Medical contributions and review by Sunil Swami, MD.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease isn’t one “thing.” COPD encompasses lung diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The good news is that it’s a condition individuals can manage.
What Causes COPD?
COPD results when inflammation narrows the small airways of the lungs. Air can get in fine. However, when trying to exhale, the airways close prematurely. This traps air in the chest, causing a sensation of shortness of breath. Another cause involves the destruction of the lung structure over time.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for developing COPD. Biomass fuel exposure is another. For example, if someone grew up in a home with a wood-burning stove or poorly ventilated fireplace, they could develop COPD later in life.
Treatment Options
Medications, such as inhalers, nebulizers and pills, are typically prescribed to reduce inflammation and open airways. Physicians work closely with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to the frequency and severity of the patient’s symptoms.
Smoking makes symptoms worse, so it’s important to quit as soon as possible. Even if someone is taking COPD medication, smoking will keep degrading lung function. Recent research shows that e-cigarettes and vaping are equally as bad as cigarettes for causing and worsening COPD, so it is best to avoid all forms of smoking. Find smoking cessation support.
More interventions include:
- Exercising
- Eating well
- Reducing body weight
- Avoiding environmental triggers (hot/humid or very cold weather)
- Limiting exposure to people who are sick with cold or flu
- Getting a flu vaccination each year and the pneumonia vaccine as recommended by your doctor
Predicting Outcomes
By using all the above methods, individuals can lower their mortality rate. Physicians use a tool called the BODE Index to estimate a person’s prognosis.
- B-body mass index (BMI)
- O-obstruction of airflow
- D-dyspnea, which means shortness of breath
- E-exercise tolerance
The combined data points provide a prediction about one’s five-year mortality rate. For example, if someone falls between 7 and 10 on the index, that suggests an 80% mortality rate over the next five years.
However, patients can improve their prognosis and live healthier, longer by partnering with their pulmonologist on their personal care plan and consistently following the recommended treatments and lifestyle changes. Patients should also discuss education programs and support available through their office or local hospital with their provider.
Reach Out for Help
If you are experiencing any symptoms of COPD (shortness of breath, chest tightness, chronic cough), make sure to visit your doctor.
If you have COPD, learn to recognize the warning signs and know when to call your doctor or visit the emergency room.
Many pulmonary care centers and hospitals have a COPD Care Team that provides additional support, offers education and resources, assists with medication issues, answers questions and more. Patients with COPD and their caregivers should consult with their healthcare provider to learn what services are available to them.
The University of Maryland Medical System offers a free monthly educational e-newsletter featuring articles that offer tips to empower patients with COPD to live healthier, longer. Join the mailing list today!
Listen to a Podcast
There is good news for people diagnosed with COPD – you can still live a long, healthy life! Join lung specialist Dr. Sunil Swami from UM Capital Region Health for a conversation about what to do to breathe better now and how to care for your lungs so you can keep feeling your best well into the future.
Additional Resources
Lifestyle Support
- 4 Steps to Improve Your COPD
- COPD and Allergies
- Nutrition for Lung Health and COPD
- COPD and Exercise: How to Benefit from Staying Active
- Trouble Sleeping? How to Overcome COPD Sleep Challenges
- COPD Management and the Importance of Taming Stress
- COPD and Dehydration
- COPD and Sex: Opening the Door to Care and Satisfaction
COPD Maintenance
- COPD Warning Signs
- When to Visit Urgent Care for COPD
- Build an Action Plan for COPD Flare-Ups
- The Facts About COPD and Preventing Lung Infections
- The COPD Transitional Care Team Gets You Home Safely
COPD Medication Management
- 5 Ways to Manage Your COPD Medications Better
- The Best Ways To Manage Your Prescription Medications
- Questions To Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist About Your COPD Medications
- Can’t Afford Your Medications? Here’s What You Can Do.
Smoking Cessation
More Podcasts
More Videos
- COPD Warning Signs – Know when to call a doctor
- Cold Weather Tips for COPD
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