June's Topic: COPD

June’s Monthly Topic: COPD Resources Used National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/copd Author’s Disclaimer: I am not a professional of any kind. I am strongly against self-diagnosis and encourage my audience to seek the professional advice of their trusted medical professional and any other trusted professional depending on the topic at hand. The Abler Blog ONLY PROVIDES LIMITED GENERAL INFORMATION and ALWAYS CITES WHERE THEY FIND THEIR RESOURCES AND OR INFORMATION. Jessica Niziolek, Founder Of The Abler Blog, and online community. What Is COPD? It is a health condition that causes damage to a person’s (s) airways and other parts of their lungs. Causing blockings in their airways which can result in the person having difficulty breathing, COPD is also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, What Is The Diagnosis Process? Your doctor will diagnose by running tests and reviewing your family history, medical history, and the systems you tell them you’re experiencing. In The USA This Condition Is Broken Down Into Two Main Conditions. Emphysema develops when there is damage to the walls between many of the air sacs in the lungs. Normally, these sacs are elastic or stretchy. When you breathe in, each air sac fills up with air, like a small balloon. When you breathe, the air sacs deflate, and the air goes out. In emphysema, it is harder for your lungs to move air out of your body. Chronic (long-term) bronchitis is caused by repeated or constant irritation and inflammation in the lining of the airways. Lots of thick mucus forms in the airways, making it hard for the person to breathe. How Many People Have COPD & Does It Affect Everyone Who Has This Condition In The Same Way? People with this condition have a combination of both versions. Symptoms and how severe they have the condition can vary from person to person. Sixteen million people in the USA are living with this condition. But that number is more than larger among people who are living with this condition undiagnosed. More than half of the people who are diagnosed are women. Can COPD Lead To Disability? Yes, COPD is a significant cause of disability for people with this condition (according to the CDC.) Can COPD Result In A Person’s Death? Sadly, yes it can. According to the CDC, It’s the sixth leading cause of death in the USA. Is This Condition Preventable? The short answer is yes it is. What Causes This & And If I Know Someone With This Condition What Are The Symptoms? The main cause of this condition is smoking However, in developing parts of the world air pollution can also be the cause of someone developing COPD. Another cause of COPD is a rare genetic disease known as  alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. What is (AAT)? Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is a genetic disorder that affects the liver and lungs. It occurs when the body does not produce enough of a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin, which protects the lungs from damage. This deficiency can lead to lung damage, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and liver disease. Symptoms can vary from person to person. However, the most common symptoms people with COPD can experience are the following: Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity. You may feel like breathing takes more effort or that you are gasping for air. An ongoing cough or a cough that produces a lot of mucus, is sometimes called a smoker’s cough. This is often the first symptom of COPD. Wheezing or a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe Chest tightness or heaviness may feel like it is hard to take a deep breath or it's painful to breathe. Fatigue reduces the oxygen supply your body receives. Is There A Cure For COPD? Unfortunately no there is not. How Can COPD Be Treated? Your doctor has to know if your symptoms fall under mild or severe this will help them develop the correct treatment plan for you. If you’re a smoker, however, quitting smoking as soon as possible is the first in your treatment plan. Other options for treatment included medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, and for the more severe cases surgery and a lung transplant. Is COPD Preventable? There isn’t any way to officially screen for this condition. The best way to prevent COPD Is not to start smoking. And if you are a current smoker give quitting serious consideration. If you’re having difficulty quitting, talk to your doctor about what would help you the most in your pursuit to quit smoking.