BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)COPD; Chronic obstructive airways disease; Chronic obstructive lung disease; Chronic bronchitis; Emphysema; Bronchitis - chronicChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease. Having COPD makes it hard to breathe.There are two main forms of COPD:Chronic bronchitis, which involves a long-term cough with mucus Emphysema, which involves damage to the lungs over time Most people with COPD have a combination of both conditions.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Causes Smoking is the main cause of COPD. The more a person smokes, the more likely that person will develop COPD. But some people smoke for years and never get COPD.If a person has a rare condition in which they lack a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin, they can develop emphysema even without smoking.Alpha-1 antitrypsinAlpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is a condition in which the body does not make enough of AAT, a protein that protects the lungs and liver from d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Other risk factors for COPD are:Exposure to certain gases or fumes in the workplace Exposure to heavy amounts of secondhand smoke and pollution Frequent use of a cooking fire without proper ventilation Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Symptoms Symptoms may include any of the following:Cough, with or without mucus CoughCoughing is an important way to keep your throat and airways clear. But too much coughing may mean you have a disease or disorder. Some coughs are d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fatigue FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Frequent respiratory infections Shortness of breath (dyspnea) that gets worse with mild activity DyspneaBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Trouble catching one's breath WheezingWheezingWheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing. It occurs when air moves through narrowed breathing tubes in the lungs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Because the symptoms develop slowly, many people may not know that they have COPD. Exams and Tests The best test for COPD is a lung function test called spirometry. This involves blowing out as hard as possible into a small machine that tests air movement and lung capacity. The results can be checked right away. SpirometryPulmonary function tests are a group of tests that measure breathing and how well the lungs are functioning.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Using a stethoscope to listen to the lungs can also be helpful, showing prolonged expiratory time or wheezing. But sometimes, the lungs sound normal, even when a person has COPD.Imaging tests of the lungs, such as x-rays and CT scans may be ordered. With an x-ray, the lungs may look normal, even when a person has COPD. A CT scan will almost always show signs of COPD if it is present.x-raysA chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CT scansA chest CT (computed tomography) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the chest and upper abdomen....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sometimes, a blood test called arterial blood gas may be done to measure the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.Arterial blood gasBlood gases are a measurement of how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in your blood. They also determine the acidity (pH) of your blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article If your health care provider suspects you have alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a blood test will likely be ordered to detect this condition.Blood testAlpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a lab test to measure the amount of AAT in your blood. The test is also done to check for abnormal forms of AAT....Read Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment There is no cure for COPD. But there are many things you can do to relieve symptoms and keep the disease from getting worse.If you smoke, now is the time to quit. This is the best way to slow lung damage.Now is the time to quitSmoking is the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smoking is also a trigger for COPD flare-ups. Smoking damages the air...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersMedicines used to treat COPD include:Quick-relief drugs to help open the airways Quick-relief drugsQuick-relief medicines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) work quickly to help you breathe better. You take them when you are coughing...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Control drugs to reduce lung inflammation Control drugsControl medicines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are medicines you take to control or prevent symptoms of COPD. You must use these...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling in the airways Certain long-term antibiotics In severe cases or during flare-ups, you may need to receive:Steroids by mouth or through a vein (intravenously) Bronchodilators through a nebulizer Oxygen therapy Assistance from a machine to help breathing by using a mask or through the use of an endotracheal tube MachinePositive airway pressure (PAP) treatment uses a machine to pump air under pressure into the airway of the lungs. This helps keep the windpipe open d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Your provider may prescribe antibiotics during symptom flare-ups, because an infection can make COPD worse.Flare-upsChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms can worsen rapidly. You may find it hard to breathe. You may cough or wheeze more or produce ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article You may need oxygen therapy at home if you have a low level of oxygen in your blood.Oxygen therapyBecause of your medical problem, you may need to use oxygen to help you breathe. You will need to know how to use and store your oxygen.