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An Oxygen Concentrator May Be The Solution To Your COPD Symptoms
By Chuck Jaymes
Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)? Did you know that according to the American Lung Association COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States? If you have COPD don't feel alone; over 11 million adults 18 and over were estimated to have COPD in 2004.
The term COPD refers to two lung diseases; chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Both of these diseases frequently co-exist and the diseases are characterized by obstruction to airflow that interferes with normal breathing. The primary risk factor for COPD is smoking, with approximately 80 to 90 percent of COPD deaths caused by smoking. Other risk factors include second-hand smoke, air pollution, a history of childhood respiratory infections and heredity. COPD is a disease that primarily affects the elderly; it is not typically diagnosed until the fifth decade in life. Most smokers use tobacco for twenty years or more before experiencing symptoms.
The process of respiration involves the body constantly taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. Low levels of oxygen in your blood means that you are not receiving enough oxygen on your own through normal respiration. If you are a smoker, a productive cough that is usually worse in the morning is an early warning sign of COPD. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your physician may recommend a test to determine if you require oxygen therapy.
Symptoms of COPD:
* Dyspnea (shortness of breath), especially during physical activity
* Chronic cough, breathlessness, wheezing
* Fatigue
* Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
* Tightness in chest
* Persistent lung infections (pneumonia, flu, etc.)
* Chronic mucus production
* Increasing morning headaches
Severe COPD Symptoms Include:
* Cyanosis (blue skin color)
* Edema (fluid retention in legs and feet)
* Bloated abdomen
Oxygen therapy for COPD patients can have a multitude of benefits. Using supplemental oxygen allows you to do activities with less shortness of breath. Receiving oxygen can help you live a longer life by protecting your heart and other organs from further damage. You will sleep better and longer through the night which will improve daytime alertness.
If your physician determines that you have COPD and require oxygen therapy, there are three ways for you to receive supplemental oxygen:
1) Compressed oxygen cylinders
2) Liquid oxygen cylinders
3) Oxygen concentrators
Many COPD sufferers discover that oxygen concentrators are the best system for receiving supplemental oxygen. Today's inventive oxygen concentrators offer a level of mobility and convenience unheard of just a few years ago. Compressed and liquid oxygen systems require large cylinders that have to be refilled and handled and stored with care. Oxygen concentrators simply plug into an electrical outlet. Some portable oxygen concentrators feature rechargeable batteries and can be plugged into your car's accessory outlet for easy travel.
If you have COPD symptoms you should see your physician immediately. If oxygen therapy is recommended, discover how an oxygen concentrator can improve your health and sense of well-being.
About the Author - Chuck Jaymes is an indoor air quality professional for
Oxygen Concentrators and
offers reviews and information about
Portable Oxygen Concentrator
for OscarAir, Inc.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chuck_Jaymes
http://EzineArticles.com/?An-Oxygen-Concentrator-May-Be-The-Solution-To-Your-COPD-Symptoms&id=558184
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