger an asthma attack. You take them as a pill once a day. Common leukotriene modifiers include:

Long-acting beta-agonists. These medications relax the muscle bands that surround your airways. You might hear them called bronchodilators. You'll take these medications with an inhaler, even when you have no symptoms. They include:

Combination inhaler. This device gives you an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-agonist together to ease your asthma. Common ones include:

Theophylline. It opens your airways and eases tightness in your chest. You take this long-term medication by mouth, either by itself or with an inhaled corticosteroid.

Short-acting beta-agonists. These are known as rescue medicines or rescue inhalers. They loosen the bands of muscle around your airways and ease symptoms. Examples include:

Anticholinergics. These bronchodilators prevent the muscle bands around your airways from tightening. Common ones include:

You can get ipratropium in an inhaler or as a solution for a nebulizer, a device that turns liquid medicine into a mist that you breathe in through a mouthpiece. Tiotropium bromide comes in a dry inhaler, which lets you breathe in the medicine as a dry powder.

Oral and intravenous corticosteroids. You'll take these along with a rescue inhaler during an asthma attack. They ease swelling and inflammation in your airways. You'll take oral steroids for a short time, between 5 days and 2 weeks. Common oral steroids include:

You're more likely to get steroids injected directly into a vein if you're in the hospital for a bad asthma attack. This will get the medication into your system more quickly.

Biologics. If you have severe asthma that doesn't respond to control medications, you might try a biologic:

Omalizumab (Xolair) treats asthma caused by allergens. You get it as an injection every 2 to 4 weeks.

Other biologics stop your immune cells from making things that cause inflammation. These drugs include:

Tezepelumab-ekko (Tezspire) is a first-in-class medicine indicated for the add-on maintenance treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older. Taken by injection, it targets a specific molicule that causes inflammation in the airways.
Home remedies
Medication will probably be key to getting your asthma under control, but you can do some things at home to help.

Avoid asthma triggers.

Exercise regularly.

Stay at a healthy weight.

Take care of conditions that can trigger symptoms, such as GERD.

Do breathing exercises to ease symptoms so you need less medication.

Some people use complementary treatments such as yoga, acupuncture, biofeedback, or supplements like vitamin C and ding chuan tang. Talk to your doctor before trying any of these.

Asthma Complications

When it's not under control, asthma can cause problems with your daily life, such as:

Asthma can also lead to serious medical conditions including:

Pneumonia and other complications from common infections like the flu

Early delivery or the loss of a pregnancy

Permanently narrowed bronchial tubes in your lungs

Lung collapse

Respiratory failure

Asthma Attack Prevention

Your action plan will include different ways to keep your asthma under control and prevent attacks. These might include:

Know your triggers, and stay away from them.

Follow your doctor's instructions on taking your asthma medications. Let them know if you notice that you're using a quick-relief inhaler more often.

Keep track of your condition and learn the signs that it might be getting worse. A peak flow meter can help.

Know what to do if you think your asthma is getting worse.

Talk to your doctor about vaccines to lower your chances of certain conditions. You might get vaccinations for COVID-19, flu, pneumonia, shingles, or whooping cough (pertussis).

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Asthma is a long-term disease of the lungs. It causes your airways to get inflamed and narrow, and it makes it hard to breathe. Severe asthma can cause trouble talking or being active. You might hear your doctor call it a chronic respiratory disease. Some people refer to asthma as " bronchial asthma."

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How does asthma work? - Christopher E. Gaw

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2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

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2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

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COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) definition and facts

Shortness of breath is the primary symptom of COPD. It occurs with daily activities and is caused by blocked or clogged airways and damaged or destroyed alveoli where oxygen is absorbed and carbon dioxide is released.

The cause of COPD is usually long term exposure to irritants that damage your lungs and airways. The life expectancy for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ranges from good to poor, depending on the person's COPD stage, with a decreasing outlook as the disease progresses toward stage IV, also known as "end-stage" chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic condition in which there is a slow, progressive obstruction of airflow into or out of the lungs.

The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) defines chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as airflow limitation that is not fully reversible, usually is progressive, and is associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to inhaled noxious particles or gases. This information will focus on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and not on other related problems (for example, chronic bronchitis or asthma).

Symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease include

Progressive or more serious symptoms may include

respiratory distress,

tachypnea,

cyanosis,

use of accessory respiratory muscles,

peripheral edema,

hyperinflation,

chronic wheezing,

abnormal lung sounds,

prolonged expiration,

elevated jugular venous pulse, and

cyanosis.

The primary cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is cigarette smoking and/or exposure to tobacco smoke. Other causes include air pollution, infectious diseases, and genetic conditions. The risk factors of COPD is increased by smoking tobacco, secondhand smoke, air pollution, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and a few other conditions.
Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, and infectious diseases can contribute to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease range from stage I to stage IV.

The diagnosis of this COPD is by taking the patient's breathing history and exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoking or other agents. A pulmonologist usually determines the stage of COPD by their FEV1 level.

The treatment for this health condition includes avoiding any of the risks and causes of COPD such as cigarette smoke or toxic fumes, medications, or in a small number of patients, lung surgery or lung transplant.

Medical treatments for COPD include medications to stop smoking, various bronchodilators, anticholinergics, steroids, and enzyme inhibitors.

Other therapies for this health condition may include antibiotics, mucolytic agents, oxygen, endurance exercises, and yoga.

Surgery for COPD may include bullectomy, lung volume reduction, or lung transplant.

The prognosis and life expectancy for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ranges from good to poor, depending on the person's COPD stage, with a decreasing outlook as the stages progress toward stage IV.

Individuals with COPD should contact their health-care professional before treating themselves with home remedies (for example, vitamins, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids).

Prevention or lowering the risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease includes avoiding the causes and irritants (for example, smoking) or vaccines that protect the lungs from infection (for example, the flu and pneumococcal vaccines).

Depending upon the stage of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, other doctors besides the patient's primary care physician may be involved and may include pulmonologists, lung surgeons, and/or other professionals such as pulmonary rehabilitation specialists and other team members.

Individuals should contact their doctors about COPD if they experience any of the signs or symptoms of COPD.

What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a slowly progressive obstruction of airflow into or out of the lungs. The incidence of COPD has almost doubled since 1982. Experts have estimated about 32 million persons in the United States have COPD. The disease occurs slightly more often in men than in women. The symptoms (for example, shortness of breath, coughing) come on slowly and many people are consequently diagnosed after age 40-50, although some are diagnosed at a younger age. COPD patients may exhibit symptoms of chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma.

