It is always important to know what is going on in the world of COPD/Asthma, hence a weekly (at the minimum) posting of ‘Notes to Know about COPD/Asthma’ – because those of us battling the issue should always be up to date on what is going on, and that includes both the positives and the negatives of the COPD/Asthma life.

Here we share part two of a two-part set, offering a discussion on the ‘Factors Associated with COPD Life Expectancy’.

Special Note – This writer takes his life seriously and anytime he can find an article about COPD and/or Asthma in which they discuss the life expectancy – he reads it, and thought enough of this one to share it.  Besides with nine grandchildren, the writer feels he has a lot of reason to learn as much as he can about his chronic illness and how to battle it for the best.

So – here is part two, of a two-part set discussing COPD and the Factors with Life Expectancy.

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(The contents of this article, is a compilation from two articles detailing the same information.)

Factors Associated with COPD Life Expectancy

A Direct Impact on Life Expectancy

Research shows just how much COPD can shorten life expectancy. A study published in the International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease quantified the number of years lost. Researchers found that the later the stage of COPD, the greater the shortened life expectancy, and that people who still smoke lost the most time — 5.8 years in stages 3 or 4 of COPD compared to 1.3 years in people who never smoked. While not faring as well as non-smokers, those who quit smoking had a better life expectancy than those who still light up. The impact of COPD on life expectancy varies for each individual, adds Dr. Punturieri. “Some rapidly lose their lung function, while for others, it takes longer. In addition, the presence of other conditions will also influence individual lifespan.”

The Impact of COPD-Related Health Concerns

The possibility of potentially serious health concerns occurring alongside COPD makes it necessary to focus treatment on more than just improving airflow to aid breathing. Along with experiencing flare-ups and the inability to exercise, many with COPD are malnourished, and their weight loss can lead to muscle deterioration, impaired health, and death. A study of 424 COPD patients found that health care costs for malnourished patients were higher than costs for overweight or normal weight patients, primarily due to an increase in the number of times the malnourished patients had to go to the emergency room for treatment. Researchers believe it is important to measure muscle mass as part of routine check-ups in order to better monitor the overall health of COPD patients and improve their quality of life and life expectancy.

The link between COPD and other health conditions has been identified in multiple studies.

A study by the American Thoracic Society found that people with COPD are 2 to 5 times more likely to develop lung cancer than smokers who do not have COPD.

A study published in the European Journal of Epidemiology showed that people with COPD have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Another study, published in the journal Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease identified a varied list of additional medical issues: malnutrition, osteoporosis, anemia, muscle deterioration, kidney abnormalities, and hormonal abnormalities.

Vitamins and Hormones published a study that explored the connection between vitamin D deficiency and an increase in severity of COPD, as well as with the prevalence of osteoporosis in COPD patients.

It is important to work with your health care provider to develop a treatment plan that focuses on all aspects of your health in order to achieve and maintain the best quality of life possible.

Ways to be Proactive and Stay Healthy

Yes, COPD can reduce your life expectancy. If you do not properly manage your symptoms, the risks for complications increase. But if you are proactive, you can help keep your body healthy, longer. “Good nutrition, quitting smoking, regular exercise, use of recommended medications, and taking care of other conditions are all expected to improve the quality of life of COPD patients and may improve life expectancy as well,” says Punturieri.

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‘Notes to Know about COPD/Asthma’ will continue to feature writings from medical folks and caretakers who share insights into the world of what may be going on in the world of COPD/Asthma.  ‘Notes to Know about COPD/Asthma’ can be found at either wheezingaway.com or within the Facebook page, COPD Travels.

Remember – ‘a person without good breathing, is a person without a good life’, so let’s do what we can, to learn what we can, to improve what we can.

I bid to all – smiles, prayers, blessings and steady breathing – Mr. William.

(Copyright@2017, CrossDove Writer through wheezingaway.com – no part of this write may be used or copied without written permission.)

NOTES: Sometimes we share what may seem like medical information, but we are only giving descriptions and highlights of various aspects of having COPD and/or asthma and no way do we ever want our information to be considered medical treatment type of information, always consult your physician for more, clearer and more medical founded information.