Having a lung disorder can be extremely challenging. This is especially true for those who suffer from respiratory and lung disease known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder is a serious and potentially fatal respiratory disorder which results in more than 130,000 deaths in the United States alone each year. It is the 4th leading cause of death. Worldwide, about twelve million cases have been reported, and many people may have it with being aware.
COPD is also a major cause of disability. More than 12 million people are currently diagnosed with COPD. Many more people may have the disease and not even know it.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder is basically a combination of two other respiratory diseases – emphysema and bronchitis. With these conditions, just like with COPD, the flow of air through your lungs and bronchial tubes is blocked. This is usually a permanent condition which gets worse with the passage of time, making it very difficult for the COPD sufferer to breathe.
What causes this destructive lung disease and what can be done about it?
The primary cause of COPD in the United States is smoking. Research shows that nearly 15 percent of smokers will develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Smoking cigarettes damages your lungs in many different ways. One of the best ways to prevent COPD or to keep it from getting worse is to quit smoking immediately and try to avoid being around smoke since the exact effects of second hand smoke on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are not completely known.
A number of other things can trigger COPD too. Indoor and outdoor air pollution is one of the most frequent. Stoves used for cooking as well as silica and similar pollutants are dangerous.
Another cause of this respiratory disorder is a rare genetic condition called AAT. This causes approximately 1% of cases annually.
If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the best thing to do is to learn as much as you can about what caused it and what kind you have. You can do this by working together with your physician and discussing your medical history, family history and symptoms. Your doctor can help you find the best plan of treatment for your COPD. Untreated COPD is likely to get worse.
COPD can cause coughing that produces a lot of mucus. There will probably also be wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and a number of other symptoms.
The good news for those suffering from COPD is that there are treatment options that can help clear the blockage of the airways, making it easier for you to breathe normally again.
There are several of helpful medications your doctor can suggest that can assist and give you some relief from your COPD symptoms. Exercise, as recommended by your doctor, can also provide some improvement.
The sooner you seek treatment for your COPD the better your chances of being able to breathe more normally again.
Regrettably, medical science has not developed a cure for COPD and the lung damage that results from it. COPD cannot be reversed, but it can often be prevented.
If you’d like to learn more about this topic and related subjects, click on lung and respiratory illnesses. You’ll find dozens of easy-to-read and easy to understand articles and helpful resources about lung illnesses and respiratory health.
The author, Neal Kennedy, is a former TV journalist and radio talk show host with a special interest in health, fitness and medical topics.