What Aggravates COPD Symptoms?

December 28, 2023

What Aggravates COPD Symptoms?


COPD is a lung disease that obstructs airflow and makes it hard to breathe. If you are coping with COPD, then you already know that. But did you know that it is progressive and gets worse over time? It’s hard to cope with not being able to breathe well. You can’t just decide not to panic, or not to have an anxiety attack. Unfortunately, that stress is also a trigger to making it worse. One of the best things you can do is to understand COPD and what may aggravate the symptoms. Here are some common triggers that frequently aggravate COPD symptoms:

 

Infections: Viral and bacterial respiratory infections can trigger exacerbations of COPD. Common respiratory infections include the flu, COVID, RSV and pneumonia.

 

Weather Changes: This time of year cold air can aggravate COPD. Cold, dry air can irritate the airways and make it harder to breathe.

 

Smoking: The primary cause of COPD is smoking cigarettes. Continuing to smoke is the biggest thing you can do to aggravate COPD and make it progress quicker.

                       

Indoor Irritants: Indoor irritants like fumes from cleaning products, and mold can aggravate COPD. Avoid these and make sure you have good ventilation if you are coping with COPD.

 

Taking Medications Incorrectly: Create a system to make sure your loved one gets the right dosages on the right schedule. Taking medications improperly is not following your treatment plan, and that can make symptoms worse.

 

Poor Inhaler Technique: Inhalers are as important as any other medications. Can your loved one press the inhaler and coordinate inhaling it properly? Or is the medication just hitting the back of their throat? Many inhalants may be available for a nebulizer so they can just relax and breathe, ask your doctor.

                       

Comorbidities: Other conditions, like heart failure or asthma can complicate COPD. Consider the big picture and discuss your concerns with your doctor.           

 

Occupational Exposures: People working in certain industries, such as construction or manufacturing, may find COPD triggers at work. Workplace exposure to dust, chemicals, or fumes may aggravate COPD.

           

Low Physical Activity: Inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle can weaken respiratory muscles and reduce lung function. Regular exercise is important for maintaining lung health in individuals with COPD.

                                   

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD is a more serious form of acid reflux. It’s a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus to potentially aggravate COPD symptoms. It is possible for stomach acid to reach the lungs, leading to irritation and exacerbation of respiratory symptoms.

 

Air Pollution: Exposure to air pollutants like dust, smog or exhaust fumes can aggravate COPD symptoms. That includes indoor fumes and smoke from cleaning products, cooking and heating.

                       

Managing COPD well will involve a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes supplemental oxygen therapy. Those with COPD should work closely with their healthcare professionals to create a comprehensive management plan tailored to their specific needs and triggers.

 

Ascend Hospice is experienced in managing COPD and will work with your physicians to create a care plan customized to your specific needs in your specific living environment. Our highly skilled team of caregivers includes both nurses and physicians trained to manage and treat COPD. Controlling symptoms, stress and anxiety will be effective in caring for a loved one coping with COPD. To learn how Ascend can improve quality of life, simply click here for peace of mind.


