About this topic
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung illness. With this, air is blocked from coming out of your lungs as you breathe out. This makes breathing hard. There is no cure. There are drugs you can take and things you can do to make it better. COPD includes: ‚
- There is damage to the air sacs of the lungs. This is emphysema.
- There is swelling and irritation in the large airways of the lungs that will never fully go away. This is chronic bronchitis.
In some cases, some things may make it harder for you to breathe. Your doctor may call this exacerbation. It may happen when you are around smoke, pollution, and dust. They bother your lungs. You may also have more problems breathing when you engage in a tiring activity. It is important that you monitor your signs so they can be treated right away. ‚
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What are the causes?
Some things may make your breathing problems worse. Some of these are: ‚
- Having an infection such as a cold or pneumonia
- Doing a tiring activity
- Breathing in smoke, pollution, or dust
- Heart problems
- Changes in the weather
What are the main signs?
- More shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Change in the mucus that you cough up; it is thicker or a different color, or there is more of it
- Cough is worse
- Chest tightness or wheezing
- Skin, lips, or nails are bluish in color
- Fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Extra care will be given to listening to your heart and lungs. ‚
Your doctor may order: ‚
- Chest x-ray
- Sputum culture
- Arterial blood gasses (ABG)
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Spirometry to measure the amount and speed of air you can breathe in and out
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- You may be given oxygen therapy to help you breathe easier.
- You will be given drugs to improve your signs.
Are there other health problems to treat?
Some other problem, such as infection or other lung problem, may be causing this condition. Treat it right away. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Stop smoking.
- Exercise as much as you can. This will help strengthen your lungs. Ask your doctor the right amount of activity for you.
- Avoid exposure to dust, smoke, and changing weather.
- Wear a protective mask when you go outside.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Make breathing easier
- Relieve coughing
- Reduce swelling in your airways
- Prevent or fight an infection
What problems could happen?
- Lung infection
- High blood pressure
- Heart problems
- Weight loss
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- If you smoke, quit. The more you smoke, the more likely you will be to have COPD.
- Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Avoid exposure to air pollution or irritants.
- Wear protective gear if exposed to irritants or toxins at work.
- Stay away from crowded places.
- Get a flu shot yearly. Ask your doctor if you need a pneumonia shot.
Where can I learn more?
American Lung Association ‚
http://www.lungusa.org/associations/states/minnesota/events-programs/mn-copd-coalition/patient-toolkit/when-symptoms-get-worse.pdf ‚
Canadian Lung Association ‚
http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/copd-mpoc_e.php ‚
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease.html ‚
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/copd/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