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Pulmonary rehabilitation does not cure COPD. But it can teach you more about the disease, train you to breathe in a different way so you can stay active and feel better, and keep you functioning at the highest level possible. LIVING WITH COPD You can do things every day to keep COPD from getting worse, protect your lungs, and stay healthy.Can do things every dayYour health care provider gave you the news: you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is no cure, but there are things you can d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Walk to build up strength:Ask the provider or respiratory therapist how far to walk. Slowly increase how far you walk. Avoid talking if you get short of breath when you walk. Use pursed lip breathing when you breathe out, to empty your lungs before the next breath. Things you can do to make it easier for yourself around the home include:Avoid very cold air or very hot weather Make sure no one smokes in your home Reduce air pollution by not using the fireplace and getting rid of other irritants Manage stress and your mood Manage stress and your moodPeople with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a greater risk for depression, stress, and anxiety. Being stressed or depressed can ma...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Use oxygen if prescribed for you Eat healthy foods, including fish, poultry, and lean meat, as well as fruits and vegetables. If it is hard to keep your weight up, talk to a provider or dietitian about eating foods with more calories, by eating small frequent meals.Surgery or other interventions may be used to treat COPD. Only a few people benefit from these surgical treatments:One-way valves can be inserted with a bronchoscopy to help deflate parts of the lung that are hyperinflated (overinflated) in select patients. Surgery to remove parts of the diseased lung, which can help less-diseased parts work better in some people with emphysema (lung volume reduction surgery). Lung transplant for a small number of very severe cases.Lung transplantLung transplant is surgery to replace one or both diseased lungs with healthy lungs from a human donor.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Test Your Knowledge of COPD TriggersPeople with COPD should take care to avoid getting a cold or the flu. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is true. Getting a cold or the flu can trigger a flare-up of symptoms. Reduce your risk of infection by washing your hands often and avoiding people with a cold or the flu. You should also get a flu vaccine each year and get a pneumococcal vaccine -- ask your doctor how often.The air quality outside can affect your COPD symptoms. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is true. Pollution and other materials in the air can trigger COPD symptoms. You can check the air quality index (AQI) each day to see how clean the air is in your area. Look for the AQI posted in your local newspaper or on the TV or radio.Secondhand smoke doesn't affect people with COPD. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is false. Secondhand smoke can trigger a flare-up of COPD symptoms. To limit your exposure, avoid places where people smoke. Also ask family and friends not to smoke near you or in or around your home.Smoke from a wood-burning stove can trigger a flare-up. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is true. If you can't avoid using a wood-burning stove, choose one that is EPA-emission certified. Also, make sure to have the stove, fireplace, and chimney cleaned each year, and only burn wood that has been dry for many months.Painting your living room can trigger COPD symptoms. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is true. Paint is just one household product that contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs). When inhaled, VOCs can cause your COPD symptoms to get worse. To limit your contact, use a fan to vent rooms when using paint or cleaning products.You can reduce your exposure to pollen by: A. Staying inside when the pollen count is high B. Using an air conditioner to filter air C. Removing indoor plants D. A and B E. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. Pollen is another possible trigger of COPD symptoms. Staying indoors when the pollen count is high helps prevent flare-ups. Pollen counts are highest between 5 AM and 10 AM on hot, dry, windy days. Remove indoor plants if they trigger symptoms.You can keep mold out of your home by controlling moisture. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is true. Mold is another COPD trigger. It grows in places that are moist. Limit mold in your home by keeping the indoor humidity low. You can do this by using an air conditioner or dehumidifier.Dust mites are common in dry areas of your home. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is false. Dust mites live in dust particles, but they thrive in humid locations. Dust mite droppings can trigger COPD. You can limit dust mites by dusting with a damp cloth, vacuuming often, washing bedding once a week in hot water, and using an air conditioner in warm weather.Which of the following can cause a flare-up? A. Pet dander B. Pet urine C. Pet saliva D. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. Pets can trigger COPD symptoms, but you don't have to get rid of your furry friend. Reduce your contact with triggers by keeping pets out of your bedroom and off of carpets, bed linens, and upholstered furniture. If possible, choose pets without fur or feathers.Your appliances can cause indoor pollution. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is true. Any appliance that uses gas, oil, propane, natural gas, or kerosene can produce fumes that can trigger COPD symptoms. To reduce this risk, have your furnace and other heating and cooling systems cleaned and inspected each year. Support Groups You can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone. Support groupThe following organizations are good resources for information on lung disease:American Lung Association -- www. lung. orgNational Heart, Lung, and B...