Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Tuesday, Feb 05th 2013
Living With COPD
By Pam DeNardo
I was diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in January 1999 after spending six weeks getting over pneumonia. It was at a follow-up visit that my primary care doctor said, while listening to my lungs, "I don't hear much."After all those weeks of coughing, wheezing and gurgling when I breathed, I thought that was a good thing. It was a surprise when he said, "No, it isn't a good thing."
15 Million in U.S. Have COPD, a Lung Disease
Prevalence of the chronic condition is highest in Kentucky, CDC says
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 21 (HealthDay News) -- Fifteen million U.S. adults have diagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and many more may have the debilitating condition but not know it, a new report says.
COPD is the name for a group of progressive lung diseases, including bronchitis and emphysema, that make it difficult to breathe.
I've recently been diagnosed with COPD, and I feel pretty confused and alone. Where can I find resources and support for living with this condition?
I always thought I had asthma, but now my doctor thinks I have COPD. What is the difference?
Living Well With COPD
While there is no cure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), beginning long-term treatment early can improve symptoms, increase your ability to exercise and enable you to breathe better with a better quality of life. Here are nine tips to help you live well with COPD:
Understanding and Using Your COPD Medications
Several types of medication are used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms, and you may be placed on more than one medication to control your symptoms and reduce exacerbations. Here are some tips to help you understand COPD medications and how to use them:
Involving Your Family in the Management of Your COPD
A diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be frightening to you and your family. Here are some ways to involve your family in managing your COPD and supporting your efforts to stay healthy:
Signs and Symptoms of COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) sometimes is not diagnosed in the early stages because people may slowly modify their lifestyles to be able to perform daily activities that do not cause shortness of breath. If you have shortness of breath or any of the signs or symptoms listed below, be sure and talk to your health care professional and ask to have a lung function test, such as spirometry.
Talking to Your Health Care Professional About COPD
As with any chronic condition, communication between you and your health care team is important. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be managed if you get an early diagnosis and proper treatment, such as a maintenance inhaled therapy. Here are some tips to help you talk with your health care professionals:
Treatments for COPD
Even though chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cannot be cured, it is treatable and often partially reversible. Early diagnosis and long-term treatment can help improve symptoms, increase your ability to exercise and enable you to breathe better with a better quality of life. Here are some things you can do to help with your treatment:
