COPD & Hydration

Have you have heard about the link between COPD and hydration? If you want to learn more about understanding the connection between this lung disease and proper hydration, you have come to the right place. Read on to understand why hydration is essential to managing COPD symptoms and how to incorporate easy and healthy practices into your lifestyle.

What is the connection between hydration and COPD symptoms?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and excess mucus production. Most treatment focuses on preventing complications, improving quality of life  and managing symptoms (that’s where hydration comes in)! 

Optimal hydration helps manage the symptoms of COPD by thinning out the mucus, thereby making it easier to cough it out. Drinking enough water also keeps the body's organs functioning well and helps flush out toxins. Sufficient water intake helps reduce inflammation and improves oxygenation and lung function.

Conversely, dehydration can exacerbate symptoms of COPD. Inadequate hydration leads to thicker mucus, which makes breathing more laborious. It can also lead to kidney issues, constipation, and electrolyte imbalance. Dehydration also worsens COPD symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

How does staying hydrated help regulate blood pressure?

Dehydration can affect blood volume and blood vessels' functioning, affecting blood pressure. Dehydration can cause both low and high blood pressure. Insufficient water intake results in lower blood volume, leading to a drop in blood pressure. Dehydration can also result in high blood pressure due to a thickening of blood and the release of vasopressin, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict and resist blood flow. Intake of sufficient water and other fluids is crucial to maintaining blood pressure within the normal range.

What are the signs of dehydration in COPD patients?

Since dehydration can worsen the symptoms of COPD, it is important to recognize the signs early and treat them immediately.

These can include:

• Dry mouth 

• Dark color urine 

• Decreased urination 

• Fatigue 

• Muscle cramps 

• Dizziness or lightheadedness 

Upon identifying the signs of dehydration, replenish the body with water or other non-caffeinated beverages such as soups and juices.

More severe signs of dehydration include:

• Rapid heart rate 

• Vomiting or diarrhea 

• Fainting 

• Disorientation 

• Trouble moving

If signs persist, it is best to consult a medical professional immediately and get treated for dehydration.

The Benefits of Using a Smart Water Bottle

The need to stay hydrated, especially for those with COPD, cannot be overstated. The good news is that smart water bottles such as HidrateSpark make tracking and meeting your hydration goals easier.

• Set customized hydration goals - Our state-of-the-art technology helps you calculate a hydration target based on various factors, including weight, age, and activity levels. Individuals with COPD or other health conditions can consult with their primary care physician and decide on a water intake goal best suited to their health.

• Advanced hydration tracking - HidrateSpark's sophisticated SipSense technology eliminates the hassle of inputting data and tracks every sip automatically. This data syncs with the HidrateSpark app and gives you real-time insights into your hydration habits.

• Fun, customizable glow reminders - HidrateSpark bottles are designed with glow reminders that can be customized according to your color preferences and frequency schedule, making it easy to take a few sips of water at regular intervals, even during a busy day.

• Integrates with fitness apps - HidrateSpark seamlessly integrates with popular fitness apps such as Apple Watch, Fitbit, and Google Fit, amongst others. This lets you understand your hydration habits and other health metrics, giving you a more comprehensive view of your overall wellness.

 How can you get the most out of your smart water bottle?

• Create a hydration schedule that works for you. This may take some time and involve trial and error, but it is well worth the effort.

• We get it. Your days are packed, and it's tough to catch a break, but HidrateSpark’s customizable reminders and notifications take the hard work out of meeting your hydration goals.

• Make water interesting with flavored water; add a few slices of lime and a sprig of mint, or infuse your favorite fruits into it.

Take charge of your COPD and be on the path to better health with the HidrateSpark range of smart water bottles and cups. Find out more about how the HidrateSpark range of products can benefit you.