What are the signs and symptoms of COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a slowly progressive disease so it is not unusual for the initial signs and symptoms to be a bit different from those in the late stages of the disease. There are many ways to evaluate or stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, often based on symptoms.

Usually the first signs and symptoms of COPD include a productive cough usually in the morning, with colorless or white mucus (sputum).

The most significant symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is breathlessness, termed shortness of breath (dyspnea). Early on, this symptom may occur occasionally with exertion, and eventually may progress to breathlessness while doing a simple task such as standing up, or walking to the bathroom. Some people may develop wheezing (a whistling or hissing sound while breathing). Signs and symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease include:

Cough, with usually colorless sputum in small amounts

Acute chest discomfort

Shortness of breath (usually occurs in patients aged 60 and over)

Wheezing (especially during exertion)

As the disease progresses from mild to moderate, symptoms often increase in severity:

Respiratory distress with simple activities like walking up a few stairs

Rapid breathing (tachypnea)

Bluish discoloration of the skin (cyanosis)

Use of accessory respiratory muscles

Swelling of extremities (peripheral edema)

Over-inflated lungs (hyperinflation)

Wheezing with minimal exertion

Course crackles (lung sounds usually with inspiration)

Prolonged exhalations (expiration)

Diffuse breath sounds

Elevated jugular venous pulse

QUESTION
See Answer

What are the four stages of COPD?

One way to stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease program (GOLD). The staging is based on the results of a pulmonary function test. Specifically, the forced expiratory volume (how much air one can exhale forcibly) in one second (FEV1) of a standard predicted value is measured, based on the individual patient's physical parameters. The staging of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by this method is as follows:

Stage I is FEV1 of equal or more than 80% of the predicted value

Stage II is FEV1 of 50% to 79% of the predicted value

Stage III is FEV1 of 30% to 49% of the predicted value

Stage IV is FEV1 of less than 30% of predicted value or an FEV1 less than 50% of predicted value plus respiratory failure

Other staging methods are similar but are based on the severity of the shortness of breath symptom that is sometimes subjective. The above staging is measurable objectively, providing the patient is putting forth their best effort.

What causes COPD?

The primary cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is cigarette smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke. It is estimated that 90% of the risk for development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is related to tobacco smoke. The smoke also can be secondhand smoke (tobacco smoke exhaled by a smoker and then breathed in by a non-smoker).

Other causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are:

Prolonged exposure to air pollution, such as that seen with burning coal or wood and with industrial air pollutants

Infectious diseases: Infectious diseases that destroy lung tissue in patients with hyperactive airways or asthma also may contribute to causing this COPD.

Damage to the lung tissue over time causes physical changes in the tissues of the lungs and clogging of the airways with thick mucus. The tissue damage in the lungs leads to poor compliance (the elasticity, or ability of the lung tissue to expand). The decrease in elasticity of the lungs means that oxygen in the air cannot get by obstructions (for example, thick mucus plugs) to reach air spaces (alveoli) where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange occurs in the lung. Consequently, the person exhibits a progressive difficulty, first coughing to remove obstructions like mucus, and then in breathing, especially with exertion.

What are the risk factors for developing COPD?

People who smoke tobacco are at the highest risk for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Other risk factors include exposure to secondhand smoke from tobacco and exposure to high levels of air pollution, especially air pollution associated with wood or coal. In addition, individuals with airway hyper-responsiveness such as those with chronic asthma are at increased risk.

There is a genetic factor called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency that places a small percentage (less than 1%) of people at higher risk for COPD (and emphysema) because a protective factor (alpha-1 antitrypsin protein) for lung tissue elasticity is decreased or absent.

Other factors that may increase the risk for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease include

intravenous drug use,

immune deficiency syndromes,

vasculitis syndrome,

connective tissue disorders, and

genetic problems such as Salla disease (autosomal recessive disorder of sialic acid storage in the body).

What other diseases or conditions contribute to COPD?

In general, three other non-genetic problems related to the lung tissue play a role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 1) chronic bronchitis, 2) emphysema, and 3) infectious diseases of the lung.

Chronic bronchitis and emphysema, are thought by many to be variations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and considered part of the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by many researchers. Chronic bronchitis is defined as a chronic cough that produces sputum for three or more months during two consecutive years.

Emphysema is an abnormal and permanent enlargement of the air spaces (alveoli) located at the end of the terminal bronchioles in the lungs.

Infectious diseases of the lung may damage areas of the lung tissue and contribute to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

SLIDESHOW
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What tests diagnosis COPD?

The preliminary diagnosis of COPD is diagnosed in a person with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease symptoms by

his/her breathing history,

the history of tobacco smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, and/or

exposure to air pollutants, and/or a history of lung disease (for example, pneumonia).

Other tests to diagnose COPD

Other tests to diagnose COPD include:

Chest X-rays

CT scan of the lungs

Arterial blood gas or a pulse oximeter to look at the saturation level of oxygen in the patient's blood

In addition, the person may be sent to a lung specialist (pulmonologist) to determine their FEV1 level that is used by some physicians to stage COPD as described above in the section that describes the stages of COPD.

What is the treatment for COPD?

There are many treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The first and best is to stop smoking immediately.

Medical treatments of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease drugs, for example, nicotine replacement therapy, beta-2 agonists and anticholinergic agents (bronchodilators), combined drugs using steroids and long-acting bronchodilators, mucolytic agents, oxygen therapy, and surgical procedures such as bullectomy, lung volume reduction surgery, and lung transplantation.

The treatments are often based on the stage of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, for example:

Stage I - short-acting bronchodilator as needed

Stage II - short-acting bronchodilator as needed and long-acting bronchodilators plus cardiopulmonary rehabilitation

Stage III - short-acting bronchodilator as needed long-acting bronchodilators cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and inhaled glucocorticoids for repeated exacerbations

Stage IV - as needed, long-acting bronchodilators, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, inhaled glucocorticoids, long-term oxygen therapy, possible lung volume reduction surgery and possible lung transplantation (stage IV has been termed "end-stage" chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

The three major goals of the comprehensive treatment and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are:

1. Lessen airflow limitation

2. Prevent and treat secondary medical complications (for example, hypoxemia, infection)

3. Decrease respiratory symptoms and improve quality of life

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What medications treat COPD?

