What is COPD?
COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a progressive lung condition that makes breathing more difficult.
Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Long-term exposure to other lung irritants, such as chemicals or air pollution, may also lead to COPD.
When you breathe in, the air travels to the bronchial tubes (airway passage) in your lungs. Your bronchial tubes branch out into smaller tubes called bronchioles. At the end of each bronchiole is an alveolar sac (air sac). These sacs transfer oxygen to your blood and remove carbon dioxide.
The airways in your lungs are stretchy and inflate and deflate when you breathe. With COPD, your lungs lose their elasticity, trapping the air.
What conditions cause COPD?
Most people develop COPD due to two conditions.
Emphysema
Emphysema means you have damage to the walls of your air sacs. This affects their shape and function and reduces your lung’s ability to exhale carbon dioxide and supply oxygen to your body.
Chronic bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis causes inflammation and irritation of the airway passage. This thickens the lining and increases mucus production.
Asthma
Asthma is a lung disease that causes swelling and inflammation of the airway passages. Though asthma affects breathing, it’s not a condition that causes COPD.
What are the symptoms of COPD?
You may not develop symptoms of COPD until there’s serious lung damage. Common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Fatigue
- Chest tightness
- Chronic cough
- Low energy
- Unintended weight loss
- Frequent respiratory infections
You may notice certain conditions exacerbate your COPD symptoms, which can last for weeks. Though COPD is a progressive condition, with the right treatment you can breathe easier.
How is COPD diagnosed?
When you visit Synaptrx Sleep with concerns about breathing difficulties, the team conducts advanced diagnostic testing to determine the cause.
During your visit, your provider reviews your symptoms, medical history, and exposure to substances that may affect lung health. The team conducts a physical exam and performs diagnostic tests, including a lung function test, X-rays, and lab tests.
How is COPD treated?
The team at Synaptrx Sleep takes a patient-centered approach to care. They develop individualized treatment plans based on the severity of your COPD.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Smoking cessation
- Bronchodilators
- Inhaled or oral steroids
- Antibiotics
- Oxygen therapy
- Pulmonary rehabilitation therapy
For comprehensive care of your COPD, call Synaptrx Sleep or book an appointment online today.
