COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, can be an exhausting illness, especially when left untreated. COPD cannot be cured. But the good news is that with the right treatment, it can be effectively managed without reducing your quality of life. At River Bend Medical Associates our family practice physicians have experience treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and they would be happy to help you find relief from your symptoms.  

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, makes it hard to breathe. It is a common lung disease that affects millions of Americans. 

COPD can limit your ability to work or do even simple tasks.

What is COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the clinical term that refers to a group of progressive, long-term, debilitating respiratory conditions that include chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These lung diseases cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.

• Emphysema – is a condition in which the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) have stretched, collapsed, or are ineffective for some other reason. The damage to these air sacs cannot be undone and can lead to shortness of breath.

• Chronic bronchitis – is a long-term inflammation of the breathing tubes or bronchi.  As a result, the body makes excess mucus.  This inflammation and mucus can make breathing difficult and cause frequent coughing and lung infections.

COPD is a progressive chronic disease, which means it gets worse over time.  Your doctor can help you manage symptoms and slow the disease’s progression. 

Cigarette smoking is most often the cause of COPD. But environmental factors such as air pollution, personal medical history, or inherited genetic risk could also play a role.

Symptoms of COPD

The primary symptom of COPD is a cough that doesn’t go away. The cough may be worse when you exercise, after you smoke, or when you get up in the morning. As the disease progresses the coughing can become worse and lead to wheezing and shortness of breath. Other symptoms of COPD include:

• Difficulty breathing, especially with exertion
• Wheezing
• Tightness in your chest
• Cough with or without mucus
• Frequent infections in the nose or throat, or colds
• Fatigue and lower activity level because you get out of breath

 If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency such as trouble breathing, chest pain, or stroke symptoms, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

What Should You Do If You Have Symptoms of COPD.

Are you a former smoker? If are you short of breath when doing things like running errands or climbing stairs, you may be at risk for COPD.

If you have signs of COPD talk to your River Bend Medical Associates doctor about getting the care and support you need to breathe easier.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is confirmed through a simple, non-invasive breathing test called spirometry. A spirometry test does not hurt. It measures how much air you can breathe in and out of your lungs, as well as how easily and fast you can blow the air out of your lungs.

This pulmonary function test can determine the severity of the obstruction in the lungs and help determine treatment and monitor disease progression.

COPD can lead to both physical and emotional challenges that affect your quality of life. But help is available, talk to your family doctor about your symptoms and take control of your health.

Treatment for COPD

Currently, there is no cure for COPD, however, symptoms of COPD can be controlled to improve quality of life. Treatment may include a combination of medications, healthy lifestyle changes, supplemental oxygen, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

• Strategies For Improving Your COPD Symptoms
• If you smoke, quit. Smoking is the #1 cause of COPD.
• Avoid smoke and other pollutants when possible.
• Get your annual flu shot.
• Stay active and eat healthy.
• Ask your doctor about getting a pneumonia vaccine.
• Reduce stress when possible.
• Take any medications prescribed for your COPD as directed.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a condition that limits airflow and makes it hard to breathe.

COPD is a term for a group of chronic (long-term), progressive, debilitating respiratory conditions that include chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These lung diseases are common and affect millions of Americans. A complete evaluation, early diagnosis, and skilled treatment are vital in treating COPD.

Confirming COPD involves a simple breathing test called a spirometry that checks for how well you breathe in and out. Treatment of COPD often includes a combination of medications, lifestyle modifications, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Chronic lung diseases are manageable. The first step to breathing easier is to talk to your doctor.