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) COPD is a long-term (chronic) illness. The disease will get worse more quickly if you do not stop smoking.If you have severe COPD, you will be short of breath with most activities. You may be admitted to the hospital more often.Talk with your provider about breathing machines and end-of-life care as the disease progresses. Possible Complications With COPD, you may have other health problems such as:Other health problemsIf you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you are more likely to have other health problems, too. These are called comorbidities. P...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) ArrhythmiaAn arrhythmia is a disorder of the heart rate (pulse) or heart rhythm. The heart can beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregul...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Need for breathing machine support with a mask (non-invasive ventilation) and oxygen therapy Right-sided heart failure or cor pulmonale (heart swelling and heart failure due to chronic lung disease) Cor pulmonaleCor pulmonale is a condition that causes the right side of the heart to fail. Long-term high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries of the lung an...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Heart failureHeart failure is a condition in which the heart is no longer able to pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body efficiently. This causes symptom...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pneumonia PneumoniaPneumonia is inflamed or swollen lung tissue due to infection with a germ. This article covers community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This type of pneu...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Collapsed lung (pneumothorax) PneumothoraxA collapsed lung occurs when air escapes from the lung. The air then can fill the space outside of the lung between the lung and chest wall. This b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Severe weight loss and malnutrition MalnutritionMalnutrition is the condition that occurs when your body does not get enough nutrients.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Thinning of the bones (osteoporosis) OsteoporosisOsteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break (fracture).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Debilitation Increased anxiety When to Contact a Medical Professional Go to the emergency room or call 911 or the local emergency number if you have a rapid increase in shortness of breath. Prevention Not smoking prevents most cases of COPD. Ask your provider about quit-smoking programs. Medicines are also available to help you stop smoking.Quit-smokingSmoking is the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smoking is also a trigger for COPD flare-ups. Smoking damages the air...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Open ReferencesReferencesGlobal Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) website. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease: 2023 Report. goldcopd.org/2023-gold-report-2/. Accessed June 2, 2023.Han MK, Lazarus SC. COPD: diagnosis and management. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 64.National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. COPD national action plan. www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/COPD-national-action-plan. Updated February 9, 2021. Accessed June 2, 2023.Rochester CL, Nici L. Pulmonary rehabilitation. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 139.AllVideoImagesTogSpirometry - illustration Spirometry is a painless study of air volume and flow rate within the lungs. Spirometry is frequently used to evaluate lung function in people with obstructive or restrictive lung diseases such as asthma or cystic fibrosis.SpirometryillustrationEmphysema - illustration Emphysema is a lung disease involving damage to the air sacs (alveoli). There is progressive destruction of alveoli and the surrounding tissue that supports the alveoli. With more advanced disease, large air cysts develop where normal lung tissue used to be. Air is trapped in the lungs due to lack of supportive tissue which decreases oxygenation.EmphysemaillustrationBronchitis - illustration Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchi, the main air passages to the lungs. It often results from a respiratory infection caused by a virus or bacteria. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing and fatigue.BronchitisillustrationQuitting smoking - illustration The many methods of quitting smoking include counseling and support groups, nicotine replacement therapy, prescription medications, and incremental reduction.Quitting smokingillustrationCOPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder) - illustration Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to chronic lung disorders that result in blocked air flow in the lungs. The two main COPD disorders are emphysema and chronic bronchitis, the most common causes of respiratory failure. Emphysema occurs when the walls between the lung's air sacs become weakened and collapse. Damage from COPD is usually permanent and irreversible.COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder)illustrationRespiratory system - illustration Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.Respiratory systemillustrationSpirometry - illustration Spirometry is a painless study of air volume and flow rate within the lungs. Spirometry is frequently used to evaluate lung function in people with obstructive or restrictive lung diseases such as asthma or cystic fibrosis.SpirometryillustrationEmphysema - illustration Emphysema is a lung disease involving damage to the air sacs (alveoli). There is progressive destruction of alveoli and the surrounding tissue that supports the alveoli. With more advanced disease, large air cysts develop where normal lung tissue used to be. Air is trapped in the lungs due to lack of supportive tissue which decreases oxygenation.EmphysemaillustrationBronchitis - illustration Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchi, the main air passages to the lungs. It often results from a respiratory infection caused by a virus or bacteria. