Living with Respiratory Problems
Know the Signs and Symptoms
That stuffy feeling of a cold or allergies is very similar to that of having respiratory problems. For those with respiratory diseases, however, these breathing troubles can become a permanent problem.
When living with respiratory disease, the right medical treatment — and understanding how to manage the condition — can help make breathing easier.
Understand the Respiratory System
The respiratory system is made up of the nose, sinuses, mouth, throat, voice box, windpipe, lungs, diaphragm and blood vessels. Breathing is defined by inhaling and exhaling. During inhalation, oxygen-rich air is brought into the body. During exhalation, carbon dioxide is released into the air from the body.
Every person breathes about 25,000 times during a normal day. For a healthy person, this process is effortless. But for those with chronic respiratory diseases, breathing is not that simple.
Symptoms
Because respiratory diseases affect the lungs, symptoms are seen through the breath. In the early stages of respiratory disease, however, the only symptom may be fatigue. Other symptoms might include:
- Feeling short of breath, especially during physical activity or activities such as climbing stairs or carrying groceries
- Feeling unable to get enough air
- Persistent coughing
- Coughing up blood or mucus, making it hard for air to get in and out of the lungs
- Uncomfortable or painful breathing
- A feeling of tightness in the chest
- Wheezing, or a squeaky sound when breathing
The symptoms depend on each person’s illness — how advanced it is — and overall health. Having another chronic illness or being overweight could make symptoms worse.
Sources: WomensHealth.gov