Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, refers to a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. It includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
What are the symptoms of COPD?
Symptoms of COPD include:
Frequent coughing or wheezing.
Excess phlegm, mucus, or sputum production.
Shortness of breath.
Trouble taking a deep breath.
What causes COPD?
In the United States, tobacco smoke is a key factor in the development and progression of COPD. Exposure to air pollutants in the home and workplace, genetic factors, and respiratory infections also play a role. In the developing world, indoor air quality is thought to play a larger role than it does in the United States. People should try to avoid inhaling tobacco smoke, home and workplace air pollutants, and respiratory infections to prevent developing COPD. Early detection of COPD may change its course and progress.
What are the complications or effects of COPD?
Compared to adults without COPD, those with this disease are more likely to:
Have activity limitations like difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
Be unable to work.
Need special equipment like portable oxygen tanks.
Not engage in social activities like eating out, going to places of worship, going to group events, or getting together with friends or neighbors.
Have increased confusion or memory loss.
Have more emergency room visits or overnight hospital stays.
Have other chronic diseases like arthritis, congestive heart failure, diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, or asthma.
Have depression or other mental or emotional conditions.
Report a fair or poor health status.
How is COPD diagnosed?
A simple test, called spirometry, can be used to measure pulmonary—or lung—function and detect COPD in anyone with breathing problems.
How is COPD treated?
Treatment of COPD requires a careful and thorough evaluation by a physician. COPD treatment can alleviate symptoms, decrease the frequency and severity of exacerbations, and increase exercise tolerance. Treatment options that your physician may consider include:
Quit smoking. For people who smoke, the most important part of treatment is smoking cessation.
Avoid tobacco smoke and other air pollutants at home and at work.
Ask your doctor about pulmonary rehabilitation, which is a personalized treatment program that teaches COPD management strategies to improve quality of life.
Take medication. Symptoms such as coughing or wheezing can be treated with medication.
Avoid lung infections. Lung infections can cause serious problems in people with COPD. Certain vaccines, such as flu and pneumococcal vaccines, are especially important for people with COPD. Respiratory infections should be treated with antibiotics, if appropriate.
Use supplemental oxygen. Some people may need to use a portable oxygen tank if their blood oxygen levels are low.
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