What is the impact of chronic lung disease in Australia?

1. What is the impact of chronic lung disease in Australia? In recent months, we have faced very poor air quality caused by the bushfires that pushed air quality to 11 times the hazardous level. Poor air quality can have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of those of us living with asthma and respiratory diseases. Nowadays air quality will be front of mind for most of us. The air pollution has dramatically increased the effects of chronic lung diseases. Chronic lung diseases are an umbrella term which covers all the major prolonged respiratory complications and are commonly referred to as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Emphysema, non-reversible asthma and chronic bronchitis are the most common conditions that make up COPD. The respiratory disease is characterized by increasing breathlessness. One in every nine Australians is suffering from this disease. Most of chronic lung diseases are incurable but can only be managed by proper preventive measures. In Australia, we have about 6.1 million people who are living with a chronic lung condition. The following chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases are most prevalent lung diseases in Australia: 1. Asthma: We, in Australia, have the highest record of asthma patients than any other country. One in 7 children and one in 10 adults suffer from this disease. 2. Chronic Sinusitis: This disease is also a prevalent condition among us. On an average, 7% of Australians suffer from chronic sinusitis.

2. 3. Other chronic diseases, like bronchiectasis and pneumoconiosis, also have intense effects on a one’s health but these are less prevalent. What are the symptoms of COPD? Significant symptoms of COPD are breathlessness after exertion or in intense cases in rest; prolonged cough; fatigue; chest infections. In some cases, the body starts turning blue due to lack of proper oxygen supply in the body. The problem with COPD is that these diseases develop very slowly so that they are not even noticeable in primary stage and can only be detected when they become severe. What are the effects of COPD on the proper functioning of your lungs? 1.Emphysema causes shortness of breath, as the disease damages the air sacs in the lungs. Over time, the inner walls rupture reducing the amount of oxygen that goes into the bloodstream. In severe conditions the patient feels breathlessness even while resting. 2. Bronchitis is moreover an ongoing painful lung disorder. Due to this disease the bronchi get inflamed or swollen. It causes increased cough problem due to excess fluid production in the lungs. 3. Chest infection: COPD frequently triggers chest infection. A patient easily contracts a chest infection even from a common cold. Diseases like asthma causes deflation of the lungs, because patients with COPD develop air pockets in their lungs and these air pockets are susceptible of bursting from coughing. 5. Damaged lungs initiate heart problems and other problems like pneumonia, oedema, osteoporosis, hypoxemia, anxiety and depression In summary, these COPD symptoms trigger a sedentary lifestyle in patients. How can you diagnose COPD? COPD is diagnosed by a breathing test called a spirometer. Before undergoing this test, you should see the GP or lung specialist to diagnose COPD. This is done after a physical diagnosis, blood test reports and a complete medical history in hand. Once the breathing test is completed, other tests such as lung volume test,

3. sputum analysis and chest x-ray are used to get the complete diagnosis of the problem. What can you do to slow down the progress of COPD? Make sure to takevarious precaution to slow down the progress and halt the triggering of COPD in a healthy body. Stop Smoking Avoid heavy lifting Avoid chores such as mowing, ranking and shoveling Avoid outdoor exercises when the weather is cold, hot or humid Eat healthy How can you treat COPD? COPD is incurable but can be managed with proper preventive measures to ease the effects of the condition such as: -bronchodilator medication; -corticosteroids; -oxygen therapy; -treatment for chest infections; -pulmonary rehabilitation These treatments have demonstrated to significantly improve the lung function. The best way to get the medication straight to your lungs is via an inhaler or spacer. Both lung devices are essential for the treatment of chronic lung conditions. They help loosen the tight muscles of your airways, ensuring the patient can breathe easier. A spacer is used together with a puffer, which is a large volume holding chamber. They hold the medicine fired from the puffer so you can breathe it in slowly and deeply, while allowing more medicine to get deeper into your lungs. In some cases, nebulised medicine may be prescribed. For that you need a nebuliser that pumps pressured air through liquid in the nebuliser bowl to form a fine mist that the patient can inhale through a mask or mouthpiece.

4. Air purifiers can be effective as it ensures a healthy indoor environment by filtering dust mite animal hair, odours, pollen, mould, bacteria and viruses, gases and allergens from the air. If you are looking to purchase an air purifier, make sure it includes a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter as they filter 99.9% of particles in the air. Physical activity: you can benefit from exercise and physical activity. You could think of an aerobic exercise program like walking or cycling. A bike exerciser is a great low-impact device that will help you get fit again. Aim to exercise a few times a week for 20 to 30 minutes per session. The great advantage is that you can exercise from the comfort of your own home. Another good training program is a strength session to build up your muscles. Strength exercises include arm, leg and torso. Start your program slow and boost up the intensity if you feel more confident. Conclusion: In summary, in Australia chronic lung diseases are predominant across all age groups. Today more than 6 million Australians are suffering from one or more form of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD). The Australian government has initiated many awareness programs to reduce the progress of COPD’s. The only reliable method to live longer with these chronic diseases is to take all the necessary precautions measures, exercise better and eat mindfully. At Bettercaremarket, we have a range of lung devices that can help you manage your lung disease. You will find the right accessory for your need on our website. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Visit: https://www.bettercaremarket.com.au/