Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term lung disease that affects millions of people worldwide.
According to the WHO, COPD killed 3.23 million people in 2019.
COPD symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and sputum production can worsen suddenly.
Although one of the most common complaints of COPD patients is that COPD gets worse in the morning,
We will talk about what makes COPD worse in the morning and how to support people who have it.
Why is COPD Worse in the Morning?
Are you curious about why is my COPD worse in the morning?
COPD symptoms often worsen in the morning due to various reasons. Studies show that the body’s natural circadian rhythm may make symptoms worse at this time by making the airways more inflamed and the lungs less effective.
The morning coughing and sputum, resulting from increased mucus production at night, can make breathing difficult.
Sleep-related changes in the airways, such as reduced lung capacity and mucus clearance, can lead to morning symptoms.
More inflammation and oxidative stress make morning COPD symptoms even worse.
In this situation, you can obtain our service in Preventive Care. You can reach us at Primary Care of Kansas to learn more about how we can assist you.
Some Other Signs and Morning COPD Symptoms could be:
- Having trouble breathing, especially when doing physical things
- Wheezing sounds
- Pain in the chest
- A persistent cough may be the cause of swallowing mucus (sputum) that is clear, white, yellow, or greenish.
- Having blue lips or nail beds is called cyanosis.
- There are a lot of respiratory infections
- A lack of energy
- Unexpected weight loss
- Symptoms of swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs
- Waking up with heavy chest every morning
Let’s talk about how to cure COPD naturally.
Home Remedies for COPD
- Stay Active:
Engage in light exercises or activities approved by your healthcare provider to improve lung function and stamina.
- Maintain Good Posture:
Sitting upright can ease breathing by allowing the lungs to expand fully.
- Healthy Diet:
Improve your overall health by eating a diet full of fruits, vegetables, and healthy grains.
- Stay Hydrated:
Drink plenty of water to keep mucus thin and more manageable.
- Avoid Irritants:
Steer clear of smoke, strong odors, and polluted areas that may trigger COPD symptoms.
- Use Air Purifiers:
Install air purifiers at home to reduce airborne irritants and improve air quality.
- Breathing Techniques:
Practice techniques like pursed-lip breathing to ease shortness of breath.
- Humidifiers:
Use humidifiers to add moisture to the air and prevent dryness in the airways.
Most importantly, in some cases, home remedies don’t work to control COPD worse in the morning. You may be concerned about healthcare providers.
Let’s talk about when to go to Hospital with COPD
If you’re severe COPD symptoms get worse quickly or seem to appear out of the blue, do not wait—get emergency medical help right away.
Here are some signs of COPD that mean you need to go to the emergency room:
- Having trouble breathing while resting
- Not being able to focus or sleep as much as usual
- Rescue medicines not working to help
- If your lips, toenails, or fingernails turn blue
People who have long-term illnesses should work with their doctor to make a plan to deal with their illness. This plan should include an emergency action plan with important phone numbers, a list of medications, and other information that can be useful to have before an emergency.
In addition, heart disease, lung cancer, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections may become more likely in people with COPD. Individuals who have COPD should consult their physician about receiving other common respiratory vaccines, such as the flu shot.
In Conclusion
People with COPD may experience worsening of their symptoms in the morning due to the body’s natural rhythm and increased inflammation, which can cause difficulty breathing.
To manage the symptoms, it is essential to adopt preventive care and make lifestyle changes. Home remedies can also be helpful.
However, severe symptoms require immediate medical attention. It is crucial to have a comprehensive plan with a healthcare provider to manage COPD effectively, especially when COPD worse in the morning. If you are looking for medical assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us and consult with one of our doctors at Primary Care of Kansas.
FAQs
- Why is COPD commonly misdiagnosed?
COPD shares symptoms with other conditions like asthma or heart disease, leading to misinterpretation or incorrect diagnosis by healthcare professionals.
- November is awareness month for what causes?
November raises awareness for various health causes, including lung cancer awareness month and COPD awareness month.
- What causes shortness of breath after urinating?
Shortness of breath after urinating might be indicative of underlying heart or lung issues, necessitating medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- What causes coughing in the morning when I wake up?
Morning coughing upon waking could result from various factors, such as postnasal drip, acid reflux, or environmental conditions like sleeping in a dry room, requiring further investigation for the specific cause.
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