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Showing posts with the label lung health

Sleep and COPD: Tips for a restful night

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  For healthy people, getting quality sleep at night is already a challenge. For those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, the case is the same but much worse. Often marked with difficulty in breathing, coughing, and wheezing, the pain caused by COPD symptoms may prevent one from getting a good night's sleep. Image source: sclerodermanwes.com Every time symptoms persist, people are advised to consult with their doctor to receive proper treatment. According to Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., for those with COPD, side effects can wake one up at night, making it best for them to speak with their doctor before making any treatment adjustments. Sleeping can be tricky for the lungs, especially when the body isn't positioned properly. Slightly adjust one's sleeping position, with the head slightly higher than the body to prevent acid reflux. Image source: bioinfromant.com Anyone who seeks to have a quality sleep at night knows not to nap during the day. Naps longer th...

What are the main symptoms of COPD?

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  Millions of people all over the world suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. This condition includes shortness of breath, emphysema, and bronchitis. COPD is common among smokers, and many people don't realize that they have the disease until later in life. Pulmonologists suggest that patients see a professional once they have difficulty breathing instead of dismissing it as fatigue or a sign of aging. Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., a board-certified pulmonary disease physician from New Jersey, discusses some of the disease's symptoms. Chronic cough and increased production of phlegm A cough that lasts for days, along with greenish phlegm, can be a sign of COPD. The body's reaction to the increased mucus production and other environmental irritants is through coughing. Too much coughing can cause fatigue and discomfort to the body. This is why those with suspected COPD need to consult their doctors to find ways to clear the airways without further ...

Six tips to improve lung health during self-isolation

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As the world tries to fight off COVID-19 and find solutions to eradicate the virus, it is a good idea to boost the immune system while on quarantine. Instead of falling prey to cabin fever, do these tips to increase lung capacity. Image source: webmd.com Image source: wuwm.com Learn to breathe . Many are still clueless about the proper way of breathing. When inhaling, concentrate on expanding the diaphragm. Here, the stomach gets bigger as one inhales air right into the end of the lungs. As a person exhales, their stomach becomes smaller. Eat foods that are rich in antioxidants . One’s lung health is dependent on their diet, shares Lisa M. Cannon, M.D. Foods like fruits, vegetables, walnuts, almonds, pecans, and tuna are great for the body. Drink more water . Lung health is anchored on proper nutrition, and proper nutrition includes better water intake. It’s important to keep the lungs moist to avoid dryness. Drinking water ensures that the mucosal li...