Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease? 

COPD is a condition that obstructs clear airflow from the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. This inflammatory lung disease is often triggered by emphysema and chronic bronchitis due to long-term exposure to chemicals, air pollution, and cigarette smoke. People with COPD often have excess mucus, a persistent cough, and difficulty breathing. With proper care and treatments, COPD is manageable.

Common Symptoms of COPD

If you have chronic bronchitis, a persistent cough, and excessive mucus production that lingers longer than three months for two sequential years, you may have COPD. Since COPD symptoms generally do not appear until substantial damage has occurred, it can be difficult to diagnose it early. This is why it’s important to visit your doctor for regular physical examinations, especially if you have reoccurring respiratory infections.

People with COPD often have excess mucus, a persistent cough, and difficulty breathing.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Wheezing
• Tightness in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty performing physical activities
• Fatigue
• Persistent cough
• Excessive mucus, especially upon waking
• Bluish lips or fingernails
• Swelling in the lower extremities
• Unexplained weight loss

Conditions COPD Can Complicate

COPD is a lung disease that has been linked to lung cancer and other systemic issues, such as:

• Heart Disease: Those with COPD are more prone to heart disease and high blood pressure, as a result of restricted arteries in the lungs.
• Respiratory Infections: Since the lungs are already compromised, COPD can exacerbate the common cold and flu, and make you more susceptible to developing pneumonia. Long-term respiratory infections can make it challenging to breathe and may even cause permanent lung tissue damage.
• Depression: The combination of dealing with a serious illness and the inability to perform physical activities you enjoy can affect your emotional wellbeing and result in depression.

Are you at risk?

There are certain factors that can place you at greater risk for developing COPD, including:

• Smoking
• Being over the age of 40
• A family history of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency
• Second-hand cigarette smoke
• Long-term exposure to dust, chemicals, and burning fuel

How to Prevent COPD

COPD is most frequently linked to cigarette smoke, so avoiding smoking or places that would expose you to second-hand smoke is the best way to prevent COPD. Since chemical exposure is also another risk factor, choosing a workplace free of chemical fumes, dust, or other lung irritants can benefit you.

COPD Treatments

The first step to diagnosing COPD is meeting with one of our ENTs at Chesapeake Ear Nose & Throat. At your appointment, the doctor will perform a complete examination, review your symptoms, discuss your family and medical history, and identify any exposure to lung irritants. It is important that you be upfront about your lifestyle, habits, and occupational history so that the doctor can provide a clear diagnosis. Once COPD is identified, a specific treatment plan will be outlined. For minor to moderate cases, we offer breathing treatments and medications, such as bronchodilators, oral and inhaled steroids, and antibiotics. If the case is advanced, we will refer you to a lung specialist in the area.

Contact Us

If you are concerned you may have COPD, please contact our office online or by calling (410) 356-2626 to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists. Catching and treating COPD early can help improve your health almost immediately.