Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary... Learning Center
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. Most people with COPD have both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. |
Basic Info
Symptoms
Cough; Decreased exercise tolerance; Shortness of breath (dyspnea) lasting for months to years; Wheezing. Some people...
Causes
The leading cause of COPD is smoking. Between 15 - 20% of long-term smokers will develop COPD. Using tobacco for a lo...
Tests
People with COPD may make wheezy air sounds, difficult-to-hear air sounds, or normal sounds when the doctor listens t...
Treatments
Treatment for COPD includes inhalers that open the airways (bronchodilators) and sometimes theophylline. Patients wit...
Drugs
Chronic obstructive lung disease, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a general term for a...
Alternative Therapies
People often can help ease the stress of illness by joining a support group in which members share common experiences...
Complications
Arrhythmias; Need for breathing machine and oxygen therapy; Pneumonia; Pneumothorax; Right-sided heart failure or cor...
Prevention
Not smoking prevents most COPD. In people who smoke, finding and treating small airway disease and taking part in sto...
Doctor Specialties
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have a rapid increase in shortness o...
Basic Info
In Depth
Smoking causes more than just damage to the lungs.
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