Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a medical problem that consists of mainly two conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The Mayo Clinic says that COPD is the leading cause of death globally. Specific symptoms of COPD include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and a chronic cough. Left untreated, COPD can lead to complications.
Pulmonary Hypertension
COPD may lead to pulmonary hypertension, a condition in which high blood pressure exists in the blood vessels of the the lungs. MedlinePlus says that specific symptoms of pulmonary hypertension include chest pain, fainting, fatigue, shortness of breath, leg swelling and weakness. Pulmonary hypertension can also lead to dizziness.
Pulmonary hypertension can be due to a wide variety of medical problems. Genetic conditions, congestive heart failure, autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma, an HIV infection, an HIV infection and lung or heart disease can lead to pulmonary hypertension.
There is no cure for pulmonary hypertension but medications such as diuretics, ambrisentan, sildenafil and bosentan are just some of the treatment options for pulmonary hypertension. Oxygen therapy and a lung or heart transplant may be necessary to manage pulmonary hypertension.
Common Cold
COPD also increases a person's risk for such respiratory infections as the common cold. The Mayo Clinic says that adults typically suffer from the common cold two to four times a year.
Specific symptoms of the common cold include a runny nose, nasal congestion, a fever, a sore throat and fatigue. The common cold can also lead to body aches, a headache, watery eyes and sneezing.
The rhinovirus is the most common cause of the common cold.
Treatment for the common cold involves resting, drinking plenty of fluids and taking medications such as decongestants, cough syrups and pain relievers.
Major Depression
The Mayo Clinic says that COPD can lead to major depression because trouble breathing can affect a person's ability to take part in things he enjoys. Specific symptoms of major depression include sadness, restlessness, irritability, suicidal thoughts, trouble concentrating, restlessness and fatigue.
Treatment for depression involves taking antidepressants, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors or lithium. Other treatment options involve electroconvulsive therapies. Simply exercising each day, getting enough sleep and eating healthy can help reduce symptoms of major depression.