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

The first line of therapy that involves medication is related to smoking cessation with nicotine replacement therapy. Nicotine replacement therapy can help patients quit smoking tobacco because it can help reduce the withdrawal symptoms due to nicotine. Replacement therapies include nicotine-containing chewing gum and patches that allow nicotine to be absorbed through the skin. In these types of therapy, nicotine is gradually reduced. This medication can work well for those patients who are seriously attempting to quit tobacco.

Oral Medications to Quit Smoking (Smoking Cessation)

Varenicline (Chantix) is an oral medication that is prescribed to promote cessation of smoking. This is also an alternative to try to quit smoking.

Bupropion (Zyban) is an antidepressant that helps reduce symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

Some medications are used "off label" (that is, they are normally prescribed for another condition) to help people quit smoking. These drugs are recommended by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to help smokers kick the habit, but have not been approved by the FDA for this use. These medications include nortriptyline (Pamelor), an older type of antidepressant. It's been found to help smokers double their chances of quitting compared to taking no medicine. Another drug used off label is clonidine (Catapres). Normally used to treat high blood pressure it can help smokers quit.

Bronchodilators

Bronchodilators are used for COPD treatment because they open up the airway tubes and allow air to more freely pass in and out of the lung tissue. There are both short-term (several hours) and long-term (12 or more hours) types of bronchodilators.

Examples of short-term bronchodilators

Examples of long-term bronchodilators

Anticholinergicbronchodilators

ipratropium (Atrovent)

tiotropium (Spiriva)

aclidinium (Tudorza)

Other bronchodilators such as theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24) are occasionally used, but are not favored because of unwanted side effects including anxiety, tremors, seizures, and arrhythmias.

Also on the market are combined to drugs using steroids and long-acting bronchodilators. Roflumilast (Daxas, Daliresp) is a new drug that inhibits the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 4, has been utilized in patients with symptoms of chronic bronchitis.

From

What is the treatment for COPD exacerbation?

Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is one of the major reasons for hospital admission in the United States.

You may need to be hospitalized if you develop severe respiratory dysfunction, if the disease progresses, or if you have other serious respiratory diseases (for example, pneumonia, acute bronchitis). The purpose of hospitalization is to treat symptoms and to prevent further deterioration. You may be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) if they require invasive or noninvasive mechanical ventilation or if you have these symptoms:

Confusion

Lethargy

Respiratory muscle fatigue

Worsening hypoxemia (not enough oxygen in the blood)

Respiratory acidosis (retention of carbon dioxide in the blood)

What surgery is available to treat COPD?

There are three types of surgery generally available to treat certain types of patients with COPD that include

1. Bullectomy

2. Lung volume reduction surgery

3. Lung transplant surgery

Surgery may not be available or desirable for many people with COPD.

Bullectomy surgery is the removal of giant bullae. Air-filled spaces usually located in the lung periphery that occupy lung space most often in people with emphysema are termed bullae. Giant bullae may occupy over 33% of the lung tissue, compress adjacent lung tissue, and reduce blood flow and ventilation to healthy tissue. Surgical removal can allow compressed lung tissue that is still functional to expand.

Lung volume reduction surgery is removal of lung tissue that has been most damaged by tobacco smoking, usually the 20% to 30% of lung tissue located in the upper part of each lung. This procedure is not done often; it is usually done on people who have severe emphysema and marked hyperinflation of the airways and air spaces.

Lung transplantation is surgical therapy for people with advanced lung disease. People with COPD are the largest single category of people who undergo lung transplantation. In general, these people with COPD usually are at COPD stage three or four with severe symptoms and generally, without transplantation, have a life expectancy of about two years or less.

IMAGES
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What is the prognosis and life expectancy for a person with COPD?

For people with mild COPD (stage I) the prognosis is very good and they may have a relatively normal life expectancy but this decreases as the severity of staging increases.

People with COPD who are admitted to an ICU have an estimated death rate of about 24% and this rate can double for people over age 65.

The average life expectancy of a COPD patient who undergoes a lung transplant is about five years.

People who have COPD and continue to smoke, have a rapid decline in FEV1, who develop severe hypoxemia, develop right-sided heart failure and/or have poor ability to do daily functions usually have a poor prognosis.

What lifestyle changes ( diet, exercise) and home therapies help COPD symptoms?

The most effective and preventative therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is to avoid contact with tobacco smoke. If you use tobacco products - quit.

Exercise for COPD

If a person with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has mild to moderate symptoms, often they can benefit from exercise programs that can increase their stamina and slow the advancing pace of COPD disease.

Diet, Supplements, Therapy, and Complementary Medicine for COPD

A number of over-the-counter (OTC) supplements and foods are reportedly helpful in reducing symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Home remedies for COPD include:

Vitamin E to improve lung function

Omega-3 fatty acids to decrease inflammation (found in supplements or foods such as salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, soybeans, canola oil)

Antioxidants to reduce inflammation (found in kale, tomatoes, broccoli, green tea, red grapes)

Breathing techniques relaxation therapy, meditation

Acupuncture COPD symptom reduction by needle placement

Other supplementary therapies such as treatment with antibiotics to reduce pathogen (viral, fungal, bacterial) damage to lung tissue, mucolytic agents to help unblock mucus-clogged airways, or oxygenation therapies to increase the available oxygen to lung tissues may also reduce the symptoms of COPD.

In some people, oxygen therapy will increase his/her life expectancy, and improve the quality of life. This is especially true with people with COPD who have chronically low oxygen levels in the blood. It may also help exercise endurance. Oxygen delivery systems are now easily portable and have reduced in cost in comparison to earlier designs.

Yoga may be another form of beneficial exercise that helps with breathing efficiency and breathing muscle control.

The person with COPD should discuss the use of any home remedies or supplements with their physician before beginning such treatments because some treatments may interfere with ongoing therapy.

When to call your doctor for COPD

A person should see their doctor if they experience any of the signs and symptoms of COPD and are members of a high-risk group for developing COPD, such as people who smoke.

In general, patients who notice an increasing shortness of breath that wasn't present recently, especially with any minor exertion should make an appointment to see their doctor. People already diagnosed with COPD who notice an increase in symptoms or have emphysema or chronic bronchitis that worsen should also see their doctor quickly.

Can COPD be prevented?

