Tag: Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Is COPD Treatable?

COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD is a disease that refers to a collection of respiratory ailments that cause syndrome like symptoms. The conditions that fall under COPD are asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. These conditions are considered to be COPD when the individual is suffering from one or more of them on an ongoing basis, such that their airflow is frequently disrupted or obstructed. In many cases damage caused by chronic COPD is irreversible, and this is what makes the condition chronic, and in some cases fatal. Many patients need to know that quality of life with COPD does not have to suffer. Treatment is available and proven very effective. If you suffer from asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema and are wondering if you may have COPD, read here to find out more and how to get treatment fast. An obstructed airway or airflow is the primary symptom of COPD, and this is marked by a difficulty in exhaling. Common symptoms that accompany the obstructed airflow are a dry cough, or cough that produces mucous; wheezing that occurs upon exhaling, and a shortness of breath that will come with any exertion. Individuals that struggle with bronchitis or emphysema on a consistent basis will be diagnosed with chronic bronchitis or chronic emphysema which are precursors to COPD. Chronic bronchitis is one where a cough produces mucous frequently enough that it lasts for either three months every year, or for two years consecutively. Chronic emphysema will be diagnosed when the arispaces around the bronchiole in the lungs are enlarged on a consistent basis. Bronchodilator treatments for the precursor conditions to COPD are the first weapon of defense when it comes to COPD treatment. When it comes to bronchitis and asthma, bronchodilator treatment may be enough on their own to release the obstruction of airflow and allow for comfortable breathing. Emphysema is the only precursor condition that will cause irreversible damage when it comes to COPD, but if caught early enough, the obstructed airflows in emphysema patients with bronchodilator treatment. In many cases of the more advanced COPD, additional treatment such as prednisone or steroid treatment may also help in releasing airflow obstructions. In addition, even more advanced stages of COPD may require oxygen treatment in supplemental forms. Because oxygen is a bronchodilator in itself, it can also be used in moderate COPD to ease coughing and wheezing symptoms. For patients with COPD, quality of life can be severely impaired. Many doctors along with treatment such as oxygen and prednisone will offer pulmonary rehabilitation programs to educate people on how to live effectively with this disease. This type of program will help patients plan their quality of care, and learn how to implement exercise into their treatment program. Exercise is very important for COPD sufferers to keep their cardiovascular function optimal, as well as to keep the airways clear. Pulmonary rehab programs in conjunction with prednisone and oxygen therapy have been proven to be the most comprehensive and multi-pronged treatment relief programs for people suffering from asthma, bronchitis, and chronic emphysema.

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To learn what John Scott has to say about other things and look on the things from his point of view, visit http://www.generalmeds.net/articles/prednisone-treatment.html where he frequently writes on many different subjects that you will find fascinating.
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Emphysema and COPD – Effects of a Smoking Addiction

COPD

Any discussion of the facts on emphysema must include the main statement that emphysema belongs to the COPD (Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) group of respiratory conditions.COPD disorders cause obstruction to the airways and make it difficult to properly exhale all the carbon dioxide in the lungs. Smoking is a main contributor and cause of COPD and emphysema in particular.

Other illnesses in the COPD group of respiratory problems are asthma and chronic bronchitis.  These three conditions are seldom present in isolation of each other and therefore when one is present the other two are likely to be present as well. This is why they are grouped together and called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD.

Emphysema causes damage to the air sacs in the lungs. The natural air sacs in the lungs are called alveoli. As emphysema sets in these sacs become larger and fewer in number. The tissue around them loses its elasticity so the sacs cannot expand and retract normally. This causes a decrease in the amount of oxygen and an increase in the levels of carbon dioxide in your blood.

Symptoms of emphysema are a chronic cough, a grayish-blue cast to the skin (from a lack of oxygen), fatigue, dizziness, finding it hard to catch your breath, and having difficulty breathing during any type of physical exercise. Often there is great discomfort when you eat (because it is  hard to breathe with a full stomach), so gradually there is loss of appetite, weight loss  and lack of energy.  Unfortunately, because this condition progresses so slowly, by the time symptoms appear  emphysema is usually already in an advanced stage.

