Copd
- 1. WHAT´S COPD: COPD is a lung dis- ease that after a certain period of time makes it hard to breathe. COPD (short for Chronic Obstructive Pulmo- nary Disease) includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Obstruction in COPD means that the flow of air in and out of the lungs is less than it should be. When that happens less oxygen gets into the body tissues and it becomes more difficult to get rid of carbon dioxide which is the waste gas. As the disease gets worse, it is harder to remain active due to shortness of breath. With chronic bronchitis the lining of the breathing tubes be- come swollen and produces a lot of mucus that gets coughed up. With emphysema the walls of the air sacs in the lung are broken down and the air spaces get larger and air gets trapped. Some people have both chronic bronchitis and emphy- sema, and this is why the disease is called COPD. SYMPTOMS: Constant coughing, "smoker's cough" Shortness of breath while doing everyday activities Producing a lot of sputum (also called phlegm or mucus) Feeling like you can't breathe or take a deep breath Wheezing How is COPD detected? If you suspect of suffering this disease you should go to the doctor and he will make you do a Spirometry test and might ask you to do an X-ray of your chest and also ask you about your relative’s clinical history. An early diagnosis will help to treat the disease in a much more successful way.
- 2. PREVENTING COPD: If you are concerned about getting COPD, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. If you are a smoker, STOP SMOKING. Quitting smoking is the most important thing a smoker can do to live a longer and healthier life. If you don't smoke, don't start. Smoking causes COPD, as well as other diseases. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Make your home smoke- free. You'll not only protect yourself, but your family, too Be aware of other dangers. Take care to protect yourself against chemicals, dust and fumes in your home and at work. How is COPD Treated? If you are a smoker, the single most effective treatment is quitting smoking. Take your medicine as prescribed by your doctor. These are usually inhalers that