Except for COPD due to genetic problems, this health condition can be prevented in many people by simply never using tobacco products.

Other preventive measures include

Avoiding wood, oil, and coal-burning fumes

Limiting one's exposure to lung irritants such as air pollutants

Receiving recommended vaccines to avoid infections (for example, the flu) can help reduce lung damage and the COPD symptoms that accompany lung damage.

Which types of doctors treat COPD?

COPD is a long-term disease that can be progressive, so along with the patient's primary care physician, a pulmonologist specialist who treats lung disease is consulted to manage COPD symptoms with medications and other diagnostic tests. In addition, pulmonary rehabilitation specialists that can help with teaching the patient breathing exercises, physical and muscle strengthening along with nutritional counseling can help reduce COPD symptoms.

Depression and anxiety are common problems in individuals with COPD so having a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist on the patient's medical team can provide treatment for symptoms of depression or anxiety, provide counseling for the patient and/or family members, and help with setting up support networks.

Other medical professionals such as surgical specialists may be consulted if the patient qualifies for a lung transplant or requires lung reduction surgery for severe emphysema or needs other lung surgery.

In emergencies, people will COPD may be treated by emergency medicine physicians or medical critical care doctors (intensivists).

Your physician may suggest consultation with individuals to help you stop smoking, a common problem for people with COPD.

Medically Reviewed on 8/31/2020

REFERENCES:

Kleinschmidt, P. "Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Emphysema in Emergency Medicine." Medscape. Jun 08, 2017
<http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/807143-overview>

Mosenifar, Z. "Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)." Medscape. Updated Sep 25, 2017.
<http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/297664-overview>

American Lung Association. "COPD."
<http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/>

American Cancer Society. "Prescription drugs to help you quit smoking." Updated Feb 06, 2014
<http://www.cancer.org/healthy/stayawayfromtobacco/guidetoquittingsmoking/guide-to-quitting-smoking-help-phys-rx-drugs>

Complete List

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Symptoms, Treatment, Life Expectancy)

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is an inherited disorder caused by mutations in the S ERPINA1 gene. People with the condition are at risk for developing serious lung and liver disease. Symptoms and signs of lung disease caused by this condition include:

The earliest symptoms and signs of lung disease usually develop between 20 and 50 years of age, and are

Wheezing

The reduced ability to exercise

Shortness of breath (dyspnea) following mild activity

Other symptoms and signs of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency are:

Fatigue

Rapid heartbeat when going from sitting to standing

Recurring respiratory infections

Unintentional weight loss

Lung disease: People with this condition often develop emphysema, with symptoms of a hacking cough, barrel-shaped chest, and difficulty breathing. If you have this condition and smoke or are exposed to tobacco smoke, it accelerates the appearance of emphysema symptoms and lung damage.

Liver disease: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency also cause liver disease in some people with the condition, that include liver cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, an abnormally large liver (hepatomegaly), liver failure, and hepatitis. Liver damage from alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency causes symptom of a swollen abdomen, swollen legs or feet, and jaundice.

Treatment of AATD depends upon the severity of symptoms. FDA approved drug for AATD is an orphan product called alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor (human), sold under the brand name "Prolastin."

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copd chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

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COPD Symptoms, 4 Stages, Causes, Treatment & Life-Expectancy

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COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and is a chronic lung condition in which air flow into and out of the lungs slowly and progressively becomes obstructed. Symptoms of COPD are shortness of breath and chronic cough.

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A picture of what COPD looks like in the lungs compare to a normal lung

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A picture of what COPD looks like in the lungs compare to a normal lung

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COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema-NCLEX Part 1

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COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Nursing Interventions Management Treatment NCLEX Part 2

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Impacts of volcanic ashes to the respiratory system

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Impacts of volcanic ashes to the respiratory system

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Respiratory Effects

In some eruptions, ash particles can be so fine that they are breathed deep into the lungs. With high exposure, even healthy individuals will experience chest discomfort with increased coughing and irritation. Common short-term symptoms include:

Nasal irritation and discharge (runny nose).

Throat irritation and sore throat, sometimes accompanied by dry coughing.

People with pre-existing chest complaints may develop severe bronchitic symptoms which last some days beyond exposure to ash (for example, hacking cough, production of sputum, wheezing, or shortness of breath).

Airway irritation for people with asthma or bronchitis; common complaints of people with asthma include shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing.

Breathing becomes uncomfortable.

While these short-term effects are generally not considered harmful for people without pre-existing respiratory conditions, we recommend that people take steps to minimise their exposure to breathing airborne ash (see Protecting Against Ash).

The importance of grain size

Penetration of ash particles into the respiratory tract is largely dependent on particle size. Larger particles (10-100 µm diameter) lodge in the upper airways, while those in the 4-10 µm size range deposit in the trachea and bronchial tubes. Very fine (< 4 µm diameter) particles may penetrate deeper into the lungs, into the alveolar region.

Deposition of relatively coarse particles in the upper airways is primarily associated with symptoms such as irritation of the nose and throat. Deposition of smaller particles in the thoracic region (bronchial tubes and bronchioles) is thought to be associated with acute disease outcomes such as exacerbation of asthma and bronchitis. Very fine particles are termed 'respirable' and may penetrate into the deep lungs where chronic, particle-related respiratory diseases, such as silicosis, are activated.

Crystalline silica

The most hazardous eruptions are those generating fine-grained ash with a high content of free crystalline silica, as this mineral has the potential to cause silicosis (a chronic lung disease resulting in scarring damage to the lungs and impairment of their function). Silicosis is primarily an occupational disease associated with occupations such as stone-cutting, road and building construction and quarrying.

Some volcanoes mass-produce crystalline silica in lava domes. These are viscous lava piles which grow within volcanic craters and are prone to collapse, generating airborne fine-grained ash rich in free crystalline silica. At Soufrière Hills volcano, Montserrat, West Indies, an eruption began in 1995 and was intermittently active until 2010. This eruption generated dome collapse ash composed of up to 25 wt.% crystalline silica, prompting the UK government to implement controls to minimise population exposure. Comprehensive studies of population exposure to respirable crystalline silica have suggested that the majority of the population are not exposed to sufficiently high airborne concentrations to be at risk of developing silicosis, but a smaller group of individuals (such as outdoor workers) may be at risk of developing mild silicosis.

To date, no longer-term diseases such as silicosis have been attributed to exposure to volcanic ash, although this may be due to inadequate case collection.

