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 obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) rehabilitation is a series of education and structured exercises that allow people to make the most of the remaining capacity of their lungs. People with COPD who engage in a rehabilitation program have less shortness of breath, an increased ability to exercise, better quality of … Read More
Even though COPD cannot be cured, it can be treated. COPD treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms, preventing the disease from getting worse, improving the ability to exercise, preventing and treating complications, and preventing and treating exacerbations. Almost every person with COPD will be prescribed a short-acting bronchodilator (either a … Read More
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic or inherited disease of the mucus and sweat glands. It affects approximately 30,000 Americans, leading to chronic health problems and premature death. Advances in treatment, however, have dramatically improved outcomes in the past 20 years. In people with cystic fibrosis, or CF, the mucus produced … 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
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term for lung diseases that include emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Women are 37 percent more likely than men to have COPD, and it is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. COPD is undiagnosed in many patients who have it, but … Read More
Of the numerous diseases that can affect your lungs, pulmonary fibrosis could be one of the most perplexing. Although physicians can sometimes pinpoint a cause of the disease, in most cases no underlying culprit is ever identified. And, since the disease manifests differently from person to person, it can be … Read More
Giving up the habit of smoking is an essential step for preventing and treating COPD, and can help you avoid COPD complications—but it isn't easy. About 70 percent of adult smokers report that they want to stop completely, but very few succeed in permanently quitting on their first attempt. To … Read More
Emphysema is one contributing factor to COPD signs and symptoms, but it also has its own distinct place in the lung diseases list. What is emphysema? In order to properly answer the question, it helps to understand how our lungs work. For Starters: Lung Facts Inside the lungs, there is … Read More
