COPD

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, the third most common cause of death worldwide, is a family of pulmonary diseases that can cause severe health complications. The two most common forms of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis causes a mucus-producing cough - also called a smoker’s cough because it occurs almost entirely in longtime cigarette smokers. The condition limits your airflow, making it very difficult to breathe. 

Emphysema

Emphysema causes damage in the walls of your alveoli (air sacs), leading to ruptures and a decrease in lung surface area. The condition ultimately makes it hard to breathe out, causing your lungs to overfill and making breathing very difficult.  

Most people with COPD have symptoms of both bronchitis and emphysema. 

What are the symptoms of COPD?

COPD symptoms usually include:

• Chronic mucus-producing cough
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest discomfort or tightness
• Fatigue
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Ankle, foot, and leg swelling

COPD symptoms usually increase over time. The symptoms are often similar to those of asthma, pneumonia, and other respiratory conditions, so getting the right diagnosis should come first. If you seek diagnosis and treatment early in the disease progression, you can manage symptoms effectively. 

What causes COPD?

By far, the most common cause of COPD is cigarette smoking. However, not all smokers develop COPD. The sooner you quit smoking, the more you can reduce your risk of COPD. 

Other factors, like secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical irritants, and genetics, can play a role in developing COPD too. 

How is COPD diagnosed?

COPD diagnosis usually involves lung function tests like spirometry, which measures your air as you inhale and exhale. You may need other tests like a chest X-ray and CT scan to check for signs of lung damage due to COPD, as well. 

What does COPD treatment involve?

COPD treatment focuses on symptom management. If you smoke, you must stop. The TruDoc Medical LLC team can help you through this process if needed. 

COPD management measures can include oral medications, inhalers, oxygen therapy (supplemental oxygen), respiratory treatments, and lifestyle management. 

In severe cases of COPD, you could need surgery to remove damaged alveoli or even the upper portions of both lungs. Certain people with severe COPD may qualify for lung transplants, but many don’t because of the high possible risk of surgical complications. 

If you have COPD symptoms, don’t allow them to worsen. TruDoc Medical LLC can diagnose and manage your COPD using the most innovative and advanced techniques, so call the office or schedule an appointment online now.