CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

WHAT IS CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, also known as COPD, is a general term which refers to a group of lung disorders characterized by chronic inflammation that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are examples of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders and can cause difficulty breathing, cough, excess mucus production and wheezing. COPD is a progressive lung condition that can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe.

Adequate oxygenation of the body depends on the lungs’ natural elasticity within the bronchial tubes and air sacs. COPD causes the lungs to lose their elasticity and therefore the ability to fully exhale all of the oxygen in the lungs. Over time, the air sacs in the lungs become weakened and collapse from the excess mucus making it more difficult to breathe. Without proper oxygenation, patients may find it more challenging to perform the tasks of daily living and may require supplemental oxygen therapy. COPD can lead to other health-related conditions, such as elevated blood pressure and heart disease.

lung health services copd treatment

CAUSES OF COPD

The primary cause of COPD is the long term smoking of tobacco products. If you currently smoke, used to smoke or are/have been exposed to secondhand smoke, you are at an increased risk of developing COPD.

Additional risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing COPD:

  • Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airway and may increase the risk of developing COPD; especially when asthma is combined with smoking

  • Long term exposure to chemicals, chemical fumes, vapors and dusts particles in the workplace can irritate and inflame your lungs and potentially increase the risk of developing COPD

  • Genetics can play a role in developing COPD when combined with smoking

SYMPTOMS OF COPD

If you have smoked in the past or are currently smoking, it is important to know the symptoms of COPD. Since COPD is a progressive disease, it may take years before symptoms develop and in its earliest stage, coughing with mucus may be the only symptom.

Additional symptoms of COPD:

  • Daily coughing and frequently bringing up mucus

  • Shortness of breath

  • Exercise intolerance

  • Wheezing

  • Fatigue

  • Uncontrollable weight loss

  • Chest tightness

  • Swollen feet and ankles

  • Increased amount of respiratory infections

  • Bluish hue around lips and nailbeds

COPD DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

In its early stages, COPD may not cause any symptoms and therefore patients are usually diagnosed when the disease is further advanced. Your general physician or pulmonologist will take a thorough health history, review your symptoms and determine if you have had any exposure to lung irritants, most specifically cigarette smoke. Your doctor will order several tests to help diagnose your condition.

The tests may include:

Chest X-ray – can show signs of emphysema and also rule out other lung and heart problems

CT Scan – is more detailed than a chest x-ray and can help identify emphysema, chronic bronchitis and determine how much of the lungs are affected by COPD

Pulmonary Function Tests – are breathing tests that measure the amount of air you can inhale and exhale and how well your lungs oxygenate your blood. These tests can be used as a baseline guide to further evaluate the progression of the disease

Blood tests – are used to rule out other health related conditions and determine if you have a genetic predisposition toward developing COPD

Blood-gas analysis – used to measure how well your lungs function with regard to bringing in oxygen and removing carbon dioxide

As with all diseases, early detection and treatment is the key to having the most successful health outcomes. Knowing the signs and symptoms of COPD can help you and your doctor make an early diagnosis helping to prevent disease advancement and exacerbations. For patients who exhibit mild symptoms of COPD, very little intervention is needed or required other than quitting smoking. As the disease progresses, there are effective therapies that can slow the progression, control symptoms, reduce risk of exacerbations and help you live an active life.

The most important step in controlling COPD is to quit smoking. At Lung Health Services, we understand this is not an easy task. Our lung health specialists offer a customized smoking cessation program to help you achieve your lung health goals. If you are interested in learning more about smoking cessation and taking the next step to improve your health, call (267) 500-5027.

For patients with a more advanced disease process, additional treatment modalities include:

  • Medications such as bronchodilators, inhaled steroids, combination inhalers, oral steroids, phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors, theophylline and antibiotics as needed to treat respiratory infections

  • Lung therapies like supplemental oxygen therapy and a pulmonary rehabilitation program

  • In-home noninvasive ventilation therapy which utilizes a bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) to improve breathing and decrease the carbon dioxide levels

  • Managing exacerbations which can be triggered by illnesses with medication and supplemental oxygen

  • Surgery

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