What Is COPD?

COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is an ongoing lung disease that causes a gradual worsening of breathing for an individual.

Causes Of COPD:

  •     Exposure to substances that can cause irritation to the lungs.
  •     Smoke from a cigarette and/or secondhand smoke.
  •     Cigars, pipes, and other tobacco substances.
  •     Chemicals, air pollutants, dust, and toxic fumes.
  •     Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
  •     Asthma.

COPD And Those At Risk:

  •     Individuals that smoke or used to smoke.
  •     History of family members having COPD.
  •     Individuals exposed to secondhand smoke, air pollutants, and fumes.
  •     Individuals that are 40+.
  •     On rare occasions individuals younger than 40 years old can have COPD.

COPD Symptoms And Signs:

In the beginning symptoms and signs of COPD may not be evident. If signs and symptoms occur in the beginning of this disease they usually are mild. As COPD worsens over time the signs and symptoms associated with this disease become more evident and severe.

Symptoms That Are Common:

  •     Constant cough or good amount of mucus occurring when coughing.
  •     Shortness while breathing especially during activity that is physical.
  •     Wheezing.
  •     Tightness in the chest.

Severe COPD Symptoms:

  •     Having a very hard time talking or breathing.
  •     Fingernails or lips begin to turn the color gray or blue.
  •     Individual is unable to be alert mentally.
  •     Fast heartbeat.
  •     Treatment recommendations are becoming non-effective.

Diagnosing COPD:

  • Testing how much air an individual can breathe in and out and how productive an individual's lungs deliver oxygen to the blood.
  • Spirometry testing to determine how much air an individual can breathe in and out and at what rate.
  • Chest scans and x-rays in order to examine areas in the body that show signs of COPD.
  • Blood test that indicates how severe an individual's COPD is.

COPD Treatments:

  •     If the smoker quits smoking.
  •     Try to avoid places with substances that are toxic and being around secondhand smoke.
  •     Make sure to have an eating lifestyle that still allows you efficient nutritional intake.
  •     Ask your doctor the type of activities you safely can involve yourself in.
  •     Bronchodilators for medical use.
  •     Inhaling steroids.
  •     Have yearly flu shots.
  •     Take part in pulmonary rehab to help with improving ones breathing.
  •     Therapy offered to help with improving ones breathing.
  •     Surgery.
  •     Removing amounts of bullae from an individual's lung.
  •     Removing tissue that is damaged in the lungs.
  •     Transplant of the lung.

Some Suggestions For Living With COPD:

  •     Avoid irritation to the lungs.
  •     Eat healthy and exercise daily.
  •     Have means of continuous care.
  •     Have needed items in easy reachable places.
  •     Seek emotional support with a counselor and group.