COPD Specialist

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition that causes problems with breathing. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two main conditions that contribute to COPD. People with COPD usually have both emphysema and chronic bronchitis to varying degrees.

Emphysema

Emphysema occurs when the walls between the air sacs in your lungs become damaged or destroyed, leading to a small number of large air sacs instead of many tiny ones. Fewer air sacs make it difficult for your lungs to exchange oxygen with carbon dioxide.

Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is ongoing irritation and inflammation of the airway lining. Inflammation causes swelling and excess mucus, which makes it hard to breathe.

COPD is progressive, which means it worsens over time. COPD can lead to severe complications like heart disease. Fortunately, treatment at Fivestar Pulmonary Associates can control your symptoms and improve your quality of life while reducing your risk of complications.

What are the symptoms of COPD?

COPD symptoms usually appear after significant lung damage has occurred. Signs and symptoms of COPD include:

• Persistent coughing that may produce mucus
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Fatigue

People with COPD often experience periods of worsened symptoms, called exacerbations, that may last for several days.

What causes COPD?

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD, but as many as 25% of people who have this disease never smoked. Breathing in lung irritants like secondhand smoke, chemical fumes, and air pollution can also contribute to COPD.

How is COPD diagnosed?

First, your provider at Fivestar Pulmonary Associates reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam. They may take several tests, such as a pulmonary function test to measure how much air you can breathe in and out.

What COPD treatments are available?

After they diagnose you with COPD, your provider at Fivestar Pulmonary Associates creates an individualized treatment plan. Depending on your needs, treatment may include:

• Lifestyle changes like smoking cessation
• Medicines like bronchodilators
• Pulmonary rehabilitation to improve your overall health
• Oxygen therapy to deliver supplemental oxygen
• Surgery, such as a lung transplant

Smoking cessation is an essential step in COPD treatment. Fivestar Pulmonary Associates can recommend products and programs to help you quit smoking.

For comprehensive care of COPD, call Fivestar Pulmonary Associates, or book an appointment online today.