What is the Best Altitude for COPD? [According to Medical Experts]

Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be challenging, especially when it comes to high-altitude travel or residence.

It is important for those living with this respiratory condition to understand the best altitude for COPD and how their environment could potentially impact them.

Altitude affects everyone differently; however, understanding the implications of elevation on your health can help you make an informed decision about where you live or visit.

In this blog post, we will explore what COPD is, how altitude affects individuals with  this disease, and provide tips for preparing for high-altitude travel if you have COPD. By doing so, you will be able to determine the best altitude for COPD that works specifically with your individual needs.

What is COPD?

COPD is a progressive degenerative lung disorder that can make breathing difficult. It is typically caused by prolonged exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes.¹ COPD is a major cause of mortality in the United States, with an estimated 16 million individuals currently affected by this condition.²

Definition of COPD

COPD is an umbrella term for two main conditions - chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Both conditions cause inflammation or damage to the airways, resulting in airflow obstruction from the lungs and symptoms such as labored breathing, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness.³

People with COPD may experience breathlessness during physical activity or even when inactive. Other manifestations of COPD may involve

• coughing with sputum
• wheezing
• chest tightness
• exhaustion
• an augmented danger for pulmonary infections
• weight loss or gain
• gloominess or nervousness
• bloated ankles and feet
• lips/nails turning blue due to a scarcity of oxygen in the blood (cyanosis)
• diminished hunger.⁴

These symptoms can vary in severity and frequency from person to person, but they all contribute to the overall burden of the disease and can significantly affect a person's quality of life.

Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, and long-term exposure to cigarette smoke and regular exposure to secondhand smoke can significantly increase the risk of developing the disease over time.

Air pollution from factories and burning wood stoves indoors without proper ventilation systems installed can also contribute significantly towards developing this condition over time if not taken care of properly while being exposed regularly in such environments.⁶

COPD is a chronic health condition that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Nevertheless, with the proper knowledge and resources, individuals with COPD can gain a better understanding of how altitude affects their condition and make informed decisions about traveling to high-altitude destinations.

How Does Altitude Affect COPD?

High altitude can significantly affect individuals with COPD. The air contains less oxygen at higher altitudes, making breathing more difficult for people with COPD.

The severity of these effects depends on the individual's situation and the severity of their symptoms. Some individuals may experience shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue, while others may have more severe symptoms, such as cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin) or confusion.⁷

Individuals with mild to moderate COPD symptoms may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, or lightheadedness at high altitudes due to the reduced oxygen concentration in the air. In severe cases of COPD, even lower elevations can be too physically demanding for some patients without additional oxygen supplementation.

Lower altitudes, on the other hand, can offer numerous benefits to people living with COPD. Air at lower elevations contains more oxygen than at higher elevations, making breathing easier and improving overall pulmonary performance.

This can enable people with COPD to participate in physical activities that may be difficult at higher elevations due to the lack of oxygen. Additionally, lower elevations typically have cooler temperatures, which can reduce strain on the lungs during physical activities and in hot weather conditions, helping COPD patients stay active and engaged in their daily activities.

Therefore, being aware of potential risks and taking necessary precautions before traveling to high altitudes is crucial. Despite the risks, people with COPD can still enjoy high-altitude travel by planning ahead and having the appropriate gear. To ensure a safe and enjoyable journey, let's explore the steps that should be taken when preparing for high-altitude travel.

Key Takeaway: At lower elevations, the air contains more oxygen which can help people with COPD breathe more easily and reduces strain on their lungs during physical activity.

Preparing for High-Altitude Travel with COPD

Planning ahead is crucial to ensure a safe and comfortable trip for those with COPD. Before traveling, it's important to discuss any concerns or questions with your doctor and ensure that you have all the necessary medications and supplies on hand.

This may include a portable oxygen concentrator (POC), inhalers, and any other necessary medical equipment. Additionally, it's essential to research the altitude and climate of your destination, as well as the availability of medical facilities in the area. With careful preparation and support from healthcare providers, people with COPD can travel and enjoy new experiences with confidence.

In some cases, a healthcare professional may recommend certain medications before traveling to high altitudes to manage altitude sickness or related conditions such as pulmonary edema and hypoxia. The specific medications and dosages will depend on individual patient factors, and it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medications.

Planning for high-altitude travel with COPD can be a daunting task, but knowing about the appropriate medications and oxygen therapy options can make your journey smoother. Now that we have discussed how to prepare for high-altitude travel, let us consider what altitudes are safe for individuals with COPD to live in or visit without significant health risks.

Key Takeaway: When traveling to high altitudes, it is important to consult your doctor and plan ahead by bringing medications, a POC, and inhalers.

Read more about travelling with COPD and flying with COPD.

Best Altitudes for People with COPD to Live or Visit

Altitude can have a significant impact on people with COPD, and the appropriate altitude for an individual with COPD depends on their individual situation.

• For those with mild to moderate COPD symptoms, staying below 8,000 feet above sea level is generally recommended, as the air should be adequate for most individuals to breathe comfortably.⁸
• For those with severe or end-stage COPD symptoms, it may be best to remain below 6,500 feet above sea level, as this altitude may provide them with better access to oxygen.⁹

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before traveling to high-altitude areas, as individual factors such as overall health status, lung function, and medication use should be taken into consideration when determining the appropriate altitude for travel.

When selecting a suitable altitude for those suffering from COPD, multiple components must be evaluated, such as the quality of the air and climate conditions at varying elevations.

