Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease
What is chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease?
Chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD) is permanent obstruction of airflow from the
lungs. This disease causes loss of lung function.
COPD is the most
common respiratory cause of death in the U.S.
How does it occur?
COPD generally results
from chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema caused by smoking. The
disease usually develops over time and occurs most often in people over
age 45 who smoke and/or live where air pollution is a problem.
What are the
symptoms?
COPD usually has
symptoms of both chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Symptoms of chronic
bronchitis include:
- coughing
- sputum production
- difficulty breathing,
in advanced stages
- wheezing
- shortness of breath.
Symptoms of emphysema
include:
- difficulty breathing,
especially with exertion
- minor cough
- little or no sputum
- weight loss from
difficulty breathing
- very rapid breathing.
How is it treated?
The doctor may prescribe
medication such as:
- Bronchodilator
treatment uses medication to relax the muscles in the bronchial tubes
to allow air to flow. Some of these medications are taken in pill or
liquid form and some are inhaled.
- Long-acting drugs
can be used in an inhaler or a nebulizer. A nebulizer is a device used
to inhale aerosol medicine through a face mask.
The following may
be recommended to improve your symptoms:
- Exercise, such
as walking or riding a stationary bicycle three or four times each day
for 5 to 15 minutes.
- Breathing exercises
to help control the abnormal breathing associated with COPD.
- Oxygen therapy:
Use of a special machine or cylinder (oxygen concentrator) to increase
oxygen-rich air in your environment and make breathing easier.
- Using a humidifier
to increase air moisture at home.
- Changing your
work environment to reduce exposure to irritants.
- Drinking at least
eight glasses of fluid a day.
If secretions are
difficult to cough up, the doctor may have a nurse or family member help
clear your bronchial tubes using one of the following techniques:
- Chest percussion:
Striking a part of your chest with short, sharp blows.
- Postural drainage:
Helping you assume a posture that helps drain secretions from the lungs.
How can I take
care of myself?
If you smoke, quitting
can slow the progress of the disease considerably.
You can partially
control symptoms by following these guidelines for home care:
- Stop smoking.
- Eat nutritious
foods.
- Avoid irritants
such as smoke, air pollution, and extreme variations in temperature
and humidity.
- Consider lifestyle
changes such as changing jobs or moving to a less polluted climate or
lower altitude.
- Eat high-calorie
snacks between meals if you are underweight.
- Take vitamin and
mineral supplements if recommended by your doctor.
- Be as active as
you comfortably can.
- Get plenty of
rest and sleep.
- Learn to use relaxation
techniques to reduce anxiety and fear.
- Get pneumonia
immunization as well as annual flu immunizations if recommended by your
doctor.
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This
information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers
but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical
treatment. You should speak to your physician or make
an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about
this information or your medical condition.