Watching a loved one manage the daily challenges of COPD isn’t easy. You see them struggle with breathlessness and fatigue, and you want to do whatever you can to help. What you might not realize is that COPD often leads to other health issues, known as comorbidities, which need to be addressed and managed along with COPD. The best way to help someone with COPD is by learning about these possible comorbidities, and then supporting and advocating for the person to obtain screenings and treatment when needed.
Listed below are some of the most common COPD comorbidities:
Diabetes. Diabetes is yet another condition often seen alongside COPD. The link between the two is believed to be related to systemic inflammation and the impact of corticosteroid use, common in COPD treatment, on blood sugar levels. Managing diabetes requires close monitoring of blood sugar levels, dietary modifications, and sometimes adjustments in medication to ensure both conditions are adequately controlled.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD, a digestive disorder where gastric acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, is often found in individuals with COPD. The chronic coughing associated with COPD can aggravate GERD symptoms, and vice versa. Effective management includes dietary adjustments, medications to reduce gastric acid, and changes in lifestyle like elevating the head during sleep.
Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis, characterized by weakened bones, is prevalent in individuals with COPD. Factors contributing to this include long-term use of corticosteroids, decreased physical activity, and systemic inflammation. This increases the risk of fractures, complicating the person’s health. Preventive actions include bone density screenings, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, weight-bearing exercises, and sometimes medications to strengthen bones.
Anxiety and Depression. Mental health conditions, particularly depression and anxiety, are common among individuals with COPD. The chronic nature of the disease, the physical limitations it imposes, as well as the fear of breathlessness can all play a role in psychological distress. It is very important for health care providers to routinely screen for these conditions and offer appropriate interventions such as support groups, counseling, and medications to help your loved one manage their mental health alongside their COPD.
Cardiovascular Diseases. One of the most prevalent comorbidities your family member might face is cardiovascular disease. People who have COPD are at an increased risk of developing conditions such as heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension. The reasons for this elevated risk include shared factors like smoking, systemic inflammation, and the strain that reduced oxygen levels put on the heart. Routine cardiovascular screenings and proactive management of heart health are vital for their well-being.
Lung Cancer. COPD significantly increases the likelihood of developing lung cancer. The shared primary risk factor of smoking is a significant contributor, but COPD itself is an independent risk factor because of chronic inflammation and damage to lung tissue. Regular screenings for lung cancer, specifically in smokers and former smokers, are essential for early detection and improved outcomes.
Sleep Disorders. Problems with sleep, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and insomnia, are common in people with COPD. These conditions can cause fragmented sleep, further adding to fatigue and decreased quality of life. Management strategies may include the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes medications to boost sleep quality.
How The Care Company Can Help
If someone you love is managing COPD and its comorbidities, The Care Company is here to help. Our trained and experienced care team is an extremely important component of a better quality of life for loved ones with chronic illnesses. Reach out to us today at (416) 422-2273 to schedule a free in-home consultation to learn more about our senior care services in Toronto, Etobicoke, East York, as well as the Greater Toronto Area.
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