Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of diseases, most commonly emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is a disease that may gradually get worse and move through different stages from mild to very severe. There is no cure for COPD even at early stages. Although COPD is a lifelong … Read More
Chronic bronchitis is one contributing factor to COPD signs and symptoms, but it also has its own distinct place on the lung diseases list. In order to properly answer the question, "What is chronic bronchitis?" it’s useful to know some basic facts about our lungs. Inside the lungs, there is … Read More
You’re feeling spent, listless, and/or exhausted after work almost every night—and the next morning. You can’t seem to break out of a pattern of dragging through the day and collapsing into bed at night. You're looking to get some zip back in your step—and to learn how to improve energy … Read More
Unless you live under a rock, you know that smoking is bad for your health. Tobacco-related diseases kill more than 480,000 people each year in the United States alone, accounting for around 20 percent of all premature deaths. If you’re a smoker, the habit can shorten your life by up … Read More
Those at risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may wonder, "Is COPD fatal?" While there is no cure, it’s important to keep in mind that when you're dealing with COPD signs and symptoms, various treatment approaches can help you avoid complications. Some strategies are as straightforward as getting immunized against … Read More
One of the lung problem symptoms people in the last stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may experience, according to the standard COPD GOLD classification, is a low level of oxygen in their blood. This condition is called hypoxemia, and can cause increased difficulty breathing, and further impair the ability … Read More
When former First Lady Barbara Bush died at 92 on April 17, 2018, reports circulated that she suffered from COPD. But what exactly is the ailment, and what does COPD stand for? Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a debilitating respiratory condition for which there isn't a cure. It results in … Read More
You may jog up a flight of steps or take an extra lap in the pool and find yourself a little winded when you stop. Shortness of breath following those moments of exertion is normal for most people. But what causes shortness of breath when you’re doing something you used … Read More
You take about 20,000 breaths a day, which means your respiratory system never stops working. It also means that your lungs need to be as healthy as possible in order for you to breathe easily as you age. Knowing the key facts about lungs can help you make healthy decisions … Read More
You may not have heard of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), but if you have COPD signs and symptoms, the ICD has heard of you—and it even has a series of code numbers for your diagnosis. Codes like "COPD ICD 9" are becoming more important as the use of … Read More
