You have probably seen ads about COPD and new medication that is available for treatment. COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is all too common. A many as 14 million people are estimated to have the disease.
Most people with COPD are smokers or have been smokers in the past. But before you think that you are not at risk because you have never smoked, breathing in other fumes and dusts over long periods of time can also lead to COPD. Other types of tobacco smoking can cause COPD, especially if the smoke is inhaled. Of serious concern, exposure to secondhand smoke can put you at risk for COPD. The onset of the disease occurs most often in people 40 years or older.
COPD is a chronic lung disease that includes two main illness: chronic bronchitis and emphysema that both slowly worsen over time, especially if you continue to smoke. What this means is the airways and air sacs in your lungs lose shape and become blocked making it difficult to get air in and out of your lungs. Those with COPD are more likely to have lung infections, which can be fatal. Damage to the lungs cannot be reversed and the heart may also be affected.
No question, COPD is a major cause of death and illness but there is treatment.
Treatment may help prevent complications, prolong life, and improve a person's quality of life.
Symptoms
These symptoms alone do not lead to a diagnosis of COPD. Obviously if you are a smoker or have smoked in the past, having any of these symptoms should prompt you to see your doctor. These symptoms often start years before damage to the lungs results in a real restriction of airflow in and out of the lungs. It is important to realize that early intervention can make a real difference. Ignoring symptoms and maintaining smoking may lead to irreversible lung damage.
- The most common symptom is a cough that does not go away.
- A wet cough – coughing produces a lot of sputum.
- Repeated episodes of bronchitis – an inflammation of the airways in the lungs that is usually caused by infection from a virus.
- Shortness of breath that is persistent and gets worse. It may occur during exercise and gets worse during respiratory infections such as colds.
Living with COPD
There is no cure, but COPD can be managed and damage to the lungs can be slowed. Quitting smoking is the most important thing you can do and will be the first course of action your doctor suggests. Stopping smoking can be a challenge for most smokers, but exhibiting symptoms or an early diagnosis of COPD should be a wake up call. Lifestyle changes, medication and other treatments can improve quality of life. Taking action early can make it possible to maintain an active life and stay independent.