Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella name for two frequently coexisting lung diseases: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. People with COPD find that it becomes increasingly difficult to breathe due to partially blocked airways.
Long-term smokers are at the highest risk for the disease, which is the fourth leading cause of death in America. Although COPD has no cure, some treatments can prevent further complications and make breathing easier.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
COPD develops very slowly. It typically takes many years for lung damage to begin showing symptoms, so most people are over the age of 40 when they first start seeing signs of COPD. The most common signs are a chronic productive (mucus-producing) cough or shortness of breath during exercise. Anyone with those symptoms, especially current or former smokers, should be examined by a doctor.
To diagnose COPD, a doctor will first take a detailed medical history to evaluate your lifestyle, family history, habits (such as whether or not you smoke), and symptoms. Pulmonary function testsvarious tests that measure lung capacity, oxygen levels, and breathing efficiencymay be administered, as well as x-rays and CAT scans, which can show irregularities or lung damage. Other tests may include a bronchoscopy, which allows the doctor to look inside the airways in your lungs, and a lung lavage, which assesses airway inflammation by examining the fluid from your lungs.
Keep in mind that it's critical to get diagnosed as early as possible. Generally, the sooner treatment begins, the greater the patient's quality of life and longevity.
Risk Factors
Smoking accounts for almost 90 percent of COPD cases, and it clearly increases your risk. Research shows that about 25 percent of all regular smokers will develop the disease.
Even if you're not a smoker, being around secondhand smoke can play a role. Workers who have spent many years around lung irritants, such as air pollution or chemical fumes, dusts, and vapors are also more prone to COPD. And although extremely rare, certain genetic disorders can cause the disease.
Prevention and Treatment
Since smoking is the most common cause of COPD, the easiest way to prevent developing the disease is to kick the habit. If you aren't currently a smoker, don't start, and try to avoid secondhand smoke and pollutants whenever possible.
Although there's no cure for COPD, there are several treatments available, depending on the health of the patient. Many individuals with COPD eventually need and benefit from supplemental oxygen therapy. In some cases, antibiotics, steroids (in IV or pill form), and inhalers can help you breathe easier. And pulmonary rehab programs can also help you manage the disease through breathing techniques, diet, and exercise.