Post-eruption monitoring

It is important to determine levels of free crystalline silica in bulk ash samples after a heavy ashfall, using reliable methods. Particular care must be taken by agencies conducting and reporting on analyses to avoid any confusion between free crystalline silica (where the individual minerals cristobalite, quartz and tridymite are quantified) and total silica content (commonly used to quantify the bulk composition of ash). Within days of the 1980 eruption of Mt St Helens, there were reports in the media that the Mt St Helens ash contained 60 percent or more free crystalline silica - far greater than the actual 3 to 7 percent in the respirable size fraction. This misinformation occurred because of a misunderstanding of the difference between free and total silica.

A further difficulty with this analysis is in differentiating between the peaks (which may overlap) of cristobalite and feldspar. We recommend contacting the IVHHN for advice if in any doubt.

In the event of prolonged population exposure to airborne respirable ashfall (for example, if the eruption is long-lived) it may be necessary for public health officials to conduct more detailed studies on population exposure by using cyclone air samplers to collect samples of airborne respirable dust. These can then be compared to occupational and environmental exposure limits. A commonly-used occupational exposure standard for cristobalite is a limit of 50 µg/m ³ of air as a time-weighted 8-hour average, to reflect a standard working day (U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH). Similar standards exist in many other countries. Environmental exposure limits can be calculated from the occupational standards.

The IVHHN has developed a standard approach (protocol) for analysing bulk ash samples to assess their potential as respiratory health hazards. This protocol is available on the For Scientists page.

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Volcanic Ash Impacts & Mitigation - Respiratory Effects

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In some eruptions, ash particles can be so fine that they are breathed deep into the lungs. With high exposure, even healthy individuals will experience chest discomfort with increased coughing and irritation. Common short-term symptoms include: Nasal irritation and discharge (runny nose). Throat irritation and sore throat, sometimes accompanied by dry coughing.

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Volcanoes release plumes of ash, dust, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other harmful gases into the air. Sulfur dioxide is the most harmful of these gases. When the gases react with oxygen, moisture, and sunlight in the atmosphere, volcanic smog forms. This smog is a type of air pollution.

Volcanic smog also contains highly acidic aerosols (tiny particles and droplets), mainly sulfuric acid and other sulfur-related compounds. These aerosols are small enough to be breathed deep into the lungs.

Breathing in volcanic smog irritates the lungs and mucous membranes. It can affect how well your lungs work. Volcanic smog may also affect your immune system.

The acidic particles in volcanic smog can worsen these lung conditions:

Symptoms of volcanic smog exposure include:

Breathing problems, shortness of breath

Coughing

Flu-like symptoms

Headaches

Lack of energy

More mucus production

Sore throat

Watery, irritated eyes

STEPS TO PROTECT AGAINST VOLCANIC SMOG

If you already have breathing problems, taking these steps can prevent your breathing from getting worse when you are exposed to volcanic smog:

Stay indoors as much as possible. People who have lung conditions should limit physical activity outdoors. Keep windows and doors closed and the air conditioning on. Using an air cleaner/purifier can also help.

When you do have to go outside, wear a paper or gauze surgical mask that covers your nose and mouth. Wet the mask with a solution of baking soda and water to further protect your lungs.

Wear goggles to protect your eyes from ash.

Take your COPD or asthma medicines as prescribed.

Do not smoke. Smoking can irritate your lungs even more.

Drink a lot of fluids, especially warm fluids (such as tea).

Bend forward at the waist slightly to make it easier to breathe.

Practice breathing exercises indoors to keep your lungs as healthy as possible. With your lips almost closed, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. This is called pursed-lip breathing. Or, breathe deeply through your nose into your belly without moving your chest. This is called diaphragmatic breathing.

If possible, do not travel to or leave the area where the volcanic smog is.

EMERGENCY SYMPTOMS

If you have asthma or COPD and your symptoms suddenly get worse, try using your rescue inhaler. If your symptoms don't improve:

Call 911 or the local emergency number right away.

Have someone take you to the emergency room.

Call your health care provider if you:

Are coughing up more mucus than usual, or the mucus has changed color

Are coughing up blood

Have a high fever (over 100°F or 37.8°C)

Have flu-like symptoms

Have severe chest pain or tightness

Have shortness of breath or wheezing that is getting worse

Have swelling in your legs or abdomen

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Lung problems and volcanic smog: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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Volcanoes release plumes of ash, dust, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other harmful gases into the air. Sulfur dioxide is the most harmful of these gases. When the gases react with oxygen, moisture, and sunlight in the atmosphere, volcanic smog forms. This smog is a type of air pollution.

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Video about the health effects of volcanic ash

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Video about the health effects of volcanic ash

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how volcanic ash impacts on human health

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"Doc, I miss my volcano."

"You miss your what?" I said.

"My volcano. Honestly, I miss it," said Roderigo, 38, recently arrived in Canada from Mexico.

After weeks of tests and X-rays, we had finally discovered the cause of Roderigo's severe lung disease. While European airports suffer from continued closings, delays and safety concerns because of Iceland's stubborn volcano, doctors know that volcanic ash can compromise health. Like jet engines, people can also be grounded by inhaling the dangerous dust, suffer long-term disability or even crash.

For months, Roderigo's breathing was worsening. At first, it seemed to be a standard case of asthma, with occasional breathing tightness, wheezing and phlegm in the chest. He seemed to do well after being prescribed the usual asthma inhalers. He even got rid of his girlfriend's cat, as cat hair and dander are universal evils in the eyes of asthma doctors.

But after a bad bout of fever, coughing and gasping for air, we did a chest X-ray. The results were astonishing. His lungs looked like he had unrepentantly smoked a pack a day for 40 years - older than his age. Yet Roderigo swore he was an absolute non-smoker. He said, "Doc, I don't smoke, legal or illegal."

Roderigo did not have asthma but something more challenging. He had severe emphysema, which doctors usually see in dedicated smokers twice Roderigo's age. His lungs had been trashed, resembling the burnt out shells of a bombed city. Much of his lungs were just dead tissue, useless for inhaling oxygen. In fact, his entire chest was a war zone.

What had caused so much damage? Searching for an inhaled culprit, physicians remember the days of medical school. I asked default questions from vaguely remembered lectures. Did you work in a coal mine? Chemical industry? Did you inhale fungus while working on a farm? Did you ever have tuberculosis? Roderigo answered "no" to all these questions and assured me that he was not indulging a cocaine or other drug habit.

