Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Signs and symptoms can make it really hard to breath. COPD is one of the most common lung problems and is principally induced by smoking. This article provides a close up look at the medical symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and measures one can consider to manage those signs and symptoms.

COPD Symptoms And Causes

Symptoms have a tendency to grow and develop slowly and may involve:

• Challenging breathing (dyspnea) which worsens with physical activity

• Coughing with mucus production

• Frequent lung infection

• Fatigue

• Wheezing

• Cyanosis (slight bluish or grayish discoloration of the skinwhich may be most notable in the fingers) may be detected in certain men or women

Many individuals with COPD have a combination of two conditions, chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema. Additional long-standing lung diseases like chronic asthma, and chronic bronchiolitis may additionally be present.

Cigarette smoking is a important cause of COPD. The more frequently one smokes, the far more probable it is that the particular person will develop signs of this lung disorder. Additional risk factors include exposure to select gases or fumes, exposure to copious amounts of second-hand smoke and pollution, or over-exposure to cooking gas with out suitable ventilation.

COPD Diagnosis And Treatment

Observation of the aforementioned symptoms can be an essential portion of  an early diagnosis. If signs and symptoms are notices an analysis should be carried out by a healthcare physician. The analysis may involve a physical exam and lung function checks like spirometry (a simple test which measures lung capacity). In some circumstances it will be necessary to perform blood tests (i.e. blood gas tests) to measure the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Visualizing the lung area utilizing X-rays and CT scans can be valuable but may not reveal indicators of COPD.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is thought of as a persistent and progressive disorder and there is at this time no cure available. Therapy and treatment is targeted on reducing the signs or symptoms and slowing progression.

A medical provider may prescribe a bronchodilator (inhaler) or various other drugs to open airways and improve respiration. Typically utilized medicines include ipratropium (Atrovent), tiotropium (Spiriva), salmeterol (Serevent), or formoterol (Foradil). Inhaled steroids may be prescribed to lower inflammation of the lungs. At home oxygen therapy may be vital for some individuals.

It’s essential for the person to stop smoking and avoid air pollution. A particular person with COPD should stay away from other persons who have acute contagious respiratory infections (i.e. Colds, Bronchitis, etc.). Avoiding really cold air may help deminish flare-ups.