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X-Ray Results

Common Conditions

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD, which stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a chronic progressive disorder that causes shortness of breath by obstructing airflow to and from the lungs. COPD includes groups of lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD typically worsens over a period of time and is treatable and preventable. However, there is currently no cure for COPD.

Cause

COPD is caused when the sacs that hold air in the lungs (alveoli) become inelastic, walls between alveoli get destroyed, walls between alveoli become thickened and inflamed, or with excessive mucus production. The most common cause of COPD is smoking cigarettes. Risk factors include exposure to pollutants such as dust, chemicals, or secondhand smoke exposure, exposure to fumes from burning fuel, and/or asthma or other childhood respiratory diseases.

Symptoms

Individuals with COPD may have “exacerbations” where their symptoms are more intense for a period of time. Symptoms of COPD include:

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  • Shortness of breath (especially with exertion)

  • Chest tightness

  • Fatigue

  • Wheezing

  • Chronic cough

  • Frequent respiratory illnesses

  • Lower extremity swelling

  • Mucus production

  • Blueness of the lips or fingernail beds

Treatment

COPD can be treated by quitting smoking and avoiding pollutants along with medication prescribed by a doctor or health professional such as bronchodilators, combined inhalers, steroids, and/or antibiotics. Supplemental oxygen or surgery such as lung volume reduction, lung transplant, and bullectomy may be required. Lifestyle changes such as exercising and eating a healthy diet coupled with pulmonary rehabilitation and exacerbation management can be helpful as well.

Prevention

The best way to prevent COPD is to avoid or quit smoking since smoking is the number one cause of COPD. COPD can also be prevented by avoiding pollutant exposure, receiving regular vaccinations, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet.

Resources

American Lung Association. (2021, March 5). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd 

Cleveland Clinic. (2020, May 18). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8709-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd 

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020, April 15). COPD. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/symptoms-causes/syc-20353679 

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (n.d.). COPD. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/copd 

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2021, January 27). COPD. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/copd.html

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