If you've noticed that you are commonly struggling to get enough air into your lungs, you should schedule a time to visit with your doctor.
The reason it's a good idea to visit your doctor is because you may have COPD.
This is especially true if you have been smoking for an extended period of time.
While there's not currently a cure for this condition, it's important to understand that there are steps you can take to help deal with it.
However, before you do any of that, you need to have a doctor determine if you actually have COPD.
While your symptoms aren't an absolute confirmation that you have COPD, there are several signs that are commonly associated with this condition.
The most common is a cough that won't go away.
If you have noticed that your cough has lasted for quite a long time, it may be because you have COPD.
There is an even better chance that this is the case if your cough has included a noticeable amount of mucus.
Since you've already noticed that you're often short of breath, that is another indication that COPD may be the root of your problems.
You shouldn't be afraid when you go to visit your doctor.
Although it can be scary to hear this type of news, finding out now will make it possible for your doctor to help you with this condition as much as possible.
Your doctor will probably do a thorough physical exam.
Additionally, it's common for a x-ray to be taken of your chest.
This will allow your doctor to confirm that the problem is indeed COPD.
If your doctor does confirm you have COPD, he will also sit down to talk with you about treatment options.
Although your doctor can't provide you with a cure for this condition, he will explain to you that you can lessen the severity of your symptoms by using an oxygen concentrator.
Using this type of device will help you when you are having a hard time getting enough air into your lungs.
If you've never had to use a medical machine before, you'll be happy to know that you won't have to struggle to use this type.
Your doctor may mention that there are home oxygen concentrators that can provide you with oxygen in the comfort of your own home.
However, it's also important to know that there are portable devices as well.
These devices function in the same way as the home ones, but the portable machines can go with you when you leave the house.
The reason that portable oxygen concentrators don't require you to stay at home is because they are very light.
Additionally, they can run on battery power.
Depending on the specific model, their batteries can last for three to eight hours on just one charge.
Whether you want to drive somewhere or need to take a flight, you'll be able to bring your portable concentrator along with you.