COPD Basics

COPD Basics

COPD Basics

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is one of the most common lung diseases. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, more than 12 million people are diagnosed with COPD and an additional 12 million likely have the disease and don't even know it. Another startling statistic is that COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. It claims the lives of more than 120,000 Americans each year*.

There are two main forms of COPD. One is chronic bronchitis. The other is emphysema.

With chronic bronchitis, the airways that carry air into the lungs become inflamed and produce more mucus. This can restrict the airways, making it hard to breathe. Emphysema occurs when air sacs in the lungs become damaged. As a result of this, the body can't get enough oxygen. People suffering from emphysema usually experience shortness of breath, wheezing, chronic coughing and fatigue.

The leading cause of COPD is smoking. However, some people can develop emphysema due to a genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin, or AAT. This condition causes a deficiency of the AAT protein. The AAT protein is what helps to protect lung tissue. If there is not enough of it, the lung tissue will continue to be destroyed, thus causing emphysema.

Other risk factors for COPD include:

Exposure to certain gases or fumes

Exposure to heavy amounts of secondhand smoke and pollution

Frequent use of cooking gas without proper ventilation

Medical professionals can test patients for COPD with a lung function test called spirometry. This test measures the amount of air patients can move in and out of their lungs. It also measures the rate at which they can do this. COPD can also be diagnosed with a blood test. The blood test can determine the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

You can decrease your risk of getting COPD by doing a few things. If you smoke, quit. Smoking is the most common cause of this disease. It also accounts for as many as 9 out of 10 COPD-related deaths*.

Another thing you can do is avoid dust, secondhand smoke and strong fumes. These things can irritate the lungs.

Also, get regular checkups and let your doctor know right away if you start experiencing shortness of breath while performing regular activities. This doesn't necessarily mean that you have COPD, but it's good to let your doctor check you out before your condition gets worse.

If you are dealing with COPD, or want to know more about the disease, our medical center near Seattle can help.Visit us today.

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