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing and fatigue.BronchitisillustrationQuitting smoking - illustration The many methods of quitting smoking include counseling and support groups, nicotine replacement therapy, prescription medications, and incremental reduction.Quitting smokingillustrationCOPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder) - illustration Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to chronic lung disorders that result in blocked air flow in the lungs. The two main COPD disorders are emphysema and chronic bronchitis, the most common causes of respiratory failure. Emphysema occurs when the walls between the lung's air sacs become weakened and collapse. Damage from COPD is usually permanent and irreversible.COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder)illustrationRespiratory system - illustration Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.Respiratory systemillustrationA Closer Look Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(Alt. Medicine)Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - InDepth(In-Depth)Pulmonary hypertension(Alt. Medicine)Gastroesophageal reflux disease(Alt. Medicine)Obstructive sleep apnea - InDepth(In-Depth)Bronchitis(Alt. Medicine)Pneumonia - InDepth(In-Depth)Gastroesophageal reflux disease and heartburn - InDepth(In-Depth)Rheumatoid arthritis - InDepth(In-Depth)Heart failure - InDepth(In-Depth)Talking to your MD COPD - what to ask your doctor Anesthesia - what to ask your doctor - adultSelf Care Traveling with breathing problemsCOPD - quick-relief drugsCOPD - control drugsHow to use a nebulizerUsing oxygen at homeDay to day with COPDOxygen safetyCOPD flare-upsLiving with a chronic illness - dealing with feelingsLiving with a chronic illness - reaching out to others Tests for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Pulmonary ventilation/perfusion scanPulmonary function testsACE blood testAlpha-1 antitrypsin blood testSputum cultureRelated Information Cor pulmonale(Condition)Dilated cardiomyopathy(Condition)Heart failure(Condition)Lung disease(Condition)COPD - what to ask your doctor (Doctor Questions)Lung surgery - discharge (Discharge)Using oxygen at home - what to ask your doctor (Doctor Questions)How to use a nebulizer(Self-Care)Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - adults - discharge(Discharge)COPD - control drugs(Self-Care)COPD - quick-relief drugs(Self-Care)How to use an inhaler - no spacer(Self-Care)How to use an inhaler - with spacer(Self-Care)How to use your peak flow meter(Self-Care)Heart failure - InDepth(In-Depth)Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 5/3/2023 Reviewed By: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Paul F. Harron, Jr. Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)COPD; Chronic obstructive airways disease; Chronic obstructive lung disease; Chronic bronchitis; Emphysema; Bronchitis - chronicChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease. Having COPD makes it hard to breathe.There are two main forms of COPD:Chronic bronchitis, which involves a long-term cough with mucus Emphysema, which involves damage to the lungs over time Most people with COPD have a combination of both conditions.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Causes Smoking is the main cause of COPD. The more a person smokes, the more likely that person will develop COPD. But some people smoke for years and never get COPD.If a person has a rare condition in which they lack a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin, they can develop emphysema even without smoking.Alpha-1 antitrypsinAlpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is a condition in which the body does not make enough of AAT, a protein that protects the lungs and liver from d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Other risk factors for COPD are:Exposure to certain gases or fumes in the workplace Exposure to heavy amounts of secondhand smoke and pollution Frequent use of a cooking fire without proper ventilation Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Symptoms Symptoms may include any of the following:Cough, with or without mucus CoughCoughing is an important way to keep your throat and airways clear. But too much coughing may mean you have a disease or disorder. Some coughs are d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fatigue FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Frequent respiratory infections Shortness of breath (dyspnea) that gets worse with mild activity DyspneaBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Trouble catching one's breath WheezingWheezingWheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing. It occurs when air moves through narrowed breathing tubes in the lungs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Because the symptoms develop slowly, many people may not know that they have COPD. Exams and Tests The best test for COPD is a lung function test called spirometry. This involves blowing out as hard as possible into a small machine that tests air movement and lung capacity. The results can be checked right away. SpirometryPulmonary function tests are a group of tests that measure breathing and how well the lungs are functioning.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Using a stethoscope to listen to the lungs can also be helpful, showing prolonged expiratory time or wheezing. But sometimes, the lungs sound normal, even when a person has COPD.Imaging tests of the lungs, such as x-rays and CT scans may be ordered. With an x-ray, the lungs may look normal, even when a person has COPD. A CT scan will almost always show signs of COPD if it is present.x-raysA chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CT scansA chest CT (computed tomography) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the chest and upper abdomen....