Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung disease that that is progressive in pathology and symptomatology. The two most common conditions of COPD include chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These two conditions can present in varying degrees of severity. With Chronic Bronchitis the airways in the lungs are inflamed causing a worsening mucus producing cough and reduced or restricted air flow. This condition must present for a minimum of 3 months in at least 2 consecutive years. In Emphysema, the alveoli (lung air sacs) are enlarged and are unable to contract to their original size, causing air not to transfer well or become trapped and thereby decreasing your oxygen saturation in the blood. COPD can range from a mild to moderate or severe classification dependent upon the combination of symptoms, frequency of flare-ups, and spirometry testing. COPD was the 4th leading cause of death in the US in 2016. It affects approximately 24 million adult Americans according to the ALA (American Lung Association), and is 37% more prevalent in women.
The most common cause of COPD is smoking. Other causes include long-term exposure to air pollutants, recurrent respiratory infections and genetics. Early signs of COPD are shortness of breath and fatigue followed by cough with or without mucus production and more advanced stages include wheezing, lower leg swelling, discoloration of extremities (bluish lips or fingertips), weight loss, malaise, overall decreased physical activity and health and even depression.
We are able to slow the progression by implementing effective preventative and treatment methods. This will minimize complications, increase energy and thereby increasing the overall quality of life. If someone has a COPD diagnosis, the first step toward good health is to quit smoking and remove yourself from environments where long-term exposure of pollutants is more likely. Additionally, the discussion of various vaccines for an individual may help in the prevention of respiratory illnesses along with routine follow-up with your primary care provider for medication maintenance and reassessment.
We are here to help with your prevention, diagnosis and management.
