What Is COPD?
- Posted On:
What Is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic disease that is often preventable and treatable. If you or a loved one has COPD, there are steps to take to cope with the lifestyle changes this disease brings. Learning about COPD and its treatment can help you feel more in control.
Key Points
COPD is chronic. In other words, you live with it every day.
It can cause serious long-term disability and early death.
There is no cure for COPD, but it is often preventable and treatable.
COPD is referred to as chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
What Is COPD?
With COPD, the airways in your lungs become inflamed and thicken, and the tissue where oxygen is exchanged is destroyed. The flow of air in and out of your lungs decreases. When that happens, less oxygen gets into your body tissues, and it becomes harder to get rid of the waste gas carbon dioxide. As the disease gets worse, shortness of breath makes it harder to remain active.
It is important to remember that in many cases, COPD can be prevented and can be treated.
Missing the Warning Signs
COPD is often not found until the disease is very advanced because people do not know the early warning signs. Sometimes people think they are short of breath or less able to take part in their normal activities because they are "just getting older."
If you have shortness of breath and suspect that you may have COPD contact the providers at the CCH Complex and Internal Medicine Clinic. Our goal is to provide adult medical care for patients with chronic medical conditions, treatment of day-to-day concerns and preventative check ups in Gillette, Wyoming.
Location:
Campbell County Memorial Hospital
501 S. Burma Ave, Third Floor South,
Gillette, Wyoming 82716
Phone:
307-688-3535
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Thursday, 7:45 am-5 pm;
Friday, 7:45 am-12 pm;
Saturday-Sunday, Closed
Article Source: American Lung Association, Learn About COPD