Monday, August 25, 2014

5 Facts All COPD Patients Should Know

Pulmonary doctors are no strangers to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It is a serious diagnosis and the third cause of death in the United States. Since there is no guaranteed cure for COPD, common sense dictates that prevention is best. Maintaining healthy lungs is key. Anything that causes your lungs to be injured should be avoided, such as smoking, pollution, and chemical sprays. By being proactive with your lung health, the risk for COPD is reduced. 
 
1. Who Suffers
Any ethnic or age group can suffer from COPD. At the moment, the numbers show predominantly white women, middle aged or over. Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with the condition and even more report some type of troubled lung function.

2. What is it
COPD is actually not one disease, but the classification refers to several diseases, including some forms of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. They all have symptoms that block airflow and create breathing problems. Pulmonary doctors are the specialists that treat COPD.

3. What causes COPD
The habit of smoking tobacco products is the number one cause of COPD. Others may suffer severe lung problems because of a job or living environment that exposed them to chemicals or air pollution. Heredity also can play a role.


4. When to ask your doctor
Common sense dictates that you should always be in good communication with your doctor. However, you should bring up the possibility of COPD if you have been experiencing chronic breathing problems. They will be able to diagnose you and begin treatment.

5. Treatment options
Treatment depends on the diagnosis by pulmonary doctors. It can include smoking cessation, avoiding air pollutants, prescription medication, and therapy. The aim is to improve the ability to exercise and decrease the occurrences of breathing attacks.

Remember to check with your doctor before trying any treatment or medical remedy.

If you would like to learn more about pulmonary doctors in the Seguin, Texas, area, click here!

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