What Are the Lungs?
The lungs are a pair of organs in the chest which are primarily responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air we breathe and the blood. There are many conditions that can impact the health of your lungs; Asthma, COPD, Tuberculosis, Bronchitis, Pleurisy and Pneumonia.
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- Who Is At Risk for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency?
- How Is Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Treated?
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- What Are Asbestos-Related Lung Diseases?
- What Causes Asbestos-Related Lung Diseases?
- How Are Asbestos-Related Lung Diseases Diagnosed?
- How Are Asbestos-Related Lung Diseases Treated?
- What Is COPD?
- What Are the Signs and Symptoms of COPD?
- How Is COPD Treated?
- How Can COPD Be Prevented?
- What Is Pneumonia?
- What Causes Pneumonia?
- What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia?
- How Is Pneumonia Treated?
- What Is Pulmonary Hypertension?
- What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension?
- How Is Pulmonary Hypertension Treated?
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How Can COPD Be Prevented?
You can take steps to prevent COPD before it starts. If you already have COPD, you can take steps to prevent complications and slow the progress of the disease.
Prevent COPD Before It Starts
The best way to prevent COPD is to not start smoking or to quit smoking before you develop the disease. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD.
If you smoke, talk to your doctor about programs and products that can help you quit. Many hospitals have programs that help people quit smoking, or hospital staff can refer you to a program.
Also, try to avoid secondhand smoke and other lung irritants that can contribute to COPD, such as air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust.
Prevent Complications and Slow the Progress of COPD
If you have COPD, the most important step you can take is to quit smoking. This can help prevent complications and slow the progress of the disease. You also should avoid exposure to the lung irritants mentioned above.
Follow your treatments for COPD exactly as your doctor prescribes. They can help you breathe easier, stay more active, and avoid or manage severe symptoms.
Talk with your doctor about whether and when you should get flu and pneumonia vaccines. These vaccines can lower your chances of getting these illnesses, which are major health risks for people who have COPD.
Living With COPD
COPD has no cure yet. However, you can take steps to manage your symptoms and slow the progress of the disease. You can:
- - Avoid lung irritants
- - Get ongoing care
- - Manage the disease and its symptoms
- - Prepare for emergencies
Avoid Lung Irritants
If you smoke, quit. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Talk to your doctor about programs and products that can help you quit. Many hospitals have programs that help people quit smoking, or hospital staff can refer you to a program.
Try to avoid secondhand smoke and other lung irritants that can contribute to COPD, such as air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust. Keep these irritants out of your home. If your home is painted or sprayed for insects, have it done when you can stay away for awhile.
Keep your windows closed and stay at home when there's a lot of air pollution or dust outside.
Get Ongoing Care
If you have COPD, it's important to get ongoing medical care. Take all of your medicines as your doctor prescribes. Make sure to refill your prescriptions before they run out. Bring all of the medicines you're taking when you have medical checkups.
Talk with your doctor about whether and when you should get flu and pneumonia vaccines. Also, ask him or her about other diseases for which COPD may increase your risk, such as heart disease, lung cancer, and pneumonia.
Manage COPD and Its Symptoms
You can do things to help manage your disease and its symptoms. Depending on how severe your disease is, you may ask your family and friends for help with daily tasks. Do activities slowly. Put items that you need often in one place that's easy to reach.
Find very simple ways to cook, clean, and do other chores. Some people find it helpful to use a small table or cart with wheels to move things around and a pole or tongs with long handles to reach things. Ask for help moving things around in your house so that you will not need to climb stairs as often.
Keep your clothes loose, and wear clothes and shoes that are easy to put on and take off.
Prepare for Emergencies
If you have COPD, knowing when and where to seek help for your symptoms is important. You should seek emergency care if you have severe symptoms, such as trouble catching your breath or talking.
Call your doctor if you notice that your symptoms are worsening or if you have signs of an infection, such as a fever. Your doctor may change or adjust your treatments to relieve and treat symptoms.
Keep phone numbers handy for your doctor, hospital, and someone who can take you for medical care. You also should have on hand directions to the doctor's office and hospital and a list of all the medicines you're taking.
Key Points
- COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. "Progressive" means the disease gets worse over time.
- COPD can cause coughing that produces large amounts of mucus (a slimy substance), wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and other symptoms.
- Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Most people who have COPD smoke or used to smoke. Long-term exposure to other lung irritants, such as air pollution, chemical fumes, or dust, also may contribute to COPD.
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The term "COPD" includes two main conditions - emphysema and chronic obstructive bronchitis. Most people who have COPD have both conditions. Thus, the general term "COPD " is more accurate.
- COPD is a major cause of disability, and it's the fourth leading cause of death.
- COPD develops slowly. Symptoms often worsen over time and can limit your ability to do routine activities. Severe COPD may prevent you from doing even basic activities like walking, cooking, or taking care of yourself.
- Your doctor will diagnose COPD based on your signs and symptoms, your medical and family histories, and test results.
- COPD has no cure yet. However, treatments and lifestyle changes can help you feel better, stay more active, and slow the progress of the disease.
- Quitting smoking is the most important step you can take to treat COPD. Other treatments include medicines, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, surgery, and managing complications.
- You can take steps to prevent COPD before it starts. The best way to prevent COPD is to not start smoking or to quit smoking before you develop the disease. Also, try to avoid other lung irritants that can contribute to COPD.
- If you have COPD, you can take steps to manage your symptoms and slow the progress of the disease. Quit smoking and try to avoid other lung irritants. Also, get ongoing care, manage the disease and its symptoms, and prepare for emergencies.
"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will."