Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is characterized by airflow limitation. It affects more than 5 percent of the population and is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Exposure to polluted environments and rare genetic diseases can cause lung disease, but the number one cause is smoking tobacco. COPD is highly preventable, but it is not reversible.
When a patient has symptoms like shortness of breath, mucus-producing coughs, wheezing or tightness in their chest – they’re often surprised to learn they have COPD.
Most seniors who smoke don’t realize this because they think their symptoms are just a part of getting older, but smoking is the most common factor, followed by increased allergens and exposure to dusts, gases, fumes and persistent asthma. Women appear to be more susceptible to developing COPD than men, especially emphysema.
Reporting your symptoms to your primary care provider is essential as establishing an accurate diagnosis of COPD is important. Appropriate treatment can reduce the severity of symptoms and improve overall health.
COPD effects how our lungs work. The lungs are a spongy network of airways and air sacs. When we breathe in, air goes through branching airways connected to tiny air sacs, moving oxygen from the air into the blood and carbon dioxide out. Over time, inflammation from COPD causes permanent damage to the airways and air sacs of the lungs. The airways become inflamed, swollen and filled with mucus – obstructing the flow of air. The air sacs lose their structure and can’t fill and empty as easily, making breathing difficult.
Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the two most common diagnoses under the umbrella of COPD. While you can’t undo the damages of COPD, early diagnosis can help slow down the symptoms and make them manageable – which is why early diagnosis is so important.
There are two lifestyle changes we recommend for patients with COPD. The first is to stop smoking. While easier said than done, it’s essential for the longevity of your lungs. The second change is regular exercise, such as swimming, biking, jogging or brisk walking. These aerobic exercises help your body make better use of oxygen by improving circulation.
COPD patients may be referred to Pulmonary Rehabilitation programs. They’re a great way to get education and support that’s tailored to your needs. These programs can include:
- Chest physiotherapy – to help overcome breathlessness or manage phlegm.
- Nutritional advice – to help overcome weight loss, a common symptom of lung disease because shortness of breath and fatigue can make eating difficult.
- Counseling – to help keep you motivated when feeling down or anxious.
- Support groups – to connect with people who have the same experiences and questions as you.
In addition to lifestyle changes and lung rehabilitation, your doctor can also prescribe medicinal treatment, such as antibiotics and steroids. Inhalers are often prescribed to open the airways, reduce inflammation and prevent infections like influenza or pneumonia. The patient with COPD should discuss their medications with their primary care provider at each appointment and always assure they have adequate amounts of their medications to help manage COPD.
People with COPD should get vaccines to prevent chest infections like influenza and pneumonia. While these don’t cause COPD, they can make people with COPD very sick.
The most important thing to remember is to see your doctor when you show any signs of COPD. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference. The sooner you can get a head start on managing your symptoms, the better quality of life you can have.
