This post was coauthored by Jane Martin, RT and Kristen Szymonik BS, RRT, AE-C
If you have COPD, you know that it is a disease involving the lungs. But did you know that it's common for people with COPD to also have other chronic health disorders that affect other body systems? These additional conditions are called comorbidities. It is common for people with COPD to have one or more comorbidities. However, like COPD, these comorbidities can be treated and managed.
Here are some comorbidities that are commonly found in people with COPD.
Heart Failure — a condition in which the heart can't pump effectively and bring enough blood and oxygen to the rest of your body.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) — a condition in which the force of the blood flow in your arteries is stronger than it should be. This causes damage to your blood vessels and can lead to other serious health conditions. Often, a person with high blood pressure has no symptoms.
Osteoporosis — a condition in which bones become less dense and easier to fracture. Often, this condition affects the hips and spine. Osteoporosis is another "silent" condition that often causes no symptoms.
Anxiety — a condition in which a person has persistent worried thoughts and/or fearfulness about a future event or possible threat.
Depression — a disorder that causes frequent feelings of sadness. Often, people with depression lose interest in their usual activities.
Lung Cancer — a disease in which the cells in the lungs grow abnormally. This can cause masses or tumors in the lungs.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD) — a condition in which stomach contents moves backwards from the stomach up through the esophagus. This can cause heartburn and other symptoms.
Bronchiectasis — a chronic lung disease in which changes in the bronchial airways cause mucus to collect, leading to a frequent cough with large amounts of mucus production and lung infections. Bronchiectasis: The Phantom Menace
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) — a disorder in which parts of your airway become blocked during sleep. This can cause your oxygen levels to drop significantly and raise your risk of other serious health conditions.
Now that we've looked at some common comorbidities, here's a check list with simple things you can do, things relating to some common COPD comorbidities. This is not to say that you have any of these conditions, but you might consider taking this check list with you to your next routine office appointment and go over it with your doctor.
Co-morbidities Check List
- I can name my co-morbidities (other chronic disorders).
- I feel comfortable asking my health care provider about referring me to a specialist if I think I might have anxiety and/or depression.
- If my health care provider has told me I should have a sleep study, I have had that test done.
- I know that taking oral (a pill or tablet you swallow) steroids over a long period of time can lead to osteoporosis (brittle bones), eye problems, or other health problems.
- Eating salty foods can cause fluid build-up and put stress on my heart and lungs. I can name five foods high in sodium (salt).
- I can name two (non-medicine) ways to avoid having heartburn.
- I have talked with my health care provider about what is a healthy blood pressure for me.
- I have talked with my heath care provider about what is a healthy weight for me.
- If I smoked in the past, I have quit, or am trying to quit.
- I feel comfortable asking my health care providers if they are in touch with each other about my treatment.
- My blood glucose level is within the normal range.
Comorbid conditions can have a considerable impact upon the lives of individuals with COPD. But remember, they can be treated and managed. If you are aware of them and know what you can do to keep them in check, you can live your best possible quality of live with COPD.
So, how much do you know about your comorbidities? What works well for you to manage them?
Let's talk! I look forward to hearing from you!
For more information on COPD comorbidities, talk with your doctor and check out these resources:
What are COPD Comorbidities? | COPD Foundation
Have you thought about comorbidities? | COPD Foundation