What You Should Know About COPD + Sleep Apnea

It’s National COPD Awareness Month which makes it the perfect time to learn about this disease and how a person with COPD and sleep apnea can manage the symptoms simultaneously. 65 million people in the world have the disease and almost one billion people in the world have sleep apnea. Often, individuals are familiar with the terms but don’t quite have a grasp of what it means to live with both of these.

COPD

What is it?

COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is an umbrella term for lung disorders such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis and chronic asthma.

Emphysema

Emphysema is a long-term condition of the lungs. It is when a person experiences shortness of breath caused by the over-inflation of the sacs inside the lungs. Over time, the inner walls of the air sacs are weakened. This creates large air spaces in the lungs, where there should be a sponge-like texture. There should be an exchange of gas in the lungs, but emphysema lungs have been destroyed in a way that impacts blood vessels – thereby impacting blood and airflow.

Chronic Bronchitis

Often caused by smoking, chronic bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes produce an excessive amount of mucus. Coughing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing are symptoms of bronchitis.

Chronic Asthma

Asthma occurs when the airways are inflamed and narrowed. The constant inflammation leads to increased swelling, wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing. It can impact people of all ages.

Who does it impact?

COPD typically worsens over time. The immediate symptoms are not extreme, nor do they go away. The main cause of COPD is smoking1, but it can also be due to secondhand smoke or other environmental pollutants. It is a leading cause of death in the United States impacting those around the age of 45 and projected to rise. Because the nature of COPD is for it to worsen over time, it is important to see your doctor if you believe that you are showing symptoms. However, the symptoms can be managed to achieve a good quality of life.

Sleep Apnea

What is it?

There are three types of sleep apnea. They are obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea and complex sleep apnea syndrome. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea. It occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax while sleeping, hindering oxygen flow throughout the body. The brain suddenly startles you awake because of the inability to breathe. This happens repeatedly often throughout the night but is so quick it’s usually not memorable.

Who does it impact?

Sleep apnea can impact anyone, but most often influences those with certain characteristics. Those most commonly impacted by sleep apnea are typically male, snore, are obese or have a narrow airway.

Overlap Syndrome

Overlap Syndrome is when an individual has both COPD and sleep apnea. It has been observed that an average of 10-15% of COPD patients also have sleep apnea. Both of these conditions cause a reduction of blood oxygen levels while sleeping, which can exacerbate health problems and symptoms of both COPD and sleep apnea. Those with OSA already have difficulty getting enough oxygen at night and combined with COPD, oxygen saturation can be dangerously low.

Commonality

Both of these conditions impact quality sleep. Both COPD and sleep apnea can lead to heart disease, stroke and depression. These overlaps can contribute to greater risk to overall cardiovascular health. Additionally, the risk for overall morbidity is increased2. These compounded risks are why it is incredibly important to have the proper diagnosis and to seek treatment.

Treatment

Fortunately, it is possible to treat both conditions with one device. The standard of treatment is CPAP or continuous positive airway pressure. The main problem with overlap syndrome is insufficient oxygen to the brain. CPAP aids by maintaining the proper oxygen levels that the body requires to function as it should, thereby improving the quality of life and reducing the high-risk symptoms. The benefits carry over to even helping with erectile dysfunction and other lung issues.

If you’re seeing signs of a respiratory concern, reach out to us for a consult with one of our experts today! 

  1. Smoking and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Parallel Epidemics of the 21st Century. Rafael Laniado-Laborín. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2009 Jan; 6(1): 209–224. Published online 2009 Jan 9.
  2. Lavie P et al. Mortality in sleep apnea patients: a multivariate analysis of risk factors. Sleep 1995;18(3):149-157

Comments

  1. Vishal Kaushik Reply

    Amazing Website. Thanks a lot for giving us solution.

  2. David Peller Reply

    I have been diagnosed with COPD and some sleep apnea. Will this be of any help for/to me?

  3. Testicle Massage Reply

    It looks good. I will definitely follow your guidelines.

  4. Slope 2 Reply

    This is an incredible website. Thank you very much for providing us with a solution.

  5. our website Reply

    Great work. Thank you for sharing this information. It is very helpful.

  6. Jo Thompson Reply

    Emphysema is a long-term condition of the lungs. It is when a person experiences shortness of breath caused by the over-inflation of the sacs inside the lungs.

  7. avyaan Reply

    Amazing post, thanks for sharing this article.

  8. Cali Blake Reply

    The problem was having is that I enjoy smoking and don’t want to give up! Have tried twice before and nearly went crazy and don’t want to go through that again. I saw the fear in my family’s eyes when I told them about my COPD then they start to find solutions on their own to help my condition. It was not known then how dangerous cigarettes were for us, and it seemed everybody smoked but I was able to get rid of my COPD lung condition through the help of MULTIVITAMIN HERBAL CURE my husband bought, multivitamincare. org has the right herbal formula to help you get rid and repair any lung conditions and cure you totally with their natural organic herbs. I wish anybody who starts smoking at a young age would realize what will eventually happen to their bodies if they continue that vile habit throughout their life.

  9. storage camden Reply

    COPD + Sleep Apnea can be very dangerous. if anyone of you knows anyone having such symptoms or if it’s you who think that they are getting symptoms of COPD + Sleep Apnea then please immediately take professional help.

  10. coloring pages Reply

    This will be useful for those who are looking for the best recommendations for their events.

