What is COPD?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with COPD, or if you think you may have it, you probably want to know what it is and what you can expect.
COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It's a term for a condition in which the airflow into and out of the lungs is reduced due to chronic bronchitis or emphysema, or a combination of both. It may be comforting to know that you are not alone: an estimated 20 million people know how you feel.
Although there is no cure for COPD, the good news is that it is treatable.
Causes of COPDSmoking causes 80 to 90 percent of all cases of COPD. By quitting smoking, you can reduce the risk for and symptoms of COPD.
COPD has other causes, too, including:
Secondhand smoke
Exposure to air pollution at work and in the outdoor environment
Heredity
Symptoms of COPD associated with chronic bronchitisApproximately 80 percent of people with COPD have symptoms of chronic bronchitis. This disease occurs when the lining of the bronchial tubes becomes inflamed and produces excess mucus that clogs the airways. While many people will suffer a brief episode of acute bronchitis with coughing, chronic bronchitis occurs when a mucus-producing cough lasts for months, or even years.
EmphysemaMany patients with emphysema, a condition caused by the weakening and breaking down of the air sacs at the end of the bronchial tubes, also have chronic bronchitis. ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50 has been proven to work in people with COPD associated with chronic bronchitis, whether or not they also have emphysema. The effectiveness of ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50 in patients with emphysema alone has not been studied.
Common conditions patients with COPD may experienceBecause many patients with COPD are former or current smokers, diseases associated with smoking (for example, heart disease and cancer) are common. If you still smoke, quitting now and visiting your doctor regularly are the best ways to reduce your chances of suffering from these conditions.
COPD may also be associated with decreased bone strength. There are tests your doctor can perform in order to determine whether or not your bones are losing strength.
Additionally, because COPD patients are generally older, they may experience common eye problems like cataracts and glaucoma. It's a good idea to get regular eye exams. Use salt in moderation. Too much sodium can cause you to retain fluids, which can interfere with your breathing. Also, snack healthfully. Prepackaged snack foods like potato chips and cookies typically contain large amounts of salt, fat, and sugar; they also usually have little in the way of nutrients. It's best to eat fresh, healthy foods. Healthy snacks also help keep up your energy. Finally, drink lots of fluids, unless you are told not to by a healthcare professional. Go light on the soft drinks; fruit juices are better choices, and water is best of all. Keeping your body hydrated may help loosen phlegm, mucus, or sputum so that they can be more easily dislodged by coughing.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with COPD, or if you think you may have it, you probably want to know what it is and what you can expect.
COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It's a term for a condition in which the airflow into and out of the lungs is reduced due to chronic bronchitis or emphysema, or a combination of both. It may be comforting to know that you are not alone: an estimated 20 million people know how you feel.
Although there is no cure for COPD, the good news is that it is treatable.
Causes of COPDSmoking causes 80 to 90 percent of all cases of COPD. By quitting smoking, you can reduce the risk for and symptoms of COPD.
COPD has other causes, too, including:
Secondhand smoke
Exposure to air pollution at work and in the outdoor environment
Heredity
Symptoms of COPD associated with chronic bronchitisApproximately 80 percent of people with COPD have symptoms of chronic bronchitis. This disease occurs when the lining of the bronchial tubes becomes inflamed and produces excess mucus that clogs the airways. While many people will suffer a brief episode of acute bronchitis with coughing, chronic bronchitis occurs when a mucus-producing cough lasts for months, or even years.
EmphysemaMany patients with emphysema, a condition caused by the weakening and breaking down of the air sacs at the end of the bronchial tubes, also have chronic bronchitis. ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50 has been proven to work in people with COPD associated with chronic bronchitis, whether or not they also have emphysema. The effectiveness of ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50 in patients with emphysema alone has not been studied.
Common conditions patients with COPD may experienceBecause many patients with COPD are former or current smokers, diseases associated with smoking (for example, heart disease and cancer) are common. If you still smoke, quitting now and visiting your doctor regularly are the best ways to reduce your chances of suffering from these conditions.
COPD may also be associated with decreased bone strength. There are tests your doctor can perform in order to determine whether or not your bones are losing strength.
Additionally, because COPD patients are generally older, they may experience common eye problems like cataracts and glaucoma. It's a good idea to get regular eye exams. Use salt in moderation. Too much sodium can cause you to retain fluids, which can interfere with your breathing. Also, snack healthfully. Prepackaged snack foods like potato chips and cookies typically contain large amounts of salt, fat, and sugar; they also usually have little in the way of nutrients. It's best to eat fresh, healthy foods. Healthy snacks also help keep up your energy. Finally, drink lots of fluids, unless you are told not to by a healthcare professional. Go light on the soft drinks; fruit juices are better choices, and water is best of all. Keeping your body hydrated may help loosen phlegm, mucus, or sputum so that they can be more easily dislodged by coughing.
Why can't people with COPD seem to catch their breath?
When affected areas of the lung become enlarged, they trap "stale" air and don't effectively exchange it with fresh air, causing shortness of breath. Over time the lungs can become badly damaged, leaving fewer functioning areas where air can be exchanged.
When affected areas of the lung become enlarged, they trap "stale" air and don't effectively exchange it with fresh air, causing shortness of breath. Over time the lungs can become badly damaged, leaving fewer functioning areas where air can be exchanged.
1 comment:
Hi,
Healthline just launched a campaign for called "You Are Not Your COPD" where COPD patients share their story or advice about living with the disease. You can see the homepage for the campaign here: http://www.healthline.com/health/copd/inspirational-stories
We have partnered with the COPD Foundation to promote the campaign and have pledged that for every submitted story, Healthline will donate $10 to the COPD Foundation.
I am writing to ask if you can help spread the word about this campaign by including it as a resource on your page: http://journeythroughlungs.blogspot.com/2008/04/copdan-gift-from-cigarette.html
The more stories we receive the more Healthline will donate to COPD research, support, and treatment programs. Would you please consider including this on your site or sharing with your followers?
I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you,
Maggie Danhakl • Assistant Marketing Manager
p: 415-281-3124 f: 415-281-3199
Healthline • The Power of Intelligent Health
660 Third Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
www.healthline.com | @Healthline | @HealthlineCorp
About Us: corp.healthline.com
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