$Unique_ID{BRK01049}
$Pretitle{Respiratory System}
$Title{What is COPD is and How is it Treated?}
$Subject{obstructive disease COPD emphysema}
$Volume{H-5}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is COPD is and How is it Treated?


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QUESTION:  My breathing difficulty has been diagnosed by my physician as COPD.
Now I need more information from you.  Could you please tell me what my
condition is and how is it treated?

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ANSWER:  COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and many
diseases can cause it.  Essentially, it is difficulty in breathing and
shortness of breath due to limited airflow through the lungs.  Chronic
bronchitis or chronic emphysema can contribute to COPD, as can other diseases
like cystic fibrosis.  Some COPD patients also suffer from asthma.
     The most common contributor to COPD is smoking, which is the leading
cause of chronic bronchitis and emphysema.  Because of smoking, COPD is a
significant health problem in the United States and the number of cases will
only increase as more people who have spent a lifetime smoking grow older.
Exposure to air pollution is another risk factor in developing COPD, as is
severe bronchial infection.
     In most COPD patients, the airways of their lungs have either become
permanently narrowed or the tissue has lost its elasticity and is like a
balloon that is stretched out of shape.  COPD usually develops slowly, over
the course of years.  Many patients show the symptoms for years before finally
seeing a physician because of increasing shortness of breath.
     There is no cure for COPD and all treatments include eliminating factors
or situations that exacerbate the problem.  If you still smoke, the most
important thing to do is to stop smoking.  This will slow the progression of
the disease, but your condition will not reverse.  Other steps to take are to
eliminate dust, animal hair, and other irritants from your home environment.
     There are several types of drugs that can be used to treat COPD.  These
will alleviate symptoms, and work to reduce potentially serious complications.
Bronchodilators are commonly used to treat COPD, since these open the air
passages and make breathing easier.  Corticosteroids are used to reduce
inflammation, and antibiotics may be necessary to clear infections away.  It
is also important to keep to a minimum the secretions in the bronchial tubes
(air passages) and both sufficient fluid intake and medications may be
helpful.
     You must be careful to try to avoid catching colds or respiratory
infections, because your lungs are already weakened.  I hope you had your flu
shot this season as you're just the person who can profit from this type of
disease prevention.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
