Is Having COPD Painful?
Pain is a significant concern with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, even though it’s often under-recognized and mistreated.
If you’re experiencing pain in connection with COPD, you’re not alone. Continue reading to learn about the various reasons why pain is commonly associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and what options you can use for pain management.
Reasons for Pain with COPD
Chronic obstructive lung disease is a progressive lung condition that makes it harder to breathe over time. Although COPD itself doesn’t cause pain, the symptoms associated with it can be severe. When you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, you are more susceptible to developing lung infections and experience prolonged severe effects.
Symptoms of COPD
Sometimes people think that experiencing shortness of breath is just part of getting older, but this might signify something more serious. Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease:
- Increasing breathlessness
- Persistent cough or wheezing
- Extensive fatigue
- Frequent respiratory infections
COPD Chest Pain
According to Healthline, between 44 and 88 percent of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease experience some degree of chest pain. As the lungs blow up like balloons, a heavy amount of pressure is placed on the spine, the chest wall, and the diaphragm. Even something as simple as walking can aggravate this situation, causing severe pain.
When you live with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, various factors can cause chest pain, including:
- Bronchial spasms
- Digestive trouble
- Chronic inflammation
- Scar tissue
- Membrane stretching
- Excess mucus production
- Narrowing of the airways
- Coughing episodes
- Blood clot in the lungs
- Other chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and fibromyalgia
Tips to Manage COPD Pain
Even if you have a high level of pain tolerance, being in constant pain can take a toll on your mental health and affect your quality of life. Here are a few expert tips to help you out:
- Eat healthily and exercise often - Eating healthy and exercising is vital for everyone to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and it’s even more crucial for those suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These activities will help to build and maintain muscle.
- Deep breathing - Feelings of breathlessness can cause anxiety and panic attacks that lead you to feel short of breath. Practicing deep breathing techniques can help you get more oxygen with less effort.
- Improve your posture - Sitting upright and standing up straight can better support your muscles. Doing this will open up your airways and relieve chest pressure.
- Get plenty of rest - Living with your chronic obstructive pulmonary disease might make it hard for you to get enough rest. Try sleeping in a slightly elevated position with supportive pillows to help your breathing.
O2 Assist Is Here for Your Respiratory Needs
If you have any questions or concerns about pain management and COPD, be sure to contact your health care provider. If your doctor suggests at-home oxygen treatments, you may qualify for an oxygen concentrator. At O2 Assist, oxygen concentrators are all we do! We provide you with both portable and home oxygen concentrator options backed by a customer support team that goes above and beyond to make your experience more accessible than ever.
Our products can be shipped anywhere within the United States using the United States Postal Service or the United Parcel Service. Contact us today to learn more!