How to Identify Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves the airways or passages of the lungs. These passages become blocked and restrict airflow, therefore rendering the patient unable to breathe normally. COPD is chronic and progressive - damage is permanent. In the vast majority of cases, patients with COPD are smokers. In less than one percent of COPD cases, a genetic disorder is responsible. In some cases, indoor air pollution or recurring lung infections can cause COPD. Even though COPD is permanent, quality of life need not be completely diminished. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, patients can resume normal activities. The most important factor in treating COPD is to stop smoking.

Instructions

1. Know the symptoms. Because 90% of smokers develop COPD, realize that if you smoke, you will probably end up with COPD. Symptoms include a cough that does not go away or improve, shortness of breath, and upper respiratory infections.

2. Contact your physician. COPD is a chronic, progressive, and permanent lung disease. You need to be diagnosed and receive treatment in order to help manage your condition.

3. Consent to testing. COPD is typically diagnosed by a complete physical examination, lab tests, chest x-ray, CT scan, and spirometry. Spirometry is a pulmonary function test where the patient takes a deep breath and then exhales into a tube. A machine that is connected to the tube measures how much air was expelled.

4. Manage your symptoms and illness. COPD will not get better or go away, but you can relieve your symptoms.

5. Quit smoking. Smoking irritates the tissues of the mouth, throat, trachea, and bronchial passages. Smoking also increases your risk of cancer.

6. Use a bronchodilator. Bronchodilators are prescribed medications that help to open your airways, thereby allowing you to breathe more freely.

7. Consider oxygen supplementation. Often patients with COPD need to breathe fresh oxygen constantly.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are experiencing difficulty breathing, chest pain, or chest tightness, see a doctor immediately.