Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name given to a collection of lung bronchitis, and chronic obstructive airway disease. People with COPD have difficulty in breathing caused by the narrowing of the airway. Approximately 12 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with COPD. Many more are affected, but they don’t know they have the disease. According to the recent research by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COPD is ranked as the fourth leading cause of death in the US (Pauwels & Rabe, 2004).

Other causes include fumes, air pollution, dust and genetic disorders. been smoking. Smoking irritates and inflames the lungs, which leads to scarring. With time, inflammation leads to permanent changes in the lungs. The wall of the airway thickens and production of mucus increases (Burge & Wedzicha, 2003). Damage to the wall of the air sacs in the lung leads to emphysema, and they lose their normal elasticity. Scarring and narrowing of the smaller causebreathlessness while active, persistent cough with phlegm and frequent chest infections.

ed to reduce the deterioration of the lungs. be followed by breathing tests (Pauwels & Rabe, 2004). the progression by stopping smoking. The main goal of treatment of COPD is to relieve the symptoms using medication. These medications include bronchodilators, theophylline, mucolytics, antibiotics and steroid tablets. They mostly work by dilating the airway. Pulmonary rehabilitation can also be used to increase the amount of exercise you are capable of doing.

with other medication or supplements (Pauwels & Rabe, 2004). He should also check with his health care team if he plans to take over the counter remedies such as painkillers or nutritional supplements.

long-term illnesses such as COPD benefit a lot if they get support for self-care (Burge & Wedzicha, 2003). They can

Another important aspect to recall is to have regular reviews. Because COPD is a long terminal condition, you will be required to be in regular contact with your health care team. easily your symptoms or concerns (Burge & Wedzicha, 2003).monale and depression (Pauwels & Rabe, 2004). Patients who remember and follow these health tips about COPD management live longer.

References

Pauwels, R. A., & Rabe, K. F. (2004). Burden and clinical features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Lancet, 364(9434), 613-620.

Burge, S., & Wedzicha, J. A. (2003). COPD exacerbations: definitions and classifications. European Respiratory Journal, 21(41 suppl), 46s-53s.