Medical Myths: All about COPD
This week’s Medical Myths focuses on false information regarding chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We dispel myths regarding therapies, body weight, exercise, and other topics.
A group of progressive respiratory diseases that all impair breathing are collectively referred to as COPD. The two most prevalent types of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Breathlessness and coughing are the most common signs of COPD. Even routine tasks like getting dressed can become difficult with time.
We address some of the most widespread misconceptions about COPD in this post. We have two experts on staff to make sure the information we provide is accurate. Dr. Neil Schachter is a medical professor. In addition, he oversees the Mount Sinai Health System’s pulmonary rehabilitation program as medical director. Pulmonologist Dr. Shahryar Yadegar oversees the ICU at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center in California. He also specializes in critical care medicine.
COPD is rare
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that COPD was the third most common cause of death globally in 2019 with 3.23 million deaths attributed to it. Dr. According to Schachter, COPD ranks as the fourth most common cause of death in the US. Over 16 million people in America have a diagnosis. In addition, millions more people might go undiagnosed, according to Dr. Yadegar, who spoke with Medical News Today. The American Lung Association (ALA) advises anyone experiencing symptoms of COPD, such as wheezing, a persistent cough, shortness of breath, frequent respiratory infections, and/or significant mucus production (also known as phlegm or sputum), to consult a physician about getting a breathing test known as “spirometry,” which can aid in the diagnosis of COPD.
Only smokers develop COPD
While it is true that smoking is the primary cause of COPD, there are numerous other risk factors as well, such as air pollution, pollution at work, infection, and certain types of asthma, as Dr. Schachter stated to MNT. Ten to twenty percent of people with COPD never smoked. Several factors contribute to the non-smoking status of these individuals, such as prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke, genetic predisposition mainly due to alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, or significant exposure to air pollution. An enzyme called alpha-1 antitrypsin defends the body against an immunological assault. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is brought on by a mutation in the gene that codes for this enzyme in certain individuals. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency raises the possibility of COPD and other disorders affecting several body systems.
Only older adults develop COPD
While older adults are more likely than younger people to have COPD, younger people are not immune to the illness. As an example, in the U. S. 2 percent of males and 4 points 1 percent of females aged 24 to 44 were affected by COPD between 2007 and 2009. In a similar vein, 3% of females and 2% of males between the ages of 18 and 24 were afflicted. Dr. According to Schachter, a sizable fraction of people diagnosed before the age of 50 have an inherited form of the illness that results in an alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
COPD only affects the lungs
Numerous comorbidities, such as diabetes, heart disease, lung cancer, hypertension, and osteoporosis, coexist with COPD. Both “systemic inflammation” and common causative factors may be to blame for the association. Stated differently, certain conditions are more likely to occur in people with COPD because they share risk factors. For example, smoking increases the risk of heart disease and COPD. Simultaneously, medical professionals link systemic inflammation to COPD, which can raise the risk of other illnesses on its own.
People with COPD cannot exercise
Dr. Yadegar states that individuals with COPD may find it challenging to complete physical activities if they do not receive the right guidance. He did, however, add that exercise is advised for those with COPD as it can help them breathe more easily and lessen their daily symptoms. According to him, to maximize better patient outcomes, pulmonary rehabilitation programs usually combine physical exercise with guided breathing techniques. In summary, Dr. Schachter informed us that physical activity is a treatment for COPD, lowering the frequency of exacerbations and enhancing quality of life. Exercise has many benefits when done in the right way and in the right quantities, despite your belief that it is neither safe nor possible. Before beginning an exercise regimen or making any changes to it, make sure to consult your doctor.
There are no treatments for COPD
According to Dr. Schachter, there are a variety of treatments and tactics that can slow down the progression of the illness, such as medication, physical therapy, diet, and vaccinations that guard against respiratory infections, which can hasten the illness’s course. Dr. Yadegar stated that patients may benefit from inhaled bronchodilators, anticholinergics, corticosteroids, and extra oxygen due to a range of presentations. He claimed that these could be made specifically for each individual. Lung transplants or even increases in alpha-1 antitrypsin may also be beneficial for some patients.
COPD is the same as asthma
Asthma typically starts in childhood, and during that time it is often linked to inflammation issues and allergies. COPD is linked to smoking and typically first manifests in the 60s. Nonetheless, an overlap syndrome exists that combines aspects of both. Dr. Yadegar went into great detail: COPD is an illness of the alveoli that is mainly caused by elasticity loss that is mostly brought on by smoking. The main cause of asthma, which is an illness of the airways, is persistent inflammation of the airways. He went on to say that although clinical symptoms of the two conditions may be similar, there are differences in the treatments to provide the best long- and short-term care for patients.
Body weight does not affect COPD
This is untrue. According to Dr. Schachter, being overweight can make COPD-related disabilities worse. In contrast, those with body weights below moderate ranges may have emphysema and have a dismal prognosis. This is another myth: There is no point in quitting smoking if you have COPD. It’s never too late to give up, as Dr. Schachter stated to MNT. He clarified that smoking hastens the lung function loss that comes with COPD. Additionally, he mentioned that using tobacco products can exacerbate the symptoms.
Shortness of breath is the only symptom of COPD
According to Dr. Schachter, dyspnea is a common presenting symptom but by no means the only one. A cough, excessive production of mucus, respiratory infections, and all the symptoms associated with concomitant conditions are frequent indicators of worsening COPD.
A healthy diet cannot help with COPD
In actuality, those who have COPD may experience improvements from following a nutritious diet. A nutritious diet benefits overall health and can guard against exacerbations of COPD and its comorbidities, according to Dr. Schachter, who spoke with MNT. For instance, the connection between diet and COPD was examined in a 2020 meta-analysis based on eight observational studies. The authors draw the conclusion that, in contrast to unhealthy dietary patterns, healthy dietary patterns are linked to a lower prevalence of COPD. In a similar vein, data from another review indicate that eating more fruits, fish, and likely dietary fiber lowers the risk of COPD. In summary, lifestyle modifications can lessen the severity of symptoms even though there is no known cure for COPD. for additional details regarding the etiology, diagnosis, signs, and management of COPD.
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