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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases that cause swelling of the airways. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common forms of COPD.
Basic Info
Symptoms
Shortness of breath (dyspnea) persisting for months to years; Wheezing; Decreased exercise tolerance; Cough with or w...
Causes
The leading cause of COPD is smoking. Between 15% and 20% of long-term smokers will develop COPD. Prolonged tobacco u...
Tests
An examination often reveals increased work involved in breathing: nasal flaring may be evident during air intake, an...
Treatments
Treatment for COPD includes inhalers that dilate the airways (bronchodilators) and sometimes theophylline. The COPD p...
Drugs
Medications frequently prescribed for COPD patients include: Bronchodilators. These agents open narrowed airways and ...
Alternative Therapies
The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and probl...
Complications
Right sided heart failure or cor pulmonale (enlargement of the heart and heart failure associated with chronic lung d...
Prevention
Avoidance of smoking prevents COPD. Early recognition and treatment of small airway disease in people who smoke, comb...
Doctor Specialties
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if there is a rapid increase in shortness o...
Basic Info
In Depth
In Depth
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