What You Should Know About
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a collective term for two disorders that limit airflow: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. In fact, many people with COPD have both chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Collectively, COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.
Nearly all cases of COPD result from smoking, although a small number result from other sources of chronic airway irritation (such as occupational dust and pollutants) or from a deficiency of a protein called alpha1-antitrypsin, which almost always leads to emphysema. A smoker is 10 times more likely than a nonsmoker to die of COPD.
What Happens in COPD?
In chronic bronchitis, long-term irritation eventually damages the lining of the airways and produces a chronic cough with increased mucus production. Later, shortness of breath develops as the airways become increasingly blocked. Emphysema starts when chronic irritation of the smallest lung structures (the alveoli, which are responsible for exchanging oxygen for carbon dioxide) causes them to start breaking down. As their walls begin to disappear, individual alveoli merge, reducing the total number of air sacs available for oxygen exchange. As a result, you begin to notice an increasing shortness of breath with activity. Because the chronic irritation stiffens the normally springy lung tissue, it also becomes increasingly hard to exhale.
Treatments and Tips
Treatments for both chronic bronchitis and emphysema are intended to reduce the symptoms and slow progression of the disease. Common treatments include:
- bronchodilators, which help to relax and open the air passages to the lungs
- antibiotics if you have a bacterial lung infection
- exercise, which can ease breathing and reduce fatigue by strengthening muscles.
Another goal of treatment is to minimize irritation in the airways. That means you shouldn't smoke and you should avoid smoky, dusty, and polluted areas. Also, make sure you eat a nutritious, varied diet, drink plenty of fluids, get adequate rest, and do what you can to manage stress.
Clinical Trials at the Arizona Respiratory Center
Individuals over 40 years of age with a diagnosis of emphysema or chronic bronchitis, who are otherwise in good health, are welcome to participate in a clinical trial. Extensive pulmonary testing is included as part of the trial and compensation is provided. For more information, call (520) 626-7091.
Where to Get More Information
For more information, try these online resources.
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