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Key Points
- Smoking is the most common cause of chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- COPD is a disease that slowly worsens over time,
especially if you continue to smoke.
- Breathing in other kinds of lung irritants, like
pollution, dust, or chemicals, over a long period of time may also cause or
contribute to COPD. Secondhand smoke and genetic disorders can also play a role
in COPD.
- There is no cure for COPD (which includes
emphysema and chronic bronchitis), and it is a major cause of illness and
death.
- In COPD, much of the elastic quality of the
airways and air sacs in the lung is gone. The airways collapse and obstruct the
normal airflow. Airways may also become inflamed and thickened.
- The signs and symptoms of COPD are different for
each person. Common signs are cough, sputum production, shortness of breath,
wheezing, and chest tightness.
- COPD usually occurs in people who are at least 40
years old. COPD is not contagious.
- If you have COPD, you are more likely to have
lung infections, which can be fatal.
- Your doctor can use a medical history, physical
exam, and breathing tests, such as spirometry, to diagnoseor rule
outCOPD even before you have significant symptoms.
- If the lungs are severely damaged, the heart may
be affected. A person with COPD dies when the lungs and heart are unable to
function and get oxygen to the body's organs and tissues, or when a
complication such as a severe infection occurs.
- Treatment for COPD may help prevent
complications, prolong life, and improve a person's quality of life. Quitting
smoking, staying away from people who are smoking, and avoiding exposure to
other lung irritants are the most important ways to reduce your risk of
developing COPD or to slow the progress of the disease.
- Treatment may include medicines such as
bronchodilators, steroids, flu shots, and pneumococcal vaccine to avoid or
reduce further complications.
- As the symptoms of COPD get worse over time, a
person may have more difficulty with walking and exercising. You should talk to
your doctor about exercising and whether you would benefit from a pulmonary
rehab programa coordinated program of exercise, physical therapy, disease
management training, advice on diet, and counseling.
- Oxygen treatment and surgery to remove part of a
lung or even to transplant a lung may be recommended for persons with severe
COPD.
- If you have a sudden worsening of signs or
symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor and seek emergency
treatment.
- Be prepared and have information on hand that you
or others would need in a medical emergency, such as information on medicines
you are taking, directions to the hospital or your doctors office, and
people to contact if you are unable to speak or call them.
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