Sun rays and COPD living in the summer
Summer is on its way and this means we are exposed to a lot more summer related allergies and with COPD even though there are multiple contributors to COPD such as tobacco smoke, occupational dusts, chemicals and air pollution, vitamin D and sun deficiencies may also play a role. 
Research has demonstrated that the severity of the disease is correlated directly to levels of vitamin D, and other research demonstrates that severe disturbed lung and peripheral muscle functions are more pronounced in COPD patients with vitamin D deficiency. In addition, recent research shows that cardiopulmonary exercise capacity is increased remarkably in people with high vitamin D levels compared to those with low levels. Of course, 90% of vitamin D blood levels are produced by sun exposure.
One may intelligently conclude, based on this information, that a part of the cause for both diseases is a lack of sun-derived vitamin D.
ref: http://sunlightinstitute.org/does-does-sun-exposure-have-an-influence-on-copd/
Does your crying make it hard to breathe?
Asthma results in difficulty in breathing, cough, excessive mucus secretion, and wheezing sounds during breathing.
An episode of asthma can be induced by a variety of triggers. Broadly, they can be categorized into two types: external triggers and internal triggers.
A vast majority of asthma triggers are external – exposure to an allergen. Pollens, dust mites, cockroach parts, and the dander of rodents or of other animals are known allergens that affect many individuals. Another category of common allergens include pollutants in the air. Smoke from charcoal grills or open fires, strong fumes of chemicals such as gasoline and paints, or even strong scents of perfumes and soaps may induce irritation of airways in certain people.
Food ingredients comprise another category of external asthma triggers. Several people have been reported to be allergic to food substances such as peanuts, soy, eggs, shrimp, cow milk, fish, wheat, and certain fruits.
Strenuous exercise is also capable of inducing asthma by causing airway constriction (also referred to as “exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.
In some patients with very sensitive respiratory systems, even minor changes in weather or climatic conditions such as a drop in temperature, rise in altitude, or change in humidity levels can induce severe asthma episodes acutely.
While most triggers for asthma are external, there are a few which are internal, and these may often be ignored while analyzing the condition’s etiology.
Expression of strong emotions is often associated with asthma. Intense anger, excitement, crying, as well as laughing may aggravate airway constriction. Crying also causes stuffiness of the nose in most individuals, and thus makes it more difficult for them to breathe.
ref: https://www.news-medical.net
Getting 'high' on air...
Even the healthiest person would find it difficult to breathe during the warm and very damp weather in the summer season. The patients ailing with a chronic lung disease such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis have to be very careful. Surprisingly COPD is more common in women than men. Literally, 37% of women are more likely to have COPD than men.
Good nutrition means healthy eating. You need good nutrition to make your body stronger. You should eat a variety of foods every day. When you have COPD, preparing food and eating large meals may lead to shortness of breath. Here are some ways to help prevent shortness of breath.
Eat 6 small meals each day, instead of 3 large meals.
Chewing and digesting food uses up oxygen. When you eat a small meal, you use up less oxygen than when you eat a large meal. In addition, a large meal fills your stomach. A full stomach presses on your diaphragm. The diaphragm is the main muscle we use to breathe. When your stomach presses on your diaphragm, it is harder for you to breathe.
Eat slowly, and breathe evenly
Avoid gas-forming foods like:
- All beans (except green beans)
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Cucumbers
- Melons
- Onions
- Raw apples
- Turnips
Your doctor will prescribe the type of oxygen device, the flow rate, and how and when to use it. When traveling OxygenWorldwide can supply in over 120 countries and take any stress out of the arranging of your oxygen supply.
ref: http://www.upmc.com
Why does cold air trigger asthma?
Asthma sufferers have even more worry and anxiety as winter approaches. With this season comes more complications but just by educating about why can help to prevent or reduce the symptoms. Effective therapy of asthma requires an understanding of why exposure to cold air promotes symptoms.
The Impact of Cold Air on Asthma:
1. The dry, cold air causes irritation and inflammation of the airways making asthma symptoms worse
2. Histamine is released in response to cold air, just like in an allergic reaction which sets off wheezing and other symptoms related to asthma
3. Rapidly increased breathing rate while exercising and breathing through the mouth avoids the nose's warming effect
4. Increased risk of respiratory infections where allergens could live (mould, dust, and pet dander)
Handling Cold Weather Asthma:
1. Work with your doctor to create an asthma action plan
2. Regular use (e.g., long-acting beta-agonists, inhaled corticosteroids) or short-acting bronchodilators
3. Drink more water to thin mucus and avoid sick people. Clean your house frequently to lower indoor allergies.
Extra Techniques for Managing Asthma in Cold Weather:
When outside, cover your mouth and nose with a scarf. If the weather is extremely cold, work out indoors.
Keep a rescue inhaler close at hand.
For asthma patients requiring oxygen support while traveling, contact OxygenWorldwide at info@oxygenworldwide.com for personalised assistance.
Life by Chloe
Chloe was diagnosed with severe Pulmonary Hypertension four years ago, after having been misdiagnosed for five years.
When I was finally diagnosed, I was in heart failure (the right side of my heart was three times its normal size), I was told that I may not have much time left to live, that I may never leave the hospital again and that if I did, chances were that I would have to be on oxygen for the rest of my life! (Not the best news!)
Her five key elements are:
Nutritional Lifestyle, Exercise, Mindset, Creative Expression, Family & Friends
Taking the breath of life
People with a lung condition can get short of breath but The British Lung Foundation have set out the following tips for breathing exercises to help the shortness of breath and breathe more easily each day.
