- Symptoms of COPD vary, depending on which respiratory condition is responsible for the diagnosis. People with chronic bronchitis typically experience shortness of breath, a chronic cough and frequent throat clearing. Those with emphysema also experience a cough and shortness of breath, but emphysema patients also typically have a very low threshold for tolerating physical exertion.
- The primary cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease worldwide is smoking tobacco products. Between 80 to 90 percent of COPD fatalities are the result of smoking, according to the American Lung Association. In fact, men are 12 times more likely and women are 13 times more likely to die from COPD than those who have never smoked.
- Besides smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be caused by exposure to second-hand smoke, air pollution, chemicals and dust. Some people who experienced frequent childhood respiratory infections also may develop COPD.
- The damage to the lungs of people with COPD cannot be reversed, and the condition has no cure. Treatment is available to ease symptoms and to slow the progression of the disease. The most important thing COPD patients can do is to quit smoking. Medications such as bronchodilators and inhaled steroids can help make breathing easier and ease symptoms such as shortness of breath. In many patients, oxygen therapy may become necessary. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend a surgical procedure called a lung volume reduction, which will remove diseased portions of the lung and allow the healthy lung to work better. In rare cases, a single lung transplant is an option for patients who meet very strict criteria.
- The prognosis for COPD patients is highly dependent on their overall health. Patients who continue to smoke after being diagnosed with COPD will likely continue to see their condition deteriorate. Patients who stop smoking and follow a doctor's treatment plan can greatly improve their quality of life and add years to their life.
