5 Strategies To Overcome COPD Fatigue

1. 5StrategiesToOvercome COPDFatigue • Life with COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease can be gruelling. Routine, simple activities suchasgoing for a walkorfolding awaylaundrycanconsume allyourenergy.COPD is along-term, progressivelung diseasethatincludesconditionslikeemphysemaandchronicbronchitis. Thisresultsin narrowingoftheairways, swelling ofthe air sacs inthelungs,and difficulties inbreathing. • Theprevalence ofCOPD issoprominentthatclose toone individual is diagnosed withCOPDeveryfive minutes.COPD reduces airflowintoyour lungs,making thesimpleactofbreathing difficult, and arduous. Inevitably,thebodytires easily.COPDfatigueis amongthe mostexperiencedsymptoms. • WhatcausesCOPD? • Recognized asthe largestcontributortothe commencementofCOPD,issmoking, withabout90%ofall COPDcases tracingbacktothissource. Cigaretteand cigar smoking, along withpassivesmoke can increase theriskofCOPD. Livingconditionssuchaspoorventilationandexposuretoindoorfumes and smoke, alsoplaya criticalrole. Although notinsignificantnumbers,geneticcontributorshave alsobeen knownto influence COPD. • UnderstandingCOPDFatigue • COPD fatigue must be understood to battle it. The feeling of sluggishness occurs due to a series of reactionstriggered byalackofoxygensupply. Duetothe body’sinabilitytoinhaleanadequateamountof oxygen, the onset of fatigue is quicker. With lower oxygen levels in the body, the person tends to lose stamina, avoidphysicaltasks,and strugglewithdailytasks. Depressionandsocialdisengagementare also COPDsymptoms. • COPDManagement • Since there is no proven cure for COPD, management is the best solution. Inhalers too, are an optimal prescriptiontohelpeaseeasierbreathing.Theycanhelpbywidening airwaysor reducingswelling inthe lungs. Almostimmediately, onecannotice a significant difference inthe levelsofoxygeninthe body,as wellasrevitalizedmoodandenergy.Hereare someeasylifestylemodificationsrecommendedforCOPD management: • Consciousbreathing:Breathing exercisescanhelpimproveinhalationpatternsandallowbetter oxygen circulation. Practising slow, calculated breathing through the lips can help relieve shortness of breathand dropcarbondioxide. • Nutritioniscritical:Complexcarbohydratescanhelpreleaseenergyslowly,andprotein-richfoods help build and maintain muscle tone. Multivitamins, taken after consulting your physician, can help increase energylevels. Limiting intakeofartificiallysweetenedfoods, foods richinsaturatedfats,and processedfoods. Thiswillhelpyoufeellighterand more agile.Dietaryfibers are another greatsourcethat can help regulateyour digestive processes andkeepyou feelingfitand active.

2. Exercise, but withcaution:This maybe particularlyhardforsomeone whoisalreadybattlingfatigue, • but exercise has proven benefits in circulating oxygen through the body. What’s more, exercise is a great mood enhancer and canhelpyou feel more motivatedtopushyourselfandfeelemotionallystronger. • Treatcomorbidities: COPDcanfrequentlyexistalongsideothercomplications. Often, people with COPD may develop other health issues even when they do not have them. It is imperative that you get regular healthcheck-ups and speaktoyour doctoraboutsymptomsorproblemsyouexperience. Treatmentoptions for conditions likesleepapnea canbefound. • Schedule and plan ahead: Planning and optimal scheduling are crucial forCOPD management. Adequate rest, breaking down larger activities into smaller achievable goals, can help manage the level of fatigue.Scheduling canalsohelpprepare againstemergencies, whichcan be exhausting bothmentally andphysically. • Itis possibletomaintainand improve thequalityoflifeyouenjoywithCOPD fatigue. Workwithyour doctortodevisewaystoenjoyamore active,fulfilling,and healthylifestyle.