June 30, 2025
A few months ago, beloved actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased in their New Mexico home. Investigators believe Arakawa passed away first—possibly up to a week before Hackman. Shortly before her death, she had reached out to a local clinic . Later, Hackman’s pacemaker data helped confirm the timeline of his own passing. The medical examiner determined that Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome , a rare and dangerous respiratory illness transmitted by rodents. Hackman died from advanced heart disease , with Alzheimer’s disease contributing to his decline. Experts suggest that his cognitive impairment likely prevented him from recognizing Arakawa’s death—or, if he did realize it, he may have experienced confusion, heartbreak, and helplessness before ultimately passing away himself. We may consider Gene Hackman’s last role to be his final lesson, a wake-up call for caregivers and families. It’s a profoundly tragic story—one that reflects a reality many families quietly face. As our loved ones age, especially when one becomes the caregiver, a sudden health crisis can leave the other stranded in a dangerous situation. What Can We Learn? This heartbreaking story offers more than grief—it offers perspective. It’s a reminder to be proactive, observant, and involved in the lives of aging loved ones. Here’s ways we can help. 1. Know the Conditions Affecting Your Loved Ones In Hackman’s case, the central health challenges were heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Recognizing the signs of heart trouble—chest pain, fatigue, breathlessness—and understanding how dementia can mask or confuse those symptoms is critical. 2. Caregivers Need Care Too When the caregiver goes down, the one who relies on them is suddenly exposed. Arakawa’s sudden illness likely left Hackman alone, disoriented, and unable to seek help. Caregivers often suffer in silence, pushing past their limits. Regular check-ins and support for them are just as essential. 3. A Simple Visit Can Save a Life A timely visit from a friend or relative might have changed the outcome. Subtle signs—rodent activity, spoiled food, confusion, hygiene issues—could have triggered help before it was too late. Don’t underestimate the power of simply showing up. What to Watch For: A Family Checklist If you have aging parents, relatives, or friends, here are some key areas to keep an eye on: Physical Health • Sudden weight loss or gain • Bruises, burns, or signs of falls • Unkempt appearance or body odor • Difficulty walking or standing Cognitive & Emotional Well-being • Memory loss or repeating questions • Depression, anxiety, or social withdrawal • Unsafe behavior such as leaving appliances on • Unusual mail or phone activity Home Conditions • Spoiled food, pest presence, or clutter • Safety hazards (dim lighting, loose rugs) • Appliances or plumbing not working Nutrition & Kitchen Safety • Expired food or low food supply • Dirty or neglected kitchen tools • Avoiding cooking altogether Medication Compliance • Confused about medications or missed doses • Expired or improperly labeled prescriptions Social Interaction • Isolation or reluctance to leave the house • Loss of interest in hobbies or community involvement Financial Awareness • Unpaid bills or unopened mail • Signs of financial exploitation or scams Tech & Communication • Can they use a phone in an emergency? • Are they responsive to calls or messages? What To Do If You Notice a Problem If you see red flags, don’t panic—but don’t ignore them either. Start with an honest, caring conversation. Explain that your concern comes from love, not judgment. Then, consider next steps: • Schedule a check-up with their doctor • Bring in help, even part-time support • Assess whether the home needs modifications • Explore new living arrangements if necessary Whether it’s weekly dinners, video chats, or simple texts—stay involved–consistent contact keeps you in tune with your loved ones’ needs and builds a safety net they may not even know they need. Final Thought If Gene Hackman’s last role is to serve as a final lesson, it’s a wake-up call for caregivers and families. Gene Hackman’s final days are a sobering reminder: Don’t wait until something goes wrong. Aging can be beautiful—but it also comes with risk, especially in solitude. Let this story motivate you to reconnect, check in, and truly see how your loved ones are doing. Additional Resources: Learn more about Congestive Heart Failure: https://www.ascendhealth.com/caring-for-a-loved-one-with-chf-this-summer https://www.ascendhealth.com/caring-for-a-loved-one-with-chf Learn more about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease: https://www.ascendhealth.com/alzheimers-caregiving-7-signs-its-time-for-extra-support https://www.ascendhealth.com/coping-with-alzheimers-anxiety-and-depression Need a health or safety assessment for a loved one? Contact Us or call today.
May 27, 2025
Honoring your dad on Father’s Day after he has passed can be a meaningful and healing experience. Here are ten ways to remember and celebrate him: 1 - Wear or Carry Something of His – A watch, a shirt, a piece of jewelry—something that belonged to him can provide comfort and keep his presence close. 2 - Dedicate a Song or Playlist – Create a playlist of songs that remind you of moments you’ve shared together. 3 - Recreate a moment in time – Recreate a favorite memory (fishing trip, movie night, road trip) 4 - Plan a Dad’s night out - plan an outing to one of his favorite places. It could be a restaurant, a game, or simply a scenic spot. 5 - Plan a Dad’s night in - Invite family and friends over to reminisce and serve a buffet of his favorite foods. 6 - Build Something Meaningful - if you’re good with your hands, build something he would have liked. If you’re not you can always buy something like a bird house and mount it outside in his honor or have a memory bear made from some of his favorite clothes. 7 - Frame Something – buy a store-bought frame or go to a frame shop. Frame a quote, his quote or one that he liked. Or frame a photo of one of his favorite things like a sports team photo, a movie scene image, or a favorite athlete or musician. 8 - Create a Video or Slideshow – Gather old photos and videos, and compile them into a slideshow with music that he loved. 9 - Honor His Legacy – Start an interactive tradition in his honor like a family gathering, storytelling night, or community service. 10 - Plant Forget-me-nots in a favorite place or deliver potted Forget-me-nots to others that miss him too. No matter how you choose to honor your dad, focus on the love you have for him and realize and embrace that he loved you. He wouldn’t want you to cry all day, he would want you to smile and remember the good moments. Read also how to survive your first Father’s day without Dad .