Then after thinking, Roderigo said, "There is Popocatepetl."

"Pardon me?" I replied.

"Popocatepetl. My volcano. My family lived on its slopes outside Mexico City. As kids we had songs and games to guess when it would smoke. That's why I miss it."

I thought I had a reasonably international view of medical illness but Roderigo's case was remarkable. From childhood he had been inhaling small amounts of ash emitted by the recurring eruptions of his beloved volcano, Popocatepetl, which means "smoking mountain" in Aztec.

European travellers are discovering now what Roderigo has lived all his life. Inhaling glass-like silica particles of volcanic ash damages machinery, including the body. As more dust particles settle in the lung, the body goes on the offensive. But the particles are not biodegradable. Unwanted guests, they lodge in the lungs like permanent stalactites in a cave. In vain, the body recruits police cells to do mop-up exercises to cleanse the lungs. But this friendly fire, the immune response, goes into overdrive and leads to collateral damage. The lungs become chronically irritated and angry, and they harden and scar, a process called fibrosis.

With the Industrial Revolution, there were more and more such cases, what came to be known as pneumoconiosis, "dusty lungs." Delamar, a city in Nevada famous for its mines, became known as "the Widow Maker" after hundreds of miners died from years of inhaling gold dust.

Canadian physicians may encounter this disease in patients who work in the asbestos industry, sandblasting, stone masonry or mining. But Roderigo's rare case reminds us of how large and subtle the world actually is. In fact, the official name for his specific condition is as long as the flight delays in Europe. Take a deep breath: Roderigo has Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis.

Dr. Shafiq Qaadri is a Toronto family physician. Special to The Globe and Mail

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Volcanic ash can severely damage your lungs

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"Doc, I miss my volcano." "You miss your what?" I said. "My volcano. Honestly, I miss it," said Roderigo, 38, recently arrived in Canada from Mexico. After weeks of tests and X-rays, we had finally discovered the cause of Roderigo's severe lung disease.

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Difficulty breathing and anxiety and panic attacks

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Why panic attacks causes shortness of breathe.

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Why panic attacks causes shortness of breathe.

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Panic attacks are the most prominent symptom of panic disorder. These attacks often come on unexpectedly and are accompanied by many frightening physical sensations, such as shortness of breath or hyperventilation.

The experience of shortness of breath can be a terrifying symptom. You may feel as though you are unable to breathe or get enough air into your lungs. Many people describe it as a choking, smothering, or suffocating sensation.You might feel like you may pass out or potentially die, which only heightens your panic and anxiety.

Some people worry that they have an underlying medical condition, such as asthma or heart problems. However, shortness of breath is a common symptom of panic attacks and usually does not signal a larger medical problem.

The shortness of breath that occurs during panic attacks and anxiety is often caused by a change in your normal breathing pattern.﻿﻿ Typically, we are not conscious of our breathing. When panic and anxiety occur, our breathing may become more shallow and restricted. Instead of filling the lungs with full, complete breaths, we take in quick and short breaths.

Hyperventilation can also develop into feelings of faintness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and confusion. A person who is hyperventilating may start taking quick and loud gasps of air. However, many people will only show slight signs of hyperventilation, such as coughing and rapid breathing.

One of the most valuable things you can do if you experience shortness of breath is to try not to panic, no matter how difficult that is. Shortness of breath is a very frightening feeling. However, if you become even more fearful and anxious, you are at risk of hyperventilating and significantly increasing the intensity of your panic attack.

The next time you experience shortness of breath, be prepared to cope with your physical sensations and anxiety-provoking thoughts. There are numerous strategies for getting through a panic attack. It is important that you pick a technique that feels right for you and that you practice this skill on a regular basis.

For best results, practice your relaxation technique at times when you are not having a panic attack. By practicing while in a more relaxed state, you will be better prepared to use your strategy when you really need it.

A Breathing Exercise for Shortness of Breath

Set aside at least five to 10 minutes a day to practice this breathing exercise. Try practicing when you wake up to reduce morning anxiety or before bed to get a better night's rest. By breathing with intention, you may be able to manage your next panic attack, including shortness of breath.

Tracking your symptoms with a panic attack diary can also help you better understand how your panic attacks feel and which symptoms should trigger a call to the doctor.

Seeking Professional Help

Aside from developing your own set of coping skills, you should have regular interactions with your doctor regarding your panic attacks. He or she will be able to determine if the shortness of breath is caused by your panic disorder or a separate medical condition.

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Is Shortness of Breath a Symptom of Panic Disorder?

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Panic attacks are the most prominent symptom of panic disorder. These attacks often come on unexpectedly and are accompanied by many frightening physical sensations, such as shortness of breath or hyperventilation. The experience of shortness of breath can be a terrifying symptom.

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Anxiety as a cause of shortness of breath

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Anxiety as a cause of shortness of breath

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The triggers and symptoms of anxiety vary widely from person to person, but many people experience shortness of breath when they feel anxious.

Shortness of breath is a common symptom of anxiety. As with other anxiety symptoms, it can be concerning, but it is ultimately harmless. It will go away when the anxiety lifts.

Feeling short of breath can make a person feel more anxious. They may suspect that they are having a breathing or heart problem, when in reality, they are noticing a symptom of anxiety.

In this article, we explore the link between anxiety and shortness of breath, which doctors call dyspnea. We also look at other possible causes of shortness of breath.

When a person feels anxious, they tend to feel restless, wound-up, irritable, and unable to concentrate. In some cases, anxiety is linked with panic-like symptoms, which can include:

shortness of breath or rapid breathing

increased heart rate

sweating

chest pain

feelings of impending doom

Anxiety and panic have associations with fear. They can lead to behavioral and physiological changes that prepare the person to defend themselves against a threat.

The brain is wired to react to fearful situations with a fight or flight response. The heart rate increases to pump blood to the organs faster, which readies the muscles for action.

It also causes a person to breathe more quickly to provide more oxygen to the muscles. The result can be shortness of breath.

When a person comes to a doctor with this symptom, they first rule out physical causes, such as breathing problems or heart problems.

Everyone feels anxious from time to time, but for some people, anxiety significantly gets in the way of daily life.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) affects 3.1% of people in the United States in any given year. It is more common in females than males.

People who experience frequent panic attacks may have panic disorder. An estimated 2-3% of people in the U.S. experience panic disorder each year, and it is twice as prevalent in females.

