COPD-Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a term used to describe a chronic lung condition that is characterized by shortness of breath and chronic cough. Nearly 1/5 of patients over 40 years old have a diagnosis of COPD and it affects more than 3 million people worldwide. Smoking is the most common cause of COPD in the United States however it can also be caused by breathing in irritants such as chemical fumes and dust. It can also be caused by a genetic condition known as Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency which is a lack of a protein in the blood that protects the lungs from inflammation caused by the irritants we breathe in.
Symptoms of COPD include:
- Chronic cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort and tightness
- Wheezing
COPD can be diagnosed with a simple breathing test called spirometry. This test measures how much air your lungs can hold and how fast you can blow it out. This test is able to detect COPD even before you have any symptoms.
Some of the symptoms of COPD can also be experienced due to other conditions such as obesity, allergies, asthma, and heart problems. If you are experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms, it is important to discuss them with your primary care provider and get an appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan in place.
