What is C.O.P.D.?
C.O.P.D. stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is a grouping of diseases that affect the lung. This grouping includes: Chronic Bronchitis, Asthma, Bronchiectasis, Emphysema, and Cystic Fibrosis. They all share one important characteristic: airway obstruction that leads to shortness of breath. There are many causes of C.O.P.D., including but not limited to years of smoking, inhaling irritants, exposure to toxic inhalants, and inflammation of the airway.
Your healthcare provider can provide testing to determine whether you have one of these diseases, or a combination of more than one. A few of these tests are EKG, Pulmonary Function Testing, X-rays, exercise EKG, and MRI. Your healthcare provider will determine which test is appropriate for you.
Treatments are available to treat symptoms and prevent complications. They may include daily exercise, limited activity, diet modifications, breathing exercises, drug and oxygen therapy, or chest physiotherapy. Again, your healthcare provider will determine which one or more therapies will be appropriate for you.
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