COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a progressive illness that makes breathing difficult. It is a general term encompassing numerous lung diseases, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and refractory or non-reversible asthma. Here, the doctors and health coaches at Emerald City Medical Arts, a family clinic in Seattle, WA, explain the disease and the available treatment options.

Your Local Family Clinic Explains COPD

Causes & Symptoms

Cigarette use is the most common cause of COPD, as up to 75% of people with the disease either smoke or used to smoke. Prolonged exposure to chemical fumes, dust, air pollution, secondhand smoke, and other lung irritants also increases the risk of the lung disease.

People with COPD struggle to move air in and out of their lungs. Emphysema, for example, affects the air sacs in the lungs. These fragile sacs stretch when damaged, enlarging the lungs, so breathing becomes more difficult. Shallow exhaling traps old air in these sacs, limiting intake of fresh oxygen. Chronic bronchitis, in comparison, results in damaged cilia. These tiny, hair-like filaments within the bronchial tubes are responsible for clearing mucus. Diseased cilia make it difficult to expel mucus efficiently, resulting in clogs and inflammation.

In addition to shortness of breath, common COPD symptoms include frequent dry and wet coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and increased breathlessness. Symptoms often develop slowly and are most prevalent among middle-aged and older adults. COPD is the third leading cause of death in the United States.

Treatments

There is no cure for COPD, and most treatment is palliative. Doctors prescribe medications and healthy lifestyle changes to make patients more comfortable and slow the disease’s progression. A person with COPD who smokes, for example, can see some relief if they quit. Avoiding environments with lung irritants, consuming nutritious foods, and maintaining an exercise regimen also have positive effects, especially if symptoms are identified early.

Your Seattle family clinic is here to help you or a loved one maintain a high quality of life with COPD. They provide health care screenings and medical treatments within a state-of-the-art facility, including laser skin treatment and counseling for addiction and depression. Call (206) 281-1616 to schedule an appointment today or visit the family clinic website to learn more about services. Like the Facebook page for professional health and wellness tips.