Causes and Symptoms of COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (or COPD) is a serious group of progressive diseases that cause breathing blockages and airflow restrictions. The diseases share a common symptom: chronic inflammation of the lungs. Per the Mayo Clinic, emphysema and chronic bronchitis are also described as COPD in the United States. These conditions can occur simultaneously.

COPD disrupts airflow to the lungs, which can cause discomfort and pain for patients. However, it can take years for signs or symptoms to develop with COPD. Tobacco use is the most common cause of the condition, but COPD can also be caused by long-term exposure to air pollution, dust, other inhaled chemical fumes and particulates.

Shortness of breath is the most common sign or symptom of COPD. However, because these diseases take years to develop, someone might not realize they have COPD until it’s made significant damage to their body. Other symptoms, according to the American Lung Association:

• Chronic cough or wheezing
• Frequent respiratory infections
• A blue coloration in the lips or the beds of the fingernails
• Feeling tired or fatigued
• Productive coughs with a lot of mucus

Many people assume symptoms of COPD occur simply because of their age. However, shortness of breath should always be considered a serious issue. Anyone experiencing difficulty breathing should seek the help of a medical professional right away.

COPD is progressive, which means that the symptoms and effects will only increase in severity as time goes on. Visiting a doctor can help to stop the progression, as COPD is often treatable.

Treatments for COPD

Many people with COPD can control their symptoms and reduce their risk of serious complications through a combination of medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and supplemental therapies. The first step is to get a diagnosis — the term “COPD" defines several diseases, and a doctor may need to perform a variety of tests to form an effective treatment plan.

The most common treatments for COPD include:

• Quitting Smoking. This is critical for minimizing the progression of the disease. Patients should avoid tobacco smoke and other air pollutants. Many people diagnosed with COPD have mild symptoms and are able to recover by quitting tobacco.
• Taking Medications. Medications are often used to address the symptoms of a chronic cough or additional mucus production. Depending on the nature of the patient’s disease, doctors may describe inhalers, oral steroids, antibiotics, or a combination of treatments.
• Oxygen Therapy. Supplemental oxygen can help people who are unable to get enough oxygen on their own. Oxygen must be prescribed, and is usually delivered through a mask or nasal cannula (a device that fits into the patient’s nose). Some people may not need oxygen all the time — they will only use supplemental devices when they need it.
• Preventative Care. Doctors will often advise patients to get annual flu shots and other vaccines to minimize their risk of getting lung infections, which can make COPD worse.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation. This is a personalized treatment plan informing patients how to manage symptoms, improve their quality of life, conserve energy, and breathe more effectively.

Some patients also take complementary treatments, which can include everything from yoga (intended to help the person deal with the stress of COPD) to vitamin supplements (intended to help the body fight infection). People should always discuss complementary therapies with their doctors before trying them, since some can cause problems with their medical treatments.

Researching COPD Online

Anyone worried about changes in their health should schedule a visit to their doctor. This is particularly important for lung issues; early diagnosis gives physicians more options for treating the disease and raises the chances of a positive outcome.

Online resources can be helpful for learning more about emphysema, asthma, and other diseases that lead to COPD. It’s important to read carefully, using several sources wherever possible, and to discuss any information found with an experienced physician.

Patients who have been diagnosed with COPD shouldn’t use any supplements or other products without their doctor’s approval. However, with careful research, people can learn more about COPD, which can give them peace of mind as they start their treatment.