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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. What is it and how can you prevent it? We have the answers. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may also be referred to as chronic obstructive lung disease and affects approximately 14 million Americans. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are two long-term, chronic respiratory illness that when found together with overlapping symptoms are usually referred to as COPD. The natural aging process causes lung function to slowly decrease. COPD causes even more damage because the airways within the lungs loose elasticity, making it increasingly difficult to push air through and circulate oxygen to the organs throughout the body. COPD may also require the heart to work harder and clog the airways with an overproduction of mucous. When a lack of airflow exists, carbon dioxide levels in the blood also increase which further diminishes the amount of oxygen getting to the organs. A lack of oxygen in the blood causes not only breathing difficulty, it may also lead to problems with the brain and nervous system. Symptoms of COPD Unfortunately, COPD starts to develop in patients before symptoms are evident. It may actually take up to ten years before a patient recognizes the symptoms and consults a healthcare provider. As times goes by, COPD becomes worse and may eventually affect the heart and brain. COPD can lead to death when the lungs are unable to deliver adequate oxygen to the organs. There is no cure for COPD but most symptoms can be managed or controlled. The first sign of COPD is usually a daily morning cough with clear sputum. (Sputum is mucous coughed up from the lungs.) Morning cough may eventually be accompanied by wheezing and the sputum may begin to show color (green or yellowish). AS COPD progresses, shortness of breath develops and becomes quite evident, even after minor activity. The National Institutes of Health suggests that most COPD patients will not notice a shortness of breath during exertion until after the age of 40. Chronic bronchitis Chronic bronchitis is the more common condition associated with COPD. Approximately 12 million Americans suffer from chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis causes a persistent cough due to an overproduction of mucus in the airway. It also causes the airways to narrow and limits the lungs’ ability to circulate air throughout the body. A patient may be diagnosed with chronic bronchitis if a persistent cough and mucous are a problem three months in a row for at least two years or consistently for six months out of the year. Emphysema Emphysema has been identified specifically in approximately 2 million Americans. This condition also causes permanent damage to the air sacs in the lungs, limiting the air that can travel to the organs. Most people think of emphysema as the "smokers’ disease". However, there is also a genetic form of emphysema that runs in families. This type of emphysema is rare and caused by a genetic deficiency. Individuals who have had family members diagnosed with emphysema before age 35 may wish to be tested for the deficiency. If an individual is found to carry the genetic deficiency predisposing them to emphysema, they can take several precautions to help prevent emphysema. The most important risk factor is not to smoke. Smokers with the emphysema genetic deficiency are at an even higher risk of developing this chronic condition. Preventing COPD The best way to prevent COPD is to refrain from smoking. Cigarette smoking is the number one cause of COPD in most patients. Second-hand smoke may also increase the risk of COPD or other respiratory illnesses. If a smoker quits before serious damage occurs, lung function may return to a normal rate for their age and the progression of COPD may slow down significantly. Avoiding environmental hazards will also help prevent COPD. Those people who work near any type of pollution should be sure their employer takes the proper safety precautions to reduce their contact or exposure to the pollution. Patients already diagnosed with COPD should avoid any known polluted areas, stay away from smokers, avoid contact with other people showing symptoms of respiratory illness, reduce exposure to extreme temperature changes and discuss influenza vaccinations with their healthcare provider early each fall. Drinking a lot of fluids and eating a healthy, balanced diet may also help reduce the risk of COPD. Treating COPD There is no cure for COPD however the symptoms can usually be controlled. COPD patients can also reduce discomfort by discussing an appropriate treatment plan with their healthcare provider. Symptoms will vary among COPD patients therefore treatment plans should also vary among patients. Some treatment options may include home oxygen therapy, which increases the amount of oxygen circulating in the blood. This can relieve symptoms and improve the ability of the lungs to function properly. Oxygen therapy can be expensive, depending on the patient’s circumstances. Several different types of medications are also available to treat the specific symptoms of COPD. Medications may fight infection, reduce inflammation, open airways or even help dislodge and loosen mucous clogs. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs benefit certain COPD patients. Pulmonary rehab tends to focus on teaching the patients how to make lifestyle changes that will help them live with their condition. These programs usually include breathing exercises, a supervised exercise program, nutritional counseling and relaxation techniques. All of these components lead to a healthier lifestyle and may improve the quality of life for COPD sufferers, in addition to improving their lung function. Some COPD patients may also benefit from lung transplant surgery or a bullectomy (surgically removing large air spaces). These procedures are not appropriate for all COPD patients. For more information on COPD or other lung conditions, contact the American Lung Association at 800-LUNG-USA. Copyright 2000 AmericasDoctor.com. All rights reserved. Reviewed by Dan Morhaim, M.D. Return to Content

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Revised: December 30, 2007 .