My experiences with COPD and inflammation aren’t cut-and-dried

Those of us living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have learned to pay close attention to subtle changes in our bodies to avoid or quickly address respiratory infections, which can lead to exacerbations. An exacerbation is a worsening of COPD symptoms that can result in serious complications, such as pneumonia, if not treated promptly.

The medical community is increasingly recognizing the comorbid conditions that may be associated with COPD, which is now often viewed as a systemic disease rather than only a lung disease.

Recently, my body staged a revolt. I didn’t experience the typical symptoms of an exacerbation, such as coughing, mucus production, or lowered oxygen levels. Instead, I endured three days of relentless fatigue, chills, and sweat-soaked sheets. I also had joint pain, and my stool indicated that my intestines were inflamed.

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I’ve been experiencing these types of symptoms for the past 40 years. Initially, my doctor attributed them to an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. After my thyroid gland was treated with radiation, my doctor suggested that a sinus infection was to blame, and I was prescribed an antibiotic. Sometimes the antibiotic worked almost immediately, allowing me to continue with my daily activities. Other times, it had little effect, leaving me bedridden with sweats, chills, and aches.

Later, after my COPD diagnosis, my treatment plan evolved to include antibiotics, prednisone, and Mucinex (guaifenesin).

I’ve learned to read the signs of my condition, and if there are no effects on my respiratory system and my fever isn’t excessively high, I find that it’s often better to let my body manage the situation on its own. This approach has been developed in consultation with my doctor.

I’m also allergic to ragweed, which was in bloom during my last bout of chills, fever, and aches. Environmental factors are well-recognized contributors to inflammation in the lungs.

Occasionally, that inflammation can spread to other parts of the body. Corticosteroids are one type of anti-inflammatory medication used to treat various conditions, although they can have undesirable side effects.

For many patients, our lived experience is a complex constellation of sensations. We may experience fevers that defy medical textbooks, fatigue that alters our schedules, and chills that appear unexpectedly. When inflammation moves through the body like a thunderstorm, it doesn’t ask for permission. By acknowledging these patterns and sharing our stories, we can reclaim a sense of agency. We can remind the medical community that our experiences are valid, even when they are intricate and nuanced.

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.