Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, commonly known as COPD by most people, disrupts the airflow going in and out of the lungs which reduces lung function. This disease was the third leading cause of death in the United States in 2011. It has been expected that about 32 million people in the United States today have this disease. COPD occurs more often in men than in it does in women (COPD). Studies show that one can learn what Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is, understand how it disturbs the body, and take into custody the treatments towards this disease. Primarily, this progressive disease is caused by cigarette smoking, but it can also be caused from long exposure to air pollution and genetic problems. Smoke can be exhaled by
This is because airways become thick and inflamed, elasticity is lost, and the lung tissue is destroyed. When the body is getting less air, less oxygen is able to get in to the bodies tissues, which makes it harder to get rid of the waste gas carbon dioxide. This results in shortness of breath during everyday activities. People with COPD can experience symptoms such as fatigue, chronic cough and frequent respiratory infections (How). Common symptoms of COPD can include mucus production, shortness of breath, and wheezing, which is a whistling sound when breathing. Not everyone who has a cough and sputum production develops COPD and not everyone with COPD has a cough and sputum. Individuals with symptoms that are suddenly getting worse may experience chest tightness, more coughing, and a change in sputum
The main goals of treating COPD are to relieve symptoms, slow progression, and improve overall health. The treatment for each individual can vary depending on how severe your symptoms are. Treatment for Coronary Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder may involve medications, rehabilitation, or surgery (What). Anti-Inflammatories and bronchodilators are often prescribed for people who are experiencing COPD. Anti-inflammatory medications used for treatment can be divided into three categories of inhaled steroids, oral steroids, and inhaled non-steroids, which are used to prevent swelling in airways (COPD Medications). Bronchodilators are given to prevent or reduce symptoms of COPD. This type of treatment option is a medication that will increase a patient's FEV1 by relaxing and expanding the smooth muscle in the airways