Health Talk: COPD Awareness Month is November
Toolbox
By KAREN WOLF - Published: November 19, 2008
What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a lung disease that may progress and make it difficult to breathe. The airways and air sacs become swollen, constricted, floppy, blocked or obstructed, making it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs. When COPD is severe, basic tasks such as light housework, dressing or washing can be difficult.
COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. More than 12 million people are diagnosed with COPD and an additional 12 million have the disease and don't know it. COPD kills 120,000 Americans each year and causes serious long-term disability.
Who is at risk for getting COPD?
Smoking is the most common cause and accounts for nine out of 10 COPD-related deaths. People who have worked or lived around chemicals or fumes (environmental exposure) may also be at risk. Long-term exposure to chemicals, dust and fumes in the workplace or prolonged exposure to second-hand smoke may be a factor. A genetic condition called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency also causes COPD.
What are symptoms of COPD?
Symptoms may include shortness of breath at rest or with activity, constant coughing, excessive mucus production, not being able to take a deep breath and wheezing. A pulmonary function test helps with diagnosing COPD.
Are there treatments for COPD?
COPD is treatable with inhaled medications that help to dilate the bronchial tubes and reduce inflammation in the airways.
Rutland Regional Medical Center offers free one-on-one or group coaching to help you quit smoking through the Tobacco Cessation Program. Call 747-3768 for more information.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation provides patients with reconditioning exercises and education that may improve their quality of life. Rutland Regional offers an eight-week program of pulmonary rehabilitation.
A referral from a physician is required. Call 772-2633 for more information about pulmonary rehabilitation. Oxygen therapy is prescribed when COPD causes severe shortness of breath and low oxygen levels. In some cases, lung reduction or lung transplantation surgery is considered. For more information on COPD, call Karen Wolf at RRMC at 772-2632.
This week's Health Talk was written by Karen Wolf, Pulmonary Care Services, Rutland Regional Medical Center.
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