 Even though the fourth leading cause of death in the United States is preventable, as many as 24 million U.S. adults have evidence of impaired lung function, indicating an under diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), reports the American Lung Association. The U.S. COPD Coalition reports that Tennessee is one of the states experiencing high death rates from COPD.
COPD is a term used to describe several progressive lung diseases. Although emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common forms of COPD, other lung diseases include refractory asthma and severe bronchiectasis. COPD causes airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.
“COPD claims the lives of more than 120,000 Americans every year,” said Dr. James Shamiyeh, a UT Medical Center pulmonologist. “Smoking is the primary risk factor for COPD, but several other environmental and hereditary factors also can put someone at risk. There are so many people out there who don’t even realize they suffer from COPD and, therefore, aren’t being treated for it. I’d strongly encourage everyone to take advantage of lung function screenings.”
COPD Risks
COPD Symptoms
COPD Treatment Options
Creating a Friendlier Environment
COPD Risks
Most COPD cases develop from breathing in fumes and other irritants that damage the lungs and airways. This can be from secondhand smoking or working in a polluted environment such as around chemicals, dusty areas for many years and heavy exposure to air pollution. However, the number-one cause of COPD is tobacco use. A smoker is approximately three times more likely to currently have COPD than a non-smoker. And, as much as 20 percent of long-term smokers will develop COPD. Quitting smoking is the best way to prevent COPD, or if you already have been diagnosed, stop smoking immediately and it may slow down the disease’s progression.
For the first time, in year 2000, more women (59,936) died from COPD than men (59,118), reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “The incidence of COPD seems to be rising faster among women than men coincident with the increased number of women smoking,” said George F. Schuchmann, M.D., medical advisor at the University of Tennessee Medical Center’s Heart Lung Vascular Institute.
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COPD Symptoms 
Although there is no cure for COPD, early detection is important in order to receive proper treatment, which can slow the progression of the disease as well as treat many of the symptoms. The severity of symptoms is based on how much damage there has been to the lungs. The primary symptom of COPD is difficulty breathing due to airway obstruction of various causes. However, other COPD symptoms include the following.
- Shortness of breath persisting for months to years
- Wheezing
- Decreased exercise tolerance
- Coughing with or without phlegm
- Chest tightness
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COPD Treatment Options
Treatment of COPD begins with a thorough evaluation from your doctor. He may order a chest X-ray, chest CT Scan, blood samples, pulmonary function testing or any combination of these. Your doctor also will tell you to stop smoking immediately.
COPD treatments are used to relieve symptoms, slow disease progression, improve overall health and quality of life, prevent and treat complications and improve activity levels. COPD patients may require the use of inhalers to dilate the airways. Oral medication may be used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing by relaxing and opening the air passages. Respiratory infections should be treated with antibiotics, and some patients may require supplemental oxygen.
Lastly, pulmonary rehabilitation can be beneficial to almost anyone with lung problems. Rehabilitation includes exercise training and education/counseling. The rehabilitation team teaches the participant how to cope with lung problems and deal with fears about the future. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a safe and effective way to help the participant feel better faster, become stronger, reduce stress and improve overall quality of life.
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Create a Friendlier Environment
Aside from professional treatment, there are things you can do in your environment and lifestyle that may help control some of your COPD symptoms.
- Keep smoke and fumes out of your home and work environments.
- Cook near an open window.
- Wear loose clothing.
- If your home must be painted or sprayed for bugs, do it when you can be away.
- Keep windows closed when there is a lot of pollution or dust outside, including when riding in a car.
- Climb stairs only when necessary.
- If heating with wood or kerosene, keep a door or window open.
- Ask for help when needed.
Early recognition and treatment are keys to slowing down the progress of COPD. If you smoke, stop immediately. If you suspect you have COPD symptoms, contact your doctor right away. Request an appointment today by calling 1.877.UT.CARES (1.877.882.2737).
Click here for the online COPD Risk Assessment or to read the National Institutes of Health’s “Key Points for COPD.”
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