| COPD
COPD stands for chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease. Chronic means long-term.
Obstructive refers to blockage in the airways of the
lung. Pulmonary refers to the lungs.
The most common obstructive lung diseases are: chronic
bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, bronchiectasis, and
cystic fibrosis. The main symptoms are shortness of
breath, coughing, wheezing or too much mucus in the
lungs. You may have one or more of these symptoms.
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Click to enlarge
Diagram of the Respiratory System |
| Control is
the objective for maintaining a quality life. This
includes smoking cessation, medications, exercise,
breathing retraining and maintaining a healthy weight.
Pulmonary rehabilitation may help you achieve these
objectives. Talk to your Doctor about this program. |
Emphysema
Emphysema is a disease
which destroys the air sacs, though is causes airway
blockage, too. With this disease the transfer of oxygen and
carbon dioxide is impaired. It takes extra pressure to
exhale. More mucus is trapped in the lungs, making you more
prone to infection. Shortness of breath and coughing
increase, and over time the lungs and even the heart may
become enlarged. Not smoking and avoiding other irritants
will help slow the progress of the disease. Emphysema has
no cure, but medications and breathing exercises help you be
as active as possible.
Asthma
If you have asthma, your
airways are inflamed and much more sensitive than normal.
You may have allergies to such things as: pollen, animals,
dust mites, mold, and certain drugs. When you inhale
allergens or irritants, the linings of the bronchioles in
your lungs swell, become inflamed and make excess mucus.
The muscles in the walls of these airways go into spasm and
clamp down on the airways. You wheeze and feel short of
breath. Treatment for asthma is: avoid the allergens,
drink lots of fluids, monitor peak flow readings ( a meter
that is prescribed for home use), and take the prescribed
anti-inflammatory and bronchodilating drugs.
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