Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a combination of lung conditions that occur all at once in someone. It is usually caused by long-term exposure to irritating chemicals, fumes, or cigarette smoke. These airborne substances damage the lungs, which makes them more susceptible to bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. And unfortunately, their effects are irreparable. So the sooner that a person gets to the doctor for treatment, the better. Read on for more information on the symptoms and treatment options of COPD.
Symptoms of COPD
The first symptom that COPD causes is breathlessness, especially while walking or performing other physical activities. After a person rests for a short time, it will get better though. But as the disease progresses, it will be hard to take even a few steps without gasping for air. Then, inflammation and increased mucous production in the lungs will set in, which causes a chronic cough, tightness in the chest, and wheezing that doesn't go away. Sometimes, a series of lung infections will develop too.
Treatment Options for COPD
To try to ease the symptoms of this lung disease, the source of the lung irritation has to be removed. This might mean that a person has to quit smoking or going to a place where they are exposed to cigarette smoke or other fumes and chemicals. The sooner that this happens, the more likely that the lungs will have a chance to heal some. Next, it is urgent that medical treatment from a physician is sought out. Doctors can do special tests to determine how well the lungs are functioning and which of the diseases that make up COPD have developed. For example, a person might be asked to blow into a tube as hard as they can to see how much air that they have in their lungs. Or they might have a chest x-ray or sonogram of the lungs done. Finally, several different prescription medications are given to help control the symptoms of this condition. One of them is usually a steroid to relax the constricted airways of the lungs. This helps a person be able to breathe better. It also reduces the likeliness of an asthma attack. Sometimes, the steroids are used in correlation with a nebulizer machine to ensure they permeate the lung tissue. If a lot of phlegm has built up, then an expectorant is given to help thin the mucus, so the body can cough it out more easily. And antibiotics might also be needed if there is an infection. In conclusion, although COPD is a chronic condition that has a devastating impact on a person's health, it is highly treatable. So those who have any of the above mentioned symptoms should make an appointment to see their doctor right away. For more information on COPD, be sure to check out the links below.