If anxiety or panic is the cause, the doctor may recommend some relaxation methods or breathing techniques.

In some cases, a doctor may recommend medication or therapy to help manage the symptoms.

When a person is experiencing anxiety, it can be difficult to tell whether the anxiety or another health issue is responsible for the symptoms. This can be especially challenging when the symptoms are severe.

Shortness of breath is one symptom that people with anxiety may experience, but not everyone with anxiety has difficulty breathing.

Anxiety can cause a range of physical and psychological symptoms. These include:

increased heart rate

dizziness

sweating

chills

nausea

shaking

muscle tension

rapid breathing

a choking sensation

a fear of losing control

agitation - feeling jittery or frustrated

frightening thoughts, mental images, or memories

poor concentration

confusion

poor memory

difficulty speaking

Doctors diagnose GAD using criteria from the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Shortness of breath is not one of these criteria, but it can occur with GAD.

People with panic disorder or panic attacks may experience shortness of breath, as well. It is a symptom that doctors use to diagnose panic disorder.

Panic attacks bring on extreme anxiety symptoms, such as a feeling of doom or a fear of dying. Other symptoms can feel similar to those of a heart attack.
How does a panic attack feel different from a heart attack? Find out here.
Anyone who suspects that they have anxiety or panic disorder may want to consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis and treatment.

If a person experiences shortness of breath, there may not be a clear reason, which can cause or worsen anxiety and make breathing more difficult.

To determine the cause of shortness of breath, doctors need to rule out physical causes, such as asthma, lung problems, or heart problems.
Learn about other causes of shortness of breath.
Doctors can offer various treatments for anxiety, such as psychotherapy, medications, or a combination.

Medication

For short-term relief of anxiety symptoms, including shortness of breath, doctors may prescribe benzodiazepine medications. These include:

These may provide some relief from anxiety symptoms quickly, within about 30 minutes.

However, doctors tend not to prescribe benzodiazepines for long periods because they can have side effects, and misuse can have harmful results.

More frequently, doctors prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, commonly called SSRIs or antidepressants, for symptoms of anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be beneficial for many people with anxiety. It aims to help people modify how they think and behave in certain situations, such as those that trigger anxiety.

A person who has CBT may learn that their anxiety is based on false alarms of fear, and the therapy may train them to cope with conditions that cause anxiety instead of avoiding them.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy

Psychodynamic psychotherapy is also an effective treatment for anxiety. It focuses on the role of personal and relationship conflicts associated with symptoms of anxiety.

This form of therapy harnesses the patient-therapist relationship to help encourage personal reflection, acceptance of difficult feelings, and engagement in new behaviors.

Relaxation methods

For immediate relief of shortness of breath due to anxiety, people might try diaphragmatic breathing.

Some doctors recommend it to help reduce anxiety, and some people who practice it report that it helps provide emotional balance.

This breathing technique involves contracting the diaphragm, expanding the belly, and deepening inhalation and exhalation.

A study from 2017 demonstrated that 20 sessions of diaphragmatic breathing improved stress and decreased negative emotions in participants. However, none had a diagnosis of anxiety.

Diaphragmatic breathing also plays a role in meditation, some religions, and martial arts, and it is a core component of yoga and tai chi.

Other techniques that may help relieve anxiety and ease breathing include:

Anyone who may have anxiety or a panic disorder may benefit from discussing their symptoms and treatment options with a doctor.

If breathing exercises and other relaxation techniques do not reestablish regular breathing patterns, the person may need medical attention.

If shortness of breath is frequent or long-lasting, it may stem from another medical condition, such as:

When people experience shortness of breath because of anxiety or panic, it can make them feel more anxious, which can worsen their breathing.

Doctors often recommend relaxation techniques and diaphragmatic breathing to help relieve this anxiety symptom and others.

Some people also benefit from temporarily using medications to control anxiety symptoms. Chronic anxiety and panic may require a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

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Anxiety and shortness of breath: Causes, symptoms, and treatments

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The triggers and symptoms of anxiety vary widely from person to person, but many people experience shortness of breath when they feel anxious. Shortness of breath is a common symptom of anxiety. As with other anxiety symptoms, it can be concerning, but it is ultimately harmless. It will go away when the anxiety lifts.

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Anxiety & Trouble Breathing, Shortness of Breath, Hyperventilation EXPLAINED!

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A Deep Breathing Exercise That Can Double Your Anxiety Relief?

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ANSWER

Allergies to triggers like pollen, dust, and pets don't usually impact the lungs. But allergies and asthma often go hand-in-hand. If you have both conditions, being exposed to an allergen like pollen can trigger an asthma attack.

The most serious type of allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, certainly affects the lungs. Anaphylaxis is most likely to happen when someone who has a severe allergy to a food, insect sting, medication, or latex is exposed to that trigger. Your body goes into shock, airways constrict, and your throat may become so swollen that enough air can't pass through. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening medical emergency, so call 911 right away and use your epinephrine injector.

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ANSWER Allergies to triggers like pollen, dust, and pets don't usually impact the lungs. But allergies and asthma often go hand-in-hand. If you have both conditions, being exposed to an allergen like pollen can trigger an asthma attack. The most serious type of allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, certainly affects the lungs.

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Sometimes the immune system perceives a threat and reacts in a variety of ways. A respiratory or lung allergy causes symptoms directly reflected in how a person breathes. Pollen, a major trigger for asthmatics, stimulates white blood cells to release a substance called histamine. This irritating substance produces a stuffy nose and itchy, watery eyes. In people with asthma, histamine can also cause a list of additional allergy symptoms, which usually occur soon after exposure. Examples of airborne allergens that cause respiratory allergy symptoms include pollens, animal dander, dust mites, and mold spores.

Breathlessness

Breathlessness is the sensation of not getting enough air, often accompanied by a sensation of tightness in the chest. A narrowing or blockage of the airway due to an allergic reaction causes this affect. As the inflamed or blocked airway prevents a person from taking a deep breath, the person takes more and more short, shallow breaths, which can lead to a drop in oxygen and an increase in carbon dioxide in the body. A feeling of breathlessness occurs as the brain, muscles and other body systems become oxygen deprived.

