NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL COPD AWARENESS MONTH

What is COPD?

COPD includes several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Symptoms can include breathlessness, fatigue and chronic cough. Damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs causes emphysema. The walls inside the alveoli disappear, turning small sacs into larger ones that do not transfer oxygen to the blood as well. Your airways become flabby, and air gets trapped in the lungs, making you feel short of breath.

Chronic bronchitis is a cough with mucus, lasting at least three months at a time for two years in a row. Bronchitis damages the bronchial tubes, making them irritated and swollen. The hair-like fibers in the bronchial tubes help move mucus out of the lungs. When those tiny hairs (or cilia) are lost, it is harder to cough mucus out of the lungs.

There is a stigma that only smokers develop COPD. But it’s not just a smoker’s disease. Roughly 25% of people with COPD did not smoke.

COPD is also caused by genetics or irritants like smoke or pollution. It is estimated that by 2050, poor air quality will be the leading cause of COPD around the world.  The fumes, chemicals and dust in different work environments – coal mining, firefighting and others – also contribute to developing COPD.

How do you know you have COPD?

Not all COPD is the same. COPD is diagnosed through a lung function test called spirometry. A spirometry test measures how well your lungs are working. Another good way to see if you should get tested for COPD? A birthday candle. Hold a birthday candle at arm’s length. If you can blow out the candle, you probably have good lung function. If you can’t blow it out, you should see a pulmonologist to get tested.

Many people do not realize they have COPD or do not notice symptoms until they are in a moderate stage of the disease. Early screening is important to help manage symptoms, slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.

To learn more, such as can you stay active with COPD, does my family have a history of COPD ? , and how to get the support and care you need : go to the AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION, or other such sources of information as found on the web.

We at IRONROAD HEALTHCARE care about your health and welfare. Should you need to go to the doctor  or get other care your IronRoad benefits can be found at ironroadhealthcare.com