Coping with COPD

Mortality of women from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has more than doubled in the last decade, and COPD is now the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States. So what is COPD? COPD is caused by inflammation of the airways, frequently due to tobacco smoke exposure. This leads to progressive airflow limitation. Some patients develop chronic bronchitis, which causes excessive sputum production. Others develop destruction of the lung tissues (leading to a “swiss-cheese” effect) known as emphysema. Patients with COPD experience coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing.

University of Michigan patient Janet Broos is one of the 11 million Americans who are living with COPD, and she is eager to share her story and to help other patients facing chronic lung disease. Broos received her diagnosis two years ago and remembers the first time she met MeiLan Han, M.D., assistant professor, U-M Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, and director, U-M Women’s Respiratory Clinic. She mentions Han’s commitment. Broos says, “Dr. Han has so much energy, and she is very enthusiastic.”

Broos is also grateful for the U-M Women’s Respiratory Clinic. Broos says, “I’m an advocate for the program. I have had a very positive experience. The rapport you have with your doctor is very important, and the pulmonary clinic is very unique.”

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Provides Support

One of the best parts of Broos’ treatment are her weekly visits to pulmonary rehabilitation. (U-M Pulmonary Rehabilitation is conveniently located across the street from the Women’s Respiratory Clinic.) Broos says, “The staff are extremely dedicated. It has helped me tremendously dealing with my diagnosis and maintaining a good schedule of exercise.”

One of the extra perks of pulmonary rehabilitation was the opportunity for Broos to join a harmonica group. This unique group gives patients a chance to improve their breathing, and it provides a way for them to have fun and interact socially.

When Broos is asked what advice she would give to U-M patients who are diagnosed with COPD, she answers, “I would recommend they participate in pulmonary rehabilitation and take advantage of the clinical trials. The care they get there
(at U-M) is top notch.”

For more information about U-M Women’s Respiratory Clinic visit: www.med.umich.edu/intmed/pulmonary/patients. To schedule an appointment, call (734) 647-9000. For more information about Pulmonary Rehabilitation,call (734) 998-8723.