Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, and Colds (cont.)
What happens with emphysema and chronic bronchitis and colds?
A cold is a viral respiratory illness that mainly affects your nose and
throat but in some instances can affect your airways. When you have emphysema or
chronic bronchitis, you already have some difficulty breathing because of the
damaged airways and lungs. Catching a respiratory virus along with COPD can
hinder breathing even more and can cause the following changes in your symptoms:
- An increase in phlegm
- An increase in the thickness or stickiness of the
phlegm
- A change in phlegm color to yellow or green
- A presence of blood in the phlegm
- An increase in the severity of
shortness of breath, cough, or wheezing
- A general feeling of ill health
- Difficulty sleeping
- Increased fatigue
Why should I take colds seriously with emphysema or chronic bronchitis?
Catching a cold with emphysema or chronic bronchitis may also lead to
bacterial infections such as pneumonia. This occurs because of the airway
obstruction and the inability to cough out infected secretions of mucus.
Sometimes, patients with COPD are hospitalized because of a respiratory
infection and the worsening of their symptoms. Treatment may include inhaled
medications, oxygen, and antibiotics to treat any bacterial infection.
Antibiotics do not treat a cold.
To avoid more serious problems with emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and colds,
it's important to always alert your doctor if your cold symptoms get worse.
Don't wait until you have more serious breathing problems to contact your
doctor.
Which cold treatment should I use with emphysema or chronic bronchitis?
First, it is important to stay on your prescribed medications for emphysema
and chronic bronchitis. Then, to decide how to treat cold symptoms, it's best to
talk with your doctor. You might treat the body aches and fever associated with
a cold with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. In addition, you should avoid
antihistamines that thicken mucus and make it even more difficult to cough up.
Most over-the-counter cold remedies are generally safe for people with
emphysema and chronic bronchitis. However, decongestants raise blood pressure
and some of the medications used to treat emphysema and chronic bronchitis also
raise heart rate. So, use decongestants with caution. Again, ask your doctor
about medications for cold symptoms.
Next: Can I prevent colds if I have emphysema or chronic bronchitis? »
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