Wet weather is dangerous for chronic patients

Prolonged humid weather has caused Mr. Doan Van Minh (73 years old) to suddenly experience severe difficulty breathing due to worsening of his chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Mr. M., 73 years old, living in Hanoi , was hospitalized in a state of severe respiratory failure due to an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

High humidity of 80-90% in humid weather creates favorable conditions for viruses, bacteria and molds to thrive, especially pneumococci and viruses that cause respiratory infections such as rhinovirus, adenovirus and influenza virus.

This is a condition in which previously stable respiratory symptoms suddenly worsen, causing a severe reduction in lung function. COPD exacerbations can cause severe oxygen deprivation, affecting the circulatory system and causing brain damage, even life-threatening.

Immediately after admission, the patient was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for oxygen therapy and intensive care support. After four days of treatment, the patient was out of danger and was transferred to the Respiratory Department for further monitoring.

Dr. Pham Thi Le Quyen - the patient's doctor - said that Mr. M. had COPD for many years and also had underlying diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease (with stents).

Mr. M.’s case is a typical example of the danger of COPD suddenly getting worse when the weather changes, especially during the humid season in the North. This weather creates favorable conditions for viruses and bacteria to develop, making patients susceptible to respiratory infections.

Underlying diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease increase the risk of complications, making it difficult to treat COPD.

Specifically, when COPD patients have an acute attack leading to respiratory failure and hypoxia, this increases the burden on the heart, which can lead to heart failure, myocardial infarction, and arrhythmia.

Diabetes also reduces the ability to fight infections, leading to severe pneumonia. In addition, untreated sleep apnea can also increase the risk of sleep apnea, and worsen cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Dr. Quyen said that a clear sign of a COPD attack is difficulty breathing. The patient feels like their chest is being squeezed, unable to take in enough air.

This condition can occur even when the patient is resting or doing only light activities. Especially in people with underlying medical conditions, respiratory failure can progress very quickly and become life-threatening."

For Mr. Minh, the doctor applied a treatment regimen for acute COPD, including oxygen therapy, bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotics (if there is an infection).

At the same time, his blood pressure and blood sugar are also strictly controlled. Currently, Mr. Minh is still being treated and closely monitored at the Respiratory Department.

Since mid-January, Tam Anh General Hospital has received many COPD patients whose condition suddenly worsened, mainly the elderly and those with underlying diseases such as cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure.

Doctor Quyen said that high humidity of 80-90% in humid weather creates favorable conditions for viruses, bacteria and molds to thrive, especially pneumococcus and viruses that cause respiratory infections such as rhinovirus, adenovirus and influenza virus.

In addition, lack of sunlight and poor air circulation cause pathogens to accumulate in the air and attack the respiratory system. Mold and odors are also easy to irritate the airways, especially for COPD patients.

"COPD patients are often elderly, have a weakened immune system, and have constricted and narrowed airways. If they are infected with the flu or viruses and bacteria in a humid environment, the inflammation will become more severe. In severe cases, patients may experience difficulty breathing, cyanosis, and even respiratory failure," Dr. Quyen warned.

To limit the risk of the disease getting worse, COPD patients, especially those with underlying diseases, need to proactively protect their health. They should avoid exposure to lung irritants such as dust, smoke, and fuel oil.

Patients should also limit going out in crowded places, especially during the cold season to avoid catching the flu and respiratory diseases. In addition, drinking enough water to thin mucus and clear the airways is very important.

Annual influenza vaccination and pneumonia vaccines such as pneumococcal vaccine are effective measures to reduce the risk of respiratory infections, helping to prevent acute COPD exacerbations. Patients need to maintain treatment regimens and have regular check-ups to ensure the condition is always under control.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/thoi-weather-nom-am-nguy-hiem-voi-benh-nhan-man-tinh-d247816.html