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Beverly Hansen OMalley is a nurse who is passionate about health promotion. Visit www.registered-nurse-canada.com where Bev explores the uniqueness of the nursing profession in Canada including comparison of nurse salary across the country, preparation for the Canadian nursing entrance test and how to become a nurse in Canada if you graduated in another country.
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Giving COPD Patients Something to Breathe Easier About

COPD

As they say, quality of life is priceless. But for many people suffering from COPD, this can seem like a distant dream.

Short for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, we hear the term used on those television ads showing a middle aged man or woman looking for relief from their breathing difficulties. While some viewers who have seen these ads may not be aware of the disease and its devastating effects, those that suffer from its symptoms are all too familiar with the pain that it causes.

Often mistaken for other ailments such as asthma and acute bronchitis, COPD is an umbrella term for two diseases — chronic bronchitis and emphysema.  Characterized by a persistent airflow limitation, the disease is the fourth largest killer in the United States, and affects over 16 million Americans. The main causes of COPD include smoking and long term exposure to lung irritants.

While more information is released on a regular basis about COPD, many of those patients suffering from its symptoms still aren’t aware of new treatment options available. From inhalers to steroids, most of the information available promotes preventive care or medications that manage the patient’s symptoms as the disease progresses. Because COPD is a progressive disease, reversal is not possible through conventional medicine.

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Rita Alexander is the founder and President of the International Stem Cell Institute. To find out more information about the benefits of stem cell therapy, visit http://www.iStemCelli.com
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Yoga Breathing for COPD

COPD

Great, you just got home from seeing the doctor for your annual visit. She said you’ve got COPD. What the heck is that? It means Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Huh?

Chronic- a medical condition that is long lasting, recurring

Obstructive- an obstruction or blockage of airflow from inflamed tissues

Pulmonary- lungs, air passages

Disease- an abnormal condition affecting the body, not at ease, dis-ease

The most common cause of COPD is the result of smoking. All my patients who are smokers ask me to tell the kids not to start. Look at me now. How cool do I look with tubes in my nose hauling around this stupid tank? Advanced COPD can even cause a bluish color to the skin and lips.

Long term oxygen therapy or even a lung transplant could be in your future. It is the fourth leading cause of death in the US. Fourth. That works out to about 131,000 people a year; nearly 360 people dying a day. If you have COPD, now is the time to make the choice to fight back, stop smoking, and regain some of the functions needed for the activities of daily living (ADL).

1.) Your body is full of muscles. When you exercise your muscles they get stronger. You even have muscles that make you breathe. The diaphragm, which is under your lungs and the intercostal muscles between your ribs is your breathing muscle. If you exercise your breathing muscles you will breathe better. The more able you are to breathe the more active you become and get more of your independence back in the process.

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How Does COPD Feel?

COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a common result of long term smoking. If you smoke, just plan on getting COPD. It’s just one of the many choices smokers make unwittingly when they light up that pack of cigarettes during their routine day. Let me try to briefly explain what COPD is for those without a healthcare background. Essentially COPD, or emphysema, is the destruction of your little air sacs, known as alveoli. The airways also become rather loose and will constrict upon breathing out. This traps air in the lungs, which eventually leads to poorer gas exchange with the blood. So your lungs basically become less and less efficient at their job, which is to get the good air in and the bad air out.

This isn’t the COPD 101 definition, but it will do for our purposes today. So what are the symptoms of COPD? Lets list a few of them here.

1. Shortness of breath. That feeling where you just can’t seem to get enough air in and suffocation becomes a very real concern. No matter what you do, the breath just doesn’t seem deep enough nor does it come fast enough.

