How Can COPD Be Prevented From Progressing?
If you smoke, the most important thing you can do to
stop more damage to your lungs is to quit smoking. For information on how to
quit smoking, visit the Web site of the
U.S. Office of the Surgeon General. Many hospitals have
smoking cessation programs or can refer you to one.
It is also important to stay away from people who
are smoking and places where you know there will be smokers.
Staying away from other lung irritants such as
pollution, dust, and certain cooking or heating fumes is also important. For
example, you should stay in your house when the outside air quality is poor.
Managing Complications and Preventing Sudden Onset
of Problems
People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) often have symptoms that suddenly get worse. When this happens, you have
a much harder time catching your breath. You may also have chest tightness,
more coughing, change in your sputum, and a fever. It is important to call your
doctor if you have any of these signs or symptoms.
Your doctor will look at things that might be
causing these signs and symptoms to suddenly worsen. Sometimes the signs and
symptoms are caused by a lung infection. Your doctor may want you to take an
antibiotic medicine that helps fight off the infection.
Your doctor may also recommend additional medicines
to help with your breathing. These medicines include bronchodilators and
glucocorticosteroids.
Your doctor may recommend that you spend time in the
hospital if:
- You have a lot of difficulty catching your
breath.
- You have a hard time talking.
- Your lips or fingernails turn blue or gray.
- You are not mentally alert.
- Your heartbeat is very fast.
- Home treatment of worsening symptoms doesn't
help.
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