Over 32 million Americans suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, also known as COPD. It is a progressive lung disease without a cure. COPD is most commonly caused by smoking or exposure to air pollution, fumes or inhaled irritants. Normally, this disease progresses more quickly in smokers compared to non-smokers. It can be associated with chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma.
COPD Symptoms
Symptoms vary for those suffering from COPD. It can be part of one’s daily life – constant cough, shortness of breathe and/or difficulty catching your breathe. Since COPD is a progressive disease, symptoms will progressively worsen if you do not seek treatment. Some of the most common COPD symptoms include:
- Wheezing
- Persistent cough that produces a lot of mucus (sometimes called a “smoker’s cough”)
- Tightness in the chest
- Shortness of breath doing simple activities
- Unexplained swelling in ankles or legs
- Feeling like your heart is beating out of your chest
- Easily susceptible to the flu or flu-like symptoms
Treatment
Traditional treatments for COPD vary, depending on the severity of the disease, but they can include:
- Supplemental oxygen
- Pulmonary rehabilitation or medications
- Advanced stages can require intubation and use of a ventilator