COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is an umbrella term for a group of diseases involving airflow blockage in the lungs, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. If you have COPD, you likely worry about your breathing every day.
COPD affects more than 16 million American adults (including 5.4% of Arizona's population) and is a leading cause of disability. Typically, it gets worse over time as lung function decreases. Someone with COPD might experience some, or all, of the following symptoms:
- Chronic or constant coughing or "smoker's cough."
- Chest tightness.
- Shortness of breath during ordinary activities.
- Excess sputum/mucus production.
- Wheezing sound when breathing.
- Inability to take deep breaths.
- Barrel chest deformity.
Most cases of COPD occur in people who smoke or who have been exposed to occupational toxins, but non-smokers can develop the disease as well. If you are concerned about COPD, it's important to work with your primary care physician and/or a pulmonologist to evaluate the condition and function of your lungs.
The earlier you start treatment for COPD, the better your outcome is likely to be. While the disease isn't curable, patients who stay as healthy and active as possible – and who receive treatments such as oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, medications and/or surgery – tend to experience relief of some symptoms and a slower progression of disease.