Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of lung diseases that make breathing difficult and uncomfortable. These diseases are often caused by smoking or inhaling fumes and other pollutants.
COPD interferes with the flow of air in and out of the air sacs in your lungs. Normally, these air sacs inflate and deflate easily, like a balloon. However, if you have COPD, the air sacs can become less elastic, fill with mucus or become inflamed, making it difficult to breathe.
The two main types of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and they often occur together. COPD can get worse over time, which is why early diagnosis and treatment are critical.
Symptoms of COPD
In the early stages of COPD, you might not have any symptoms. As the disease progresses, you may experience:
- Frequent coughing that produces a lot of mucus (phlegm)
- Shortness of breath
- Squeaking and whistling when you breathe
- Tightness in the chest
- Frequent respiratory illnesses
- Swelling and weakness in legs or feet
- Unintended weight loss
Diagnosing and treating COPD
To diagnose COPD, your provider will review your medical history, conduct a physical exam, and perform additional testing.
Those tests may include:
- Breathing evaluations, such as spirometry
- Imaging tests such as chest X-rays or CT scans
- Blood tests
Your pulmonologist will design a treatment plan for you based on your overall health and the severity of your condition. While there is no cure for COPD, treatments can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Your treatment plan may include:
Medications. Medications for COPD can help reduce inflammation and relax the muscles surrounding your airways, making it easier to breathe.
Oxygen therapy. This form of therapy, also known as supplemental oxygen, increases your oxygen intake, helping to relieve symptoms like shortness of breath and support your overall health.
Surgery. Some patients with severe COPD symptoms may benefit from surgery to remove damaged lung tissues. In some cases, a lung transplant may be necessary.
Lifestyle modifications. Lifestyle changes can help you manage COPD and support your long-term health. Those may include quitting smoking, strengthening your lungs through exercise, making changes to your diet and avoiding triggers, like allergens, that can worsen COPD symptoms.