Sep 05 2010
COPD And Breathing
Having a lung disorder that limits your ability to breathe can be extremely difficult to live with. This is especially true for those who suffer from respiratory and lung disease known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder is a serious and potentially fatal respiratory disorder which is responsible for more than 130,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. It is the 4th leading cause of death. Worldwide, about 12 million cases have been reported, and many people may have it with being aware.
COPD is also a major cause of disability. More than 12 million people are currently diagnosed with COPD. Many more people may have the disease and not even know it.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder is basically a combination of two other respiratory diseases - emphysema and bronchitis. With these conditions, just like with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, the air flow through your air passages is reduced. This is almost always a permanent condition which deteriorates as time goes by, making it very difficult for the COPD sufferer to breathe.
What causes chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and what can be done about it?
The number one cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease around the world is smoking. Statistics have revealed that nearly approximately 15 percent of smokers will develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Cigarette smoke damages the human lungs in many different ways. One of the best ways to prevent COPD or to keep it from getting worse is to stop smoking immediately and try to avoid being around smoke since the exact effects of second hand smoke on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are not completely known.
A number of other things can trigger COPD too. Indoor and outdoor air pollution is one of the most common. Stoves used for cooking as well as silica and similar pollutants are dangerous.
Another cause of COPD is a rare genetic condition called AAT. This is responsible for about 1 case in 100 each year.
If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, your doctor will tell you to learn as much as you can about why you got it and what type you have. You can do this by working together with your physician and talking about your medical history, family history and symptoms. Your doctor can help you come up with the best plan of treatment for your COPD. If COPD is not treated, it is likely to get worse.
COPD can cause coughing that produces a lot of mucus. There’s also likely to be wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, and a number of lesser symptoms.
The best news for those who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder is that there are treatment possibilities available that can help clear the blockage of the airways, making it easier for you to breathe as you did before.
There are several of medications your doctor can suggest that can assist and provide some relief from your COPD symptoms. Exercise, as recommended by your doctor, can also be beneficial.
The earlier you seek treatment for your chronic obstructive pulmonary disease the more likely you’ll be able to breathe more normally again.
However, no permanent cure exists for COPD and the lung damage that results from it. It cannot be reversed, but it can, more often than not be prevented.
If you’d like to learn more about this topic and related subjects, click on your lungs and lung health. You’ll find dozens of easy-to-read and easy to understand articles and helpful resources about lung disease and respiratory health.
The author, Neal Kennedy, is a former talk show host and medical reporter with a special interest in health, fitness and medical topics.
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