- relaxed slow deep breathing: breathe in gently through your nose and breathe out through your nose and mouth. Try to feel relaxed and calm each time you breathe out.
- pursed-lips breathing: breathe in gently through your nose and breathe out with your lips pursed as if you are whistling.
- blow as you go: use this when you’re doing something that makes you breathless, such as standing up. Breathe in before you make the effort. Then breathe out while making the effort. Try using pursed lips as you breathe out.
- paced breathing: this is useful when you’re active, such as climbing stairs. You pace your steps to your breathing. For example, breathe in when on the stair, and breathe out as you go up a stair.
Try to practise them every day. They can also help if you get out of breath suddenly. Being in control of your breathing means breathing gently, using the least effort, with your shoulders supported and relaxed.
Great advice!
travel by car with medical oxygen
A great resource over at COPD.net on the safety tips of travelling with oxygen.
Do’s
- DO fill the portable tank carefully, if using liquid oxygen. Liquid oxygen is extremely cold and can injure your hands, if frost should develop.
- DO carry your portable tank only in the case supplied with it.
- DO use a cart or holster to carry portable oxygen cylinders.
- DO keep your oxygen delivery system out of the bright sunlight or other heat sources.
- DO secure your tank, cylinder or portable concentrator so it does not roll around in the car. Liquid tanks should never be laid on their sides; portable cylinders may be.
- DO bring extra batteries to power your concentrator.
Don’ts
- DON’T put a portable tank inside a backpack or other carry bag.
- DON’T place your tank, cylinder or portable concentrator in a car trunk or other tightly enclosed space.
There are quite a few DO's for you to remember and t is always best to be prepared before embarking on a week or two away on holiday. Any advice needed on arranging oxygen please do just speak with the team at OxygenWorldwide.
ref: https://copd.net/living/traveling-with-oxygen/
A new film takes an honest look at three people who have taken charge of their COPD
Reference https://vimeo.com/user18038953
The CF gene = low levels of oxygen
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common genetic disease that is inherited from your biological parents and occurs because of abnormalities in our genes. The CF gene is the instructions on how to build a channel (or pore) in our cells that allows salt to move into and out of the cell. This salt channel is called CFTR, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator. A mutation in this gene means that this salt channel does not work properly.
The lungs are the most commonly affected organ in patients with cystic fibrosis. As a result, patients with CF can have a chronic cough, phlegm production, shortness of breath, chest tightness, sinus problems and occasionally cough up blood.
A standard treatment regimen includes:
- airway clearance and exercise,
- chest physiotherapy,
- anti-inflammatory agents,
- supplemental oxygen, and
- nutritional support.
Nearly half of CF sufferers report poor sleep quality. Your oxygen levels may lower during an exacerbation and this is most noticeable during sleep. In some people these changes in breathing and oxygen during sleep can affect their performance during the day. They may have difficulties with concentration, memory and feeling tired during the day. People who have low oxygen levels while awake will usually also have low oxygen levels during sleep. In some cases, patients who may not require oxygen while awake may need extra oxygen while sleeping.
Individuals with CF can have low levels of oxygen in their bodies and some need to use supplemental oxygen to bring their oxygen levels up to a healthier level. Supplemental oxygen protects the body from the effects of low oxygen levels. It also helps your body to function better and allows you to stay more active. Some individuals only need oxygen when they are active or while sleeping, however, in most cases, oxygen should be used 24 hours a day.
Perfumes and Paints Are Polluting...
Scientists have found that everyday household products, like soaps, paints and perfumes are causing nearly as much air pollution as cars and industries combined.
Most air pollutants come from the extraction, refining and use of fossil fuels. These pollutants include hundreds of different compounds that scientists clump into what they call Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). "Once they're emitted into the atmosphere, they can lead to the formation of ground level ozone and particles, both of which are detrimental to human health," says Jessica Gilman, an atmospheric chemist at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and an author of the new study. However, in recent years household products have become a bigger source of air pollution, the team reports in today's issue of the journal, Science.
They made similar observations for isopropanol, or rubbing alcohol, and acetone, the main ingredient in nail polish remover, and a whole range of other chemicals in everyday products like soaps, wall paint, printer ink, perfumes and pesticides.
The findings are important and surprising, says Albert Presto, an atmospheric scientist at Carnegie Mellon University. "We're all conditioned to think about traffic and industry as the big drivers for air pollution and pollutants. And this study says, 'wait a minute, a lot of it is really stuff we're using inside our homes.'"
These household sources have emerged as big polluters because cars have become cleaner, says Jonathan Levy, an environmental health expert at Boston University. "As traffic sources decline, other sources become more and more important over time."
Air pollution remains one of the top causes for the burden of disease worldwide. "Ozone can do things like worsen asthma, trigger asthma attacks," says Janice Nolen, the assistant vice president of national policy at the American Lung Association. "It can also kill people, it can shorten lives." Exposure to particulate matter has similar deleterious health effects.
So, the new study has implications for further reducing air pollution, says Presto, especially for cities that are struggling with meeting air pollution standards, like Los Angeles, which has one of the highest levels of ozone in the country. "You can only make cars so clean," he says. "Maybe the way to get ozone below federal limits is to reduce emissions from indoors."
The new study suggest we need "some national measures to help reduce emissions" from these everyday sources, says Nolen.
ref https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/02/15/585886321/your-wall-paint-perfumes-and-cleaning-agents-are-polluting-our-air
