COPD – Are You at Risk?
COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is the fourth leading cause of death nationwide and is a leading cause of long-term disability. While preventable and treatable, COPD is usually not reversible. Review the information below to see if you might be at risk of developing COPD.
What is COPD?
COPD is a lung condition that causes restricted airflow and breathing problems. This long-term lung condition is sometimes referred to as emphysema or chronic bronchitis and can affect your daily activities over time.
What are the symptoms of COPD?
Common symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, wheezing, excess mucus in the lungs and chest infections that occur more often and take longer to get better. Symptoms can vary widely between individuals and come on gradually. At first, you may think you are just unfit or getting older. Some may feel breathless and tired all the time, while others may experience frequent bronchitis.
What are the risk factors of COPD?
In the U.S., cigarette smoking is by far the most common cause of COPD. Other risk factors include environmental elements or harmful pollutants like dust, wood fires, fumes or air pollution and industrial chemicals. Quitting smoking is the most important step in preventing COPD and managing its progression.
How do we know if there is an obstruction?
An obstruction in the lungs, which can be thought of as narrowing pipes, is suspected when someone begins to show symptoms like shortness of breath, chronic cough or bronchitis. It’s common to start with inhalers to help open the narrowed airways. However, the formal way to diagnose COPD is with a pulmonary function test, where the person blows into a tube as hard as they can. If they aren’t able to blow out air as quickly or forcefully as normal, it meets the criteria for a COPD diagnosis.
If I smoke, should I see a doctor?
Not everybody who smokes will get COPD. But, if someone is a smoker and is experiencing shortness of breath or increased mucus in the lungs, it may be a good time to see a doctor. Pulmonary function testing is recommended for anyone who may have symptoms of COPD.
If COPD is confirmed with testing, an inhaler is recommended for treatment. People with COPD are also at higher risk for bronchitis, pneumonia and other serious infections. Inhalers can help people feel less short of breath and may help prevent bronchitis and hospitalizations. Certain inhalers have also been shown to help people live longer.
How is COPD treated?
COPD may be managed with medicines to open up your airways or reduce inflammation inside your lungs. Other treatments include lifestyle changes and pulmonary rehabilitation programs to learn exercises to increase your physical abilities.
You can keep healthy with:
- Quitting smoking
- Regular exercise
- Eating fruits and vegetables
- 7-8 hours of sleep each night
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Annual vaccinations
What can happen if changes are not made?
It is never too late to quit smoking. If you quit now, you may never develop COPD. Even if you aren’t diagnosed with COPD, smoking is still a major cause of heart disease and cancer. If you already have COPD, quitting can help you feel better if you continue smoking, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist — a health professional can help you find ways to improve your health.
The Bronson Pulmonary Medicine team is committed to helping prevent pulmonary disease and providing ways to live a healthier life. Our services include thorough testing and evaluation to identify the type of treatment that is right for you. Talk to your primary care provider or contact one of our convenient Bronson Pulmonary Medicine Specialists locations in Battle Creek, Kalamazoo and Paw Paw if you have a concern about your pulmonary health. Visit bronsonhealth.com/pulmonary to learn more.
