WHAT IS COPD?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a slowly progressive disease

of the airway that is characterized by gradual loss of lung function. In the U.S., the
term COPD includes Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema, or a combination of these
conditions.

COPD develops slowly, and it may be many years before one notices symptoms.
These can range from increased fatigue, chronic cough and sputum production, to
disabling shortness of breath. In some individuals, chronic cough and sputum
production are the first signs that they are at risk for developing the airflow
obstruction and shortness of breath characteristic of COPD. In others fatigue and
shortness of breath may be the first indication of the disease.

CIGARETTE SMOKING is the most common cause of COPD. Most people with
COPD are smokers. All types of tobacco smoking and exposure to second hand
smoke are also risk factors. Other documented causes of COPD include
occupational dusts and chemicals. Outdoor air pollution adds to the total burden of
inhaled particles in the lungs, but its role in causing OPD is uncertain. The most
important measure of preventing COPD, and for stopping disease progression, is
avoidance of smoking.

COPD is diagnosed by simple spirometry (breathing test) and CT scan of the lungs.
There is no known cure for COPD at the present time, but there are things you can
do to feel better and slow the damage to your lungs. The earlier a diagnosis is
made, the more effective the treatment will be. If you are diagnosed with COPD,
there are many things you, your doctor, and your family can do to help you feel
better and manage your disease. The following are some of the more significant
ones:

1. STOP SMOKING
2. Get yourself the services of a Pulmonary Specialist.
3. Take all medications as prescribed, and learn the purpose of each.
4. Get into a good wellness and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program.
5. Contact your physician immediately if your condition worsens.
6. Remember that COPD is treatable and manageable.
7. Learn as much as possible about your disease.

Over 13.3 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD and possibly that
many more have undiagnosed COPD. It is now the fourth largest killer in the U.S.
and may well become the third by 2020.

The lack of awareness of COPD may, in itself, be a major cause for the prevalence
of the disease. Unlike many better-known diseases, COPD develops so gradually
and with so few obvious symptoms that it usually isn’t diagnosed until it is already
well advanced. However, if the general population was more aware of the nature of
this disease, aware that there is a simple test that can spot it early on, and aware
that early diagnosis can prevent future development of the disease, the future
suffering and enormous costs associated with COPD could be greatly reduced.
Compliments of “Breath Savers” and the Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation at Citrus Valley medical Center ―
Inter-Community Campus.