In addition, POCs may be needed depending on how much supplemental oxygen a person needs while traveling at higher altitudes. These devices work by separating oxygen from the air and delivering it to the user, providing high concentrations of oxygen up to 95% purity.

Key Takeaway: Consult a doctor before traveling to high altitudes if you have COPD, as the best altitude for individuals with mild to moderate symptoms is below 8,000 feet. Portable oxygen concentrators may be required at higher elevations.

Find out the best portable oxygen concentrators for high altitude here.

Frequently asked questions about the best altitude for COPD

Is it better for individuals with COPD to stay at lower elevations?

Yes, lower elevation is generally better for people with COPD. At greater heights, the air contains less oxygen which can be tougher to inhale. This can result in an intensification of manifestations, for example, difficulty breathing and wheezing.

At lower heights, the concentration of oxygen is greater, allowing for deeper breaths and diminishing COPD signs. Additionally, lower altitudes tend to have warmer temperatures which can help improve lung function by loosening mucus secretions in the lungs.

Where are the best places for people with COPD to live?

The best place to live with COPD depends on the individual's needs and preferences. Generally, living in an area with a low elevation and clean air is the optimal choice for people who have COPD. Areas near oceans or large bodies of water can provide relief from dry climates that can worsen symptoms.

Additionally, milder temperatures and lower humidity are beneficial for those suffering from COPD. It's also important to find an area with access to medical care and support services like pulmonary rehabilitation programs if needed. Ultimately, finding the right balance between environmental factors and personal comfort is key when selecting a location for people with COPD.

What is the healthiest altitude to live at with COPD?

Living between 1,640 and 8,200 feet above sea level is generally viewed as the most advantageous height for well-being. This range provides the best balance of oxygen saturation in the air for optimal lung function and overall health.

At higher heights, air with less oxygen can cause hypoxia, which could bring on trouble breathing and other respiration problems. Lower altitudes may likewise contain augmented amounts of contaminants or substances that could aggravate respiratory afflictions such as asthma or COPD.

In the end, it is essential to identify a height that suits your individual needs and way of life.

At what elevation does breathing become more difficult for people with COPD?

At altitudes over 8,000 feet (2,438 m), air pressure is decreased, and oxygen levels are diminished. This makes it harder to breathe because less oxygen is available for your body to use.

As altitude mounts, the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere drops, making it tougher for your lungs to inhale adequate amounts with each breath. Additionally, higher altitudes can cause dehydration and altitude sickness, which further contribute to difficulty breathing.

Conclusion

With the right preparation and knowledge of the best altitude for COPD, you can still enjoy traveling and living at higher altitudes. Gleaning knowledge of altitude's influence on COPD, readying for high-altitude travel/residence, and pinpointing the most beneficial elevation for your particular case can help you make informed decisions to stay healthy & active.

Do you or someone you know suffer from COPD? Are you looking for a way to improve your quality of life and make breathing easier?

Sprylyfe is here to help. Our mission is to provide product information, helpful guides about portable oxygen concentrators, and health tips that can help those with respiratory problems like COPD live better lives. We understand the challenges faced by individuals living with this condition - so let us guide you on the path toward improved lung health! Don't wait any longer – start improving your air today!

References

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2. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Basics About COPD. Published 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/copd/basics-about.html
3. British Lung Foundation. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Published 2022. https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/copd/what-is-copd
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5. Laniado-Laborín R. Smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Parallel epidemics of the 21 century. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2009;6(1):209-224. doi:10.3390/ijerph6010209
6. Jiang XQ, Mei XD, Feng D. Air pollution and chronic airway diseases: what should people know and do? J Thorac Dis. 2016;8(1):E31-40. doi:10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2015.11.50
7. Georges T, Le Blanc C, Ferreol S, Menu P, Dauty M, Fouasson-Chailloux A. Effects of Altitude on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: Risks and Care. Life (Basel, Switzerland). 2021;11(8). doi:10.3390/life11080798
8. Christensen CC, Ryg M, Refvem OK, Skjønsberg OH. Development of severe hypoxaemia in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients at 2,438 m (8,000 ft) altitude. Eur Respir J. 2000;15(4):635-639. doi:10.1183/09031936.00.15463500
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Written by Andy Flynn

Andy Flynn is the founder of Sprylyfe, the leading retailer of portable oxygen concentrators in the United States. He also co-founded ARYA BioMed. Get to know him on LinkedIn.

Medically Reviewed By Dr. Eshak I. Bahbah

Dr. Eshak I. Bahbah is a highly accomplished medical professional with a diverse range of experiences in the field of medical writing, research, and biostatistics. He completed his MBBS in Medicine and Surgery from the Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University. He has published over 60 articles in high-impact factor peer-review journals, with an h-index of 14, and has reviewed more than 100 articles in pre-publication peer-review. Eshak's professional experience includes working as a Contractor Medical Writer and Biostatistician for CTI CRO, where he provides expert-level clinical consultation and support to business partners, prepares various clinical documents, and contributes to the development and implementation of medical writing processes. Previously, he worked as a Freelancer Medical Writer and Biomedical Statistician for Clinart MENA CRO, RAY CRO, and Medical Research Center (MRC). Dr. Eshak has received several awards and accomplishments throughout his career, including the Young Investigator Award from the CardioPrevention Conference in 2018 and the ESA Congress in 2022, as well as winning first place at the competition of IBRO MENA and American University of Cairo in 2019. He also holds multiple certifications related to clinical research, data analysis, and research methodology. Get to know him on LinkedIn or read his profile at Research Gate and Google Scholar.