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COPD, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, occurs as the results of one of several types of lung disease. Recognizing the symptoms of this condition is the first step in getting the right treatment. Early and adequate treatment of COPD can help to improve well-being and quality of life in those with this life-threatening condition.
Conditions That Cause COPDCOPD is caused by a variety of different lung conditions, but many of these are rooted in a lifelong habit of smoking. Emphysema, smoking irritation, and chronic asthmatic bronchitis can all lead to COPD. Prevention of such lung conditions may be possible by avoiding smoking or second-hand smoke and living in an environment with as little air pollution as possible.
Main Symptoms of COPDCOPD has a variety of symptoms, many of which are shared with other diseases. For those who notice COPD symptoms, a visit to the doctor to rule out other causes is necessary before treatment can begin. Most people with COPD will exhibit shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, chronic coughing, or wheezing. Some people only have one of these symptoms, while other exhibit all of them. The exact cause of COPD, rather than the severity of the condition, determines how many symptoms a person will experience.
COPD TreatmentLeft untreated, COPD can lead to death. While there is currently no cure for COPD, the condition can be controlled with medications. Bronchodilators are used to alleviate chronic coughing and to make breathing easier by opening your airways. These are available in short-acting for immediate use and long-acting for daily prevention of symptoms. Steroids that are inhaled ease inflammation in the airways, but these should only be used under a doctor's guidance for moderate to severe COPD because they can have serious side effects, especially with prolonged use. To treat bacterial infections of the respiratory system, antibiotics may be given, but these only prevent complications with COPD from an infection, and they will not work for ailments caused by viruses.
Life With COPD SymptomsLife does not have to stop for COPD. Recognizing the symptoms and getting treatment improve quality of life and prevent further damage to the lungs.
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What are some of the stage 4 COPD symptoms?
Some of the Stage 4 COPD symptoms include chronic cough with a lot of mucus. COPD stage 4 has severe shortness of breath and often is combined with the colouring of blue in the skin. People with COPD stage 4 often will have weight loss and is life threatening during flare ups.
What is a good COPD diet that can help control symptoms?
You should check with your father's doctor to see what diet he or she recommends for your father to follow when it comes to his diet. http://www.everydayhealth.com/copd/a-copd-diet.aspx has some diet options your father could follow to control his COPD.
What is a common treatment for COPD?
Common treatments for COPD include inhalers containing steroids, quitting smoking, nicotine replacement, and antimicrobials if an infection is present. COPD is an irreversable lung disease, therefore, only the symptoms can be treated.
How harmful is smoking with COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD can be extremely serious if left undiagnosed or if not properly treated. If you have some of the symptoms of COPD you should certainly consult your doctor.
What are two diseases smoking causes in your lungs?
lung cancer or copd
Where can I go online to find some information on the copd diet?
There are certain foods that people who have copd can eat to lessen their symptoms of the disease. A good website to check out would be www.webmd.com .
What are some of the symptoms of COPD exacerbation?
Symptoms of COPD exacerbation include shortness of breath, noisy breathing, increased anxiety, chest breathing, cough, change in skin and nail color, difficulty sleeping and no interest in eating. You should watch carefully for these signs.
What COPD symptoms are common?
The key in your question is do you have a long history of smoking. COPD is very common in those who have long smoking histories. If you notice difficulty in breathing, please visit your physician.
What is causes death among smokers?
Smoking can lead to various health conditions that can ultimately result in death, such as lung cancer, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and stroke. The harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage organs and tissues in the body, increasing the risk of developing these life-threatening illnesses.
What are possible causes of the exacerbation of COPD?
smoking, allergies, air particles, pollution
Does copd cause weight loss?
COPD causes weight loss due to the additional calories needed to breathe. Calorie requirements for breathing are four to seven times higher for patients with COPD (see related link).
What are the symptoms for COPD?
Some COPD symptoms include a persistent cough for 3+ months out of a year for at least 2 years, thick purulent sputum that is thickest upon waking, decreased oxygen saturation status, and dyspnea on mild exertion. Other symptoms may include a barrel chest, crackles on auscultation and generalized body edema.