  11. GRACE HAVIN Reply

    I was diagnosed of genital Herpes for 6 years, and ever since then i have been taking treatment to prevent outbreaks, burning and blisters, but there was no improvement until i came across testimonies of Dr. Abaka on how he has been curing different people from different diseases all over the world, then i contacted him. After our conversation he sent me the medicine which I took according to his instructions for up to 2 weeks. After completing the medication I went back to my doctor for another test and the virus was all gone and I was completely cured, since then I have not had any signs of outbreak. I’m so filled with joy. With herbal medication Herpes Virus is 100% curable. I refer Dr. Abaka to everyone out there with the virus. you can add on this Whats-app (+1) 484-820-1518

  12. Marissa Amy Reply

    Dr ZACK BALO has solution for your illness, I was cured from my COPD disease that i suffered for over 7 years, It was always difficult to breathe, I used the doctor treatment but it was just helping controlling it, I was fed up of talking drugs for all those years so i decided to find a permanent solution for it, After searching for more than 3 days i finally go into a reviews of a site talking about how Dr ZACK BALO has helped people a lot through COPD. I wrote to his phone number +13202476495 and i got quick response immediately from Dr ZACK BALO on how to go ahead with getting his Herbal medicine, Dr ZACK BALO prepared my COPD medicine and i got it delivered to me through DHL within 5 days, Today i am totally cured from COPD after drinking Dr ZACK BALO herbal medicine for 2 weeks only. You can call/text him via +13202476495

  13. octordle Reply

    The virus had completely disappeared by the time I returned to my doctor for a follow-up test, and I had been declared cured. Since then, I have not experienced any signs of an outbreak. I’m bursting with happiness. Herpes Virus can be completely cured with herbal medication. Everyone infected with the virus should see.

  14. Typeracer Reply

    Thanks a lot for your sharing. I am extremely impressed by your article.

  15. five nights at freddy's Reply

    I appreciate you sharing your wisdom and expertise. Your website is really good. The amount of knowledge on your website is astounding.

  16. Shelley Agrian Reply

    I recently had a chest x-ray after visiting my doctor because I am regularly experiencing a crushing sensation when I lie down in bed. It feels like my heart is in a vice, this is the best way to describe it. I received my results and was told I had Emphysema. There must be a mistake. I don’t have a cough and I have never smoked in my life, so i was in shock! I am 52 years old. My dad was a smoker. He died when I was 17. He had emphysema with smoking and pneumoconiosis with dust from coal mines. The doctor had mentioned the CT showed my cerebellum was small. Everything went downhill from there I lost my job because I was a liability. around 5 months ago I began to do a lot of research and came across www Health Herbs Clinic com. The treatment is a miracle. I recovered significantly, after using the HERBAL FORMULA I purchased from health herbs clinic. com, Going back to my farm work again gives me so much joy. The shortness of breath, and fatigue all disappeared. I recommend the Emphysema herbal formula for anyone out there with same condition. I was fortunate to have the loving support of my husband and family. I make it a point to appreciate every day!

  17. peter shawn Reply

    I’m very happy to look at your publish. Thanks a lot I appreciated your blog, Thank you for the information, Desirable activity is excellent for good fortune. Dungeons & Dragons Chris Pine Jacket

  18. kossmoss Reply

    Best Artical Information post..

  19. GBWhatsApp Reply

    Nice article. All the sections of your site covered with great functions. I really like the content and discussions on your site. Thanks a lot for allowing me to join. I love to see more about GB WhatsApp. Keep sharing and updating. Also share more posts with us. Thank you.

  20. areteitech.net Reply

    Nice post

  21. gta game Reply

    ver great post.

  22. clash games Reply

    very good post.

  23. subway surfers Reply

    great post.

  24. paper minecraft Reply

    I’m delighted to read your post. Thank you so much for your site; I really appreciate it. I love the information you provided. Dragons & Magic Chuck Taylor Jacket

  25. https://nail-salonsnearme.com/ Reply

    In the world have sleep apnea. Often, individuals are familiar with the terms but don’t quite have a grasp of what it means to live with both of these.

  26. flagle Reply

    COPD is really serious disease that cause bad result. We should enhance our body resistance by doing exercises and having healthy meals.

  27. retro bowl Reply

    a good article. Your website’s sections are all well-equipped with useful features. The articles and debates on your website genuinely appeal to me. Many thanks for letting me participate.

  28. slope io Reply

    Your sharing is very interesting, I often sleep at 10 pm everyday because it is really good for health.

  29. Santa fe nm house painting Reply

    What an excellent post. I find this so informative!

  30. Zonnepanelen installateurs Hasselt Reply

    tremendous things here. I am very satisfied to see your post. Thank you so much and i’m taking a look forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a mail?

  31. Zonnepanelen installateur Hasselt Reply

    I undoubtedly did not realize that. Learnt something new today! Thanks for that.

  32. Vampire Survivors Reply

    COPD takes years to manifest and progress. Most patients smoked ≥ 20 cigarettes/day for > 20 years.

  33. Amelia Todd Reply

    You are doing Excellent job Keep Going.

  34. Alena james Reply

    Love to read this amazing blog.. Great Job!

  35. Fireboy and Watergirl Reply

    Sleep is crucial because it allows the body to recuperate, repair, and replenish its energy stores for the next day’s activities.

  36. padel game Reply

    very nice post.

  37. Healthlinear Reply

    This article is a fantastic resource, providing a clear and informative overview of the connection between COPD and Sleep Apnea. It’s been immensely helpful in understanding how these conditions can affect each other and the practical steps I can take to manage them effectively. As someone dealing with both COPD and Sleep Apnea, I’m grateful for the insights and advice shared here.

  38. Quick Draw Reply

    It is a leading cause of death in the United States impacting those around the age of 45 and projected to rise. Because the nature of COPD is for it to worsen over time, it is important to see your doctor if you believe that you are showing symptoms.

  39. contexto Reply

    I will follow your blogs and share them with everyone since this is a fantastic source of knowledge. I think highly of the author of this piece; you are quite skilled. I hope you will spread the word about them and find more success.

Leave a Reply to clash games Cancel reply