2. Chronic cough. You just get that little tickle in the back of your throat, so you cough and cough, hoping to get a some relief. Right when you think you’ve got it licked, it shows up again for another round. The cough never seems to go away for very long.

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There are several environmental factors which can cause COPD. Exposure to biomass fuels and indoor wood burning stoves, pollution and second-hand smoke are all known causes. But the largest risk factor for developing COPD is smoking. I don’t think anyone is surprised by this fact. COPD is the fourth largest health concern in the world, in terms of deaths per year. Sadly, it’s rate has not declined in the last decade like the top 3 have. Smoking cessation is the best way to limit the effects of COPD.
For more information on COPD symptoms and how to stop smoking, please visit our website at stopsmokinghelper.org.
Tim Frymyer is a licensed respiratory therapist who is dedicated to keeping the public up to date on the latest stop smoking information.
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Golfing with COPD (Pulmonary Disease)

COPD

As if playing golf isn’t tough enough, imagine playing when you can’t breathe that well.  That’s what people with COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease must face, but that shouldn’t deter their love for the game.

COPD, according to the Mayo Clinic, is the overall term for a group of chronic lung conditions that obstruct the airways in your lungs. The two most common are chronic bronchitis and emphysema, but it can also refer to damage caused by asthmatic bronchitis.  Regardless of the condition, all forms of COPD result in a blockage within the tubes and air sacs that make up your lungs.  This hinders your ability to exhale properly, trapping air in your lungs and making it difficult to breathe normally.  

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD, while long term exposure to other lung irritants, such as dust, chemical fumes, and air pollution, may also contribute to the condition.

Often times, people with pulmonary disease will need supplemental oxygen to help keep the oxygen saturation in the blood at adequate levels.  Portable units allow for freedom of movement outside the home and while working in the garden or playing golf.  These are stored in backpacks that can be worn on the back during a round of golf, for example.  

A key concern that needs to be addressed for golfers with COPD is how much oxygen they will need during their round of golf.  It’s imperative that you discuss this with your physician before getting back out on the links.  

One of the determinants is whether the need is for continuous flow of oxygen or a pulse dose of oxygen.  Pulse dose results in a cylinder of oxygen lasting longer since oxygen is being dispensed only when the individual breathes in.  The amount of oxygen dispensed, usually measured in liters/minute, for either delivery method is also a factor in determining oxygen requirements.       

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Golf, golf fitness, COPD, golfing with COPD, golf fitness instructor, golfers with COPD
Bob Forman has a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and is a Certified Golf Fitness Instructor through the Titleist Performance Institute. He is the owner of GolFIT Carolina, located in Greensboro, NC, and establishes golf fitness programs in North and South Carolina.
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COPD Symptoms and Conditions

COPD
COPD is the short form for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. The disease gets worse as time passes, in other words it is a progressive disease. Those who have this disease will find it difficult to breathe.

Among the top causes of this disease is cigarette smoking. Another leading cause this disease is exposing one’s lungs to different types of irritants including air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust.

Any disease that affects the lungs can cause COPD symptoms. Pursed lip breathing, cyanosis, barrel chest, and productive cough are some of these symptoms.

Cyanosis is a condition in which in which one’s nailbeds, lips, and skin get a bluish tingle. The reason for this is poor oxygen supply.

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COPD and Nebuliser Treatment

COPD

COPD which stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is also known as COLD or Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease is a debilitating, progressive respiratory disease. It is often treated with the use of a nebuliser.

COPD is actually made up of two illnesses: chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which commonly co-exist together.  The two disorders cause the airways to narrow which obviously restricts the ability of the patient to breathe properly, leading them to become chronically short of breathe. COPD can make day to day life difficult for the patient.

Unlike asthma and other respiratory problems, COPD cannot be reversed and gets worse. It was the sixth biggest killer around the world in 1990 and it is anticipated that it will take more lives in the future. There are no cures for the disease, but nebuliser and other treatments may delay its progress and improve quality of life for patients.

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