COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term disease of the lungs which causes progressive shortness of breath, increased cough and sputum production.

Previously referred to as Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis, COPD is usually caused by a history of smoking over many years. Marijuana smokers and people exposed to heavy smoke or industrial fumes from other causes over many decades are also at risk of developing COPD. COPD usually gets worse with continued smoking and with superadded infections.

While there is no cure for COPD, there are things you can do to breathe easier and improve your quality of life particularly if it is identified and managed early.

COPD is diagnosed using spirometry testing to assess your lung function capacity.  Lung function testing is an excellent tool for following progress in COPD.

The most important thing about treating COPD is to stop smoking or avoid exposure to polluted environments.  Once you stop smoking, the rate of decline of lung function slows dramatically.

A large number of inhaled medications can help open the airways and allow increased exercise capacity by reducing airway resistance over time.