What is COPD?

COPD is short for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This term is actually an umbrella name for several different ailments that can cause problems with breathing. Being able to breath easily and bring oxygen into the body is essential for our bodies to function well, for this reason it is important to know the signs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

According to the US National Library of Medicine’s National Institutes of Health, Hispanics are prone to chronic pulmonary disease from a higher prevalence of smoking, biomass smoke, air pollution, and genetics. There are more studies needed before concrete numbers are seen about the range of pulmonary disease in Hispanics versus other ethnicities.

Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are two forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These diseases create problems with breathing, usually from inflammation in, or damage to, the lungs. Factors that cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are most commonly: smoking, exposure to lung injuring chemicals, constant breathing of certain types of dust, and even smoke from house fires, as reported in some firemen.

Emphysema is most often caused by smoking. Some people are more resistant to this ailment due to genetics, while others may only smoke cigarettes for a short time before developing symptoms of the disease. Bronchitis is caused by inflammation and infections and can occur at any age.

COPD can cause problems in performing even the lightest of tasks; housework and walking. Even getting dressed can cause someone with severe COPD to find themselves out of breath, or unable to breathe at all. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is distressing to the patient and their family as it impairs how the person can interact with their surroundings. Family trips may need to be cut short, or the patient may need to stay home. This can even cause the family or friends of the patient to feel resentment toward the patient, as they may feel that the patient brought on their own illness. In some cases, they are right, especially if smoking is the cause.

COPD can be treated in several ways. The best treatment is to stop exposure to the agent causing the symptoms. Quitting smoking will not cure COPD, but symptoms will be improved if the illness has not progressed too far. Once you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, you have it for life. Symptoms, and ease of breathing can be improved by quitting smoking, changing jobs if exposed to irritants, and some therapies such as oxygen therapy.

There are some medications that can help with the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Only your doctor can tell you if any of the prescription medications will help your case. Some medications may have unwanted side effects. You must speak honestly with a doctor about your smoking history, so they can correctly assess your symptoms and diagnose whether you do have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or not.