Wheezing

Wheezing is a whistling sound produced by breathing through a narrowed airway. Generally, wheezing can only be heard through a stethoscope. However, when allergy symptoms become severe as a person struggles to catch their breath, it can be heard by the human ear. Wheezing upon exhalation is more prevalent, but it can also occur when inhaling. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, when the smaller bronchial tubes within the lungs become narrow, it can cause chest discomfort, a sensation of pressure or constriction in front of the chest 1. When the larger airway narrows because of inflammation, it also becomes difficult to breathe causing audible wheezing.

Coughing

Coughing is a beneficial and protective reflex that clears irritants from the trachea and bronchi or airway of the lung. The cough reflex receives messages from receptors in the airway that are sensitive to stimulation by inhaled particles such as pollen. The messages travel to a center in the brain stem, which triggers the cough. The coughing mechanism clears the mucus, fluid and allergens that settle in the upper and lower airway. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, coughing is the most common reason why people seek medical attention 2.

Airway Inflammation

A classic sign of respiratory symptoms due to allergy is inflammation of the airway. The inflammation causes swelling and increased mucus production, which can result in wheezing, breathlessness, coughing and chest tightness. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, research has shown there is a genetic component that controls the inflammatory response to specific allergens. This response causes an allergic reaction, which in turn causes airway inflammation.

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Sometimes the immune system perceives a threat and reacts in a variety of ways. A respiratory or lung allergy causes symptoms directly reflected in how a person breathes. Pollen, a major trigger for asthmatics, stimulates white blood cells to release a substance called histamine. This irritating substance produces a stuffy nose and itchy, watery eyes.

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What is respiratory allergy? | facingallergies.com

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Allergies and asthma; a common connection

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Video that talks about Cystic Fibrosis/Bronchiectasis

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Video that talks about Cystic Fibrosis/Bronchiectasis

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What Is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can range from mild to so severe that you have to go to the hospital.

It happens when an infection causes the air sacs in your lungs (your doctor will call them alveoli) to fill with fluid or pus. That can make it hard for you to breathe in enough oxygen to reach your bloodstream.

Anyone can get this lung infection. But infants younger than age 2 and people over age 65 are at higher risk. That's because their immune systems might not be strong enough to fight it.

You can get pneumonia in one or both lungs. You can also have it and not know it. Doctors call this walking pneumonia. Causes include bacteria, viruses, and fungi. If your pneumonia results from bacteria or a virus, you can spread it to someone else.

Lifestyle habits, like smoking cigarettes and drinking too much alcohol, can also raise your chances of getting pneumonia.

Causes of Pneumonia

Bacteria, viruses, or fungi can cause pneumonia.

Common causes include:

Flu viruses

Cold viruses

RSV virus (the top cause of pneumonia in babies age 1 or younger)

Bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Some people who are in the hospital get "ventilator-associated pneumonia" if they got the infection while using a ventilator, a machine that helps you breathe.

If you get pneumonia while you're in a hospital and aren't on a ventilator, that's called "hospital-acquired" pneumonia. But most people get "community-acquired pneumonia," which means they didn't get it in a hospital.

Pneumonia Diagnosis

Your doctor will start with questions about your symptoms and your medical history, like whether you smoke and whether you've been around sick people at home, school, or work. Then, they'll listen to your lungs. If you have pneumonia, they might hear cracking, bubbling, or rumbling sounds when you breathe in.

If your doctor thinks you might have pneumonia, they'll probably give you tests, including:

Blood tests to look for signs of a bacterial infection

A chest X-ray to find the infection in your lungs and how far it's spread

Pulse oximetry to measure the level of oxygen in your blood

A sputum test to check the fluid in your lungs for the cause of an infection

If your symptoms started in the hospital or you have other health problems, your doctor might give you more tests, such as:

An arterial blood gas test to measure the oxygen in a small amount of blood taken from one of your arteries

Bronchoscopy to check your airways for blockages or other problems

A CT scan to get a more detailed image of your lungs

A pleural fluid culture, in which the doctor removes a small amount of fluid from the tissues around your lungs to look for bacteria that might cause pneumonia

Pneumonia Complications

Pneumonia can have complications, including:

Bacteremia, in which bacteria spread into your blood. This can cause septic shock and organ failure.

Trouble breathing, which might mean you need to use a breathing machine while your lungs heal.

Fluid buildup between the layers of tissue that line your lungs and chest cavity. This fluid can also become infected.

Lung abscess, when a pocket of pus forms inside or around your lung.

Symptoms of Pneumonia

Your symptoms can vary depending on what's causing your pneumonia, your age, and your overall health. They usually develop over several days.

Common pneumonia symptoms include:

Chest pain when you breathe or cough

Cough that produces phlegm or mucus

Fatigue and loss of appetite

Fever, sweating, and chills

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Shortness of breath

Along with these symptoms, older adults and people with weak immune systems might be confused or have changes in mental awareness, or they might have a lower-than-usual body temperature.

Newborns and infants may not show any signs of infection. Or they might vomit, have a fever and a cough, and seem restless or tired.

If you have a new cough, fever, or shortness of breath, call your doctor to ask about whether it could be COVID-19. Illness with the new coronavirus can also lead to pneumonia.

Pneumonia Treatment

Your doctor can tell you which treatment is right for you.

If you have bacterial pneumonia, you'll get antibiotics. Make sure you take all of the medicine your doctor gives you, even if you start to feel better before you're through with it.

If you have viral pneumonia, antibiotics won't help. You'll need to rest, drink a lot of fluids, and take medicine for your fever.

If your symptoms are severe or if you have other conditions that make you more likely to have complications, your doctor may send you to the hospital. While you're there, your doctor will probably give you fluids or antibiotics through an IV tube. You may even need oxygen therapy or breathing treatments.

With any kind of pneumonia, recovery will take time. You're going to need lots of rest. You might need a week off your usual routines, and you could still feel tired for a month.

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Pneumonia is a lung infection that can range from mild to so severe that you have to go to the hospital. It happens when an infection causes the air sacs in your lungs (your doctor will call them alveoli) to fill with fluid or pus.

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A picture of having pneumonia compared to a normal lung

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A picture of having pneumonia compared to a normal lung

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Pneumonia Symptoms, Pathophysiology, Nursing | Respiratory Disorders NCLEX Lecture Part 1

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Pneumonia Treatment, Nursing Interventions, Antibiotics Medication | NCLEX Respiratory Part 2

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Always Stay Healthy, So That You Can Breathe Happily

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Always Stay Healthy, So That You Can Breathe Happily

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Hope you have a healthy life.