COPD can cause many changes to a person’s body
Lung hyperinflation and yawning frequency are among the changes I've noticed
Those of us with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience many physical changes. Some of these changes are inconsequential while others are significant.
One of the more curious and seemingly inconsequential changes is in the frequency of my yawns. Although I can still yawn, I don’t feel the urge as often as I did before I was placed on supplemental oxygen for my COPD.
Sources seem to disagree about why people yawn. According to a 2008 review article in the journal Physiology & Behavior, some evidence suggests that yawning could be a way for the body to regulate its temperature while another theory is that yawning can help regulate carbon dioxide and oxygen levels.
If yawning were a bodily response to low oxygen levels, perhaps that would explain why many people with COPD seem to yawn a lot — and why I yawn less now that I’m on supplemental oxygen. However, that theory is now understood to be a myth. The review article notes, “Contrary to public opinion … having subjects breathe increased levels of oxygen or carbon dioxide leaves yawning unaffected.”
I haven’t found an answer for why I seldom yawn now, but an interesting side note is that I’ve yawned several times while researching for this column. Yawning really is contagious!
Hyperinflated lungs
Another more consequential change is hyperinflated lungs, which occurs when air and mucus get trapped there. That can result in shortness of breath, tissue damage in the heart and lungs, and even heart failure.
I have several friends with hyperinflated lungs who struggle to unload the dishwasher and do other chores that require them to bend over. My lungs are also hyperinflated because of COPD, but I don’t experience the same challenges as my friends.
Treatment for hyperinflated lungs may include bronchodilators, supplemental oxygen, or breathing techniques. Surgical interventions such as lung reduction surgery or valve placement (as with Olympus’ Spiration Valve System or Pulmonx’s Zephyr Valve) may be appropriate for some patients. It’s important to check with your care team about the risks and benefits of any treatments or procedures.
Barrel chest
I’ve become barrel-chested because of my COPD. The fact that I’ve put on more weight than I normally carry emphasizes the condition. A barrel chest — a rounded, bulging chest resembling the shape of a barrel — may develop for various reasons. One possible cause is lung hyperinflation, which causes the rib cage to remain partly expanded.
This condition gives me another reason to practice pursed lip breathing, which can help get rid of air trapped in the lungs.
This technique involves breathing in through the nose and breathing out through pursed lips, as if you’re about to whistle or blow out a candle. My provider recommends exhaling for twice as long as I inhale. The purpose of pursed lip breathing is to slow one’s breathing and help eliminate excess air from the lungs.
Although COPD can cause unwanted changes in our physical bodies, medically approved solutions may help. The COPD Foundation, the American Lung Association, and COPD News Today all share reliable information that can help you and your medical team make an informed decision about your care and treatment.
Note: COPD News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of COPD News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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Cathy Willi
Thank you for your information!
Lori MacAlister
is hyperinflation a continuous thing or can you actually get all the air out. I get really winded unloading the dishwasher, making my bed. If I have to change my bed it takes a while because I get so out of breath.
I thought when I quit smoking I would feel like a million dollars. The only change is, I don't cough as much.
Shelly Paull
Can’t bend either not even to get undressed
Virginia Douglas
Very helpful information. Thanks
Frances
Thank you for helping me and 1ooo of others GOD you
Vernia Williams
I don't know how you got on my page but I thank God for you just reading some of the things that I'd be going through
Lucy Curtis
His oximeter readings are normal for oxygen level and pulse. But can't seem to catch his breath. Some possible approaches/comments?
Janet Riker
I have COPD. I also have SVT(partial.) I had an ablation (2005)/ they could only repair about 65%.
When I do an odometer reading, it always jumps around. Heart rate up, oxygen down, HR up, oxygen up, HR down, oxygen up. Also, HR jumps/skipping beats. It’ all over the place. My oxygen level stays about 89-93.!Occasionally, if I make point to take long deep breaths, oxy will go to.96,97, then immediately drops back down.
I use my rescue inhaler 2-3 x/day. I’m always kind of choking on all the mucous I get. (The only thing that saves me is the inhaler, then I can cough up that mucous.
One last important thing. For several years, my health had deteriorated. I thought I might have a bacterial infection or something. PCP said no. When at the dentist- the first thing she said when I opened my mouth was -“You have a bacterial infection.” I thought perhaps I mitigates have a parasite or something because of the symptoms. Last November I went in out pt hospital for a day procedure to blast a
Kidney stone. No kidney stone. I had Lactobacillus Bacteremia. They admitted me. for 41/2 days. I also noticed another rare
Infection in the records, but it wasn’t mentioned. They also found a fungal ball, that I was told didn’t grow anything. I felt great when discharged, but within a month, all symptoms were back. I have
Some incredible pictures. I feel like I’m dying! SOB now. Binder ever acknowledges any of it.
When I cough up that mucous, I can see some kind of something moving around.! I’m scared.
How do I resolve this when I bring it up.. Thank you.