Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – COPD

Airflow is restricted in the lungs from breathing problems related to emphysema, along with chronic bronchitis, which make up the condition known as COPD.  Currently there is no cure for COPD but treatments help reduce inflammation. This condition becomes worse over time.

Normal air sacs in the lungs are elastic and stretchy, but with long term exposure to smoke and other triggers they can be destroyed, become thicker and inflamed and more mucus can cause clogging of the airway.

Cigarette smoke is a main cause of COPD, along with pipes, cigars and the other types of tobacco when inhaled.  Also, dust and chemical fumes from a work place, or other source, may cause damage as well.

Symptoms in most people start at 40 plus years old with tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, wheezing and a frequent cough.

Treatments include avoiding smoking and second hand smoke, oxygen therapy, medications, and possibly surgery as a last resort.