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sometimes, a blood test called arterial blood gas may be done to measure the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.Arterial blood gasBlood gases are a measurement of how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in your blood. They also determine the acidity (pH) of your blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article If your health care provider suspects you have alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a blood test will likely be ordered to detect this condition.Blood testAlpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a lab test to measure the amount of AAT in your blood. The test is also done to check for abnormal forms of AAT....Read Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment There is no cure for COPD. But there are many things you can do to relieve symptoms and keep the disease from getting worse.If you smoke, now is the time to quit. This is the best way to slow lung damage.Now is the time to quitSmoking is the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smoking is also a trigger for COPD flare-ups. Smoking damages the air...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersMedicines used to treat COPD include:Quick-relief drugs to help open the airways Quick-relief drugsQuick-relief medicines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) work quickly to help you breathe better. You take them when you are coughing...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Control drugs to reduce lung inflammation Control drugsControl medicines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are medicines you take to control or prevent symptoms of COPD. You must use these...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling in the airways Certain long-term antibiotics In severe cases or during flare-ups, you may need to receive:Steroids by mouth or through a vein (intravenously) Bronchodilators through a nebulizer Oxygen therapy Assistance from a machine to help breathing by using a mask or through the use of an endotracheal tube MachinePositive airway pressure (PAP) treatment uses a machine to pump air under pressure into the airway of the lungs. This helps keep the windpipe open d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Your provider may prescribe antibiotics during symptom flare-ups, because an infection can make COPD worse.Flare-upsChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms can worsen rapidly. You may find it hard to breathe. You may cough or wheeze more or produce ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article You may need oxygen therapy at home if you have a low level of oxygen in your blood.Oxygen therapyBecause of your medical problem, you may need to use oxygen to help you breathe. You will need to know how to use and store your oxygen.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Pulmonary rehabilitation does not cure COPD. But it can teach you more about the disease, train you to breathe in a different way so you can stay active and feel better, and keep you functioning at the highest level possible. LIVING WITH COPD You can do things every day to keep COPD from getting worse, protect your lungs, and stay healthy.Can do things every dayYour health care provider gave you the news: you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is no cure, but there are things you can d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Walk to build up strength:Ask the provider or respiratory therapist how far to walk. Slowly increase how far you walk. Avoid talking if you get short of breath when you walk. Use pursed lip breathing when you breathe out, to empty your lungs before the next breath. Things you can do to make it easier for yourself around the home include:Avoid very cold air or very hot weather Make sure no one smokes in your home Reduce air pollution by not using the fireplace and getting rid of other irritants Manage stress and your mood Manage stress and your moodPeople with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a greater risk for depression, stress, and anxiety. Being stressed or depressed can ma...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Use oxygen if prescribed for you Eat healthy foods, including fish, poultry, and lean meat, as well as fruits and vegetables. If it is hard to keep your weight up, talk to a provider or dietitian about eating foods with more calories, by eating small frequent meals.Surgery or other interventions may be used to treat COPD. Only a few people benefit from these surgical treatments:One-way valves can be inserted with a bronchoscopy to help deflate parts of the lung that are hyperinflated (overinflated) in select patients. Surgery to remove parts of the diseased lung, which can help less-diseased parts work better in some people with emphysema (lung volume reduction surgery). Lung transplant for a small number of very severe cases.Lung transplantLung transplant is surgery to replace one or both diseased lungs with healthy lungs from a human donor.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Test Your Knowledge of COPD TriggersPeople with COPD should take care to avoid getting a cold or the flu. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is true. Getting a cold or the flu can trigger a flare-up of symptoms. Reduce your risk of infection by washing your hands often and avoiding people with a cold or the flu. You should also get a flu vaccine each year and get a pneumococcal vaccine -- ask your doctor how often.The air quality outside can affect your COPD symptoms. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is true. Pollution and other materials in the air can trigger COPD symptoms. You can check the air quality index (AQI) each day to see how clean the air is in your area. Look for the AQI posted in your local newspaper or on the TV or radio.Secondhand smoke doesn't affect people with COPD. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is false. Secondhand smoke can trigger a flare-up of COPD symptoms. To limit your exposure, avoid places where people smoke. Also ask family and friends not to smoke near you or in or around your home.Smoke from a wood-burning stove can trigger a flare-up. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is true. If you can't avoid using a wood-burning stove, choose one that is EPA-emission certified. Also, make sure to have the stove, fireplace, and chimney cleaned each year, and only burn wood that has been dry for many months.Painting your living room can trigger COPD symptoms. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is true. Paint is just one household product that contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs). When inhaled, VOCs can cause your COPD symptoms to get worse. To limit your contact, use a fan to vent rooms when using paint or cleaning products.You can reduce your exposure to pollen by: A. Staying inside when the pollen count is high B. Using an air conditioner to filter air C. Removing indoor plants D. A and B E. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. Pollen is another possible trigger of COPD symptoms. Staying indoors when the pollen count is high helps prevent flare-ups. Pollen counts are highest between 5 AM and 10 AM on hot, dry, windy days. Remove indoor plants if they trigger symptoms.You can keep mold out of your home by controlling moisture. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is true. Mold is another COPD trigger. It grows in places that are moist. Limit mold in your home by keeping the indoor humidity low. You can do this by using an air conditioner or dehumidifier.Dust mites are common in dry areas of your home. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is false. Dust mites live in dust particles, but they thrive in humid locations. Dust mite droppings can trigger COPD. You can limit dust mites by dusting with a damp cloth, vacuuming often, washing bedding once a week in hot water, and using an air conditioner in warm weather.Which of the following can cause a flare-up? A. Pet dander B. Pet urine C. Pet saliva D. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. Pets can trigger COPD symptoms, but you don't have to get rid of your furry friend. Reduce your contact with triggers by keeping pets out of your bedroom and off of carpets, bed linens, and upholstered furniture. If possible, choose pets without fur or feathers.Your appliances can cause indoor pollution. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is true. Any appliance that uses gas, oil, propane, natural gas, or kerosene can produce fumes that can trigger COPD symptoms. To reduce this risk, have your furnace and other heating and cooling systems cleaned and inspected each year. Support Groups You can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone. Support groupThe following organizations are good resources for information on lung disease:American Lung Association -- www. lung. orgNational Heart, Lung, and B...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) COPD is a long-term (chronic) illness. The disease will get worse more quickly if you do not stop smoking.If you have severe COPD, you will be short of breath with most activities. You may be admitted to the hospital more often.Talk with your provider about breathing machines and end-of-life care as the disease progresses. Possible Complications With COPD, you may have other health problems such as:Other health problemsIf you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you are more likely to have other health problems, too. These are called comorbidities. P...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) ArrhythmiaAn arrhythmia is a disorder of the heart rate (pulse) or heart rhythm. The heart can beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregul...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Need for breathing machine support with a mask (non-invasive ventilation) and oxygen therapy Right-sided heart failure or cor pulmonale (heart swelling and heart failure due to chronic lung disease) Cor pulmonaleCor pulmonale is a condition that causes the right side of the heart to fail. Long-term high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries of the lung an...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Heart failureHeart failure is a condition in which the heart is no longer able to pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body efficiently. This causes symptom...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pneumonia PneumoniaPneumonia is inflamed or swollen lung tissue due to infection with a germ. This article covers community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This type of pneu...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Collapsed lung (pneumothorax) PneumothoraxA collapsed lung occurs when air escapes from the lung. The air then can fill the space outside of the lung between the lung and chest wall. This b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Severe weight loss and malnutrition MalnutritionMalnutrition is the condition that occurs when your body does not get enough nutrients.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Thinning of the bones (osteoporosis) OsteoporosisOsteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break (fracture).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Debilitation Increased anxiety When to Contact a Medical Professional Go to the emergency room or call 911 or the local emergency number if you have a rapid increase in shortness of breath. Prevention Not smoking prevents most cases of COPD. Ask your provider about quit-smoking programs. Medicines are also available to help you stop smoking.Quit-smokingSmoking is the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smoking is also a trigger for COPD flare-ups. Smoking damages the air...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Open ReferencesReferencesGlobal Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) website. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease: 2023 Report. goldcopd.org/2023-gold-report-2/. Accessed June 2, 2023.Han MK, Lazarus SC. COPD: diagnosis and management. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 64.National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. COPD national action plan. www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/COPD-national-action-plan. Updated February 9, 2021. Accessed June 2, 2023.Rochester CL, Nici L. Pulmonary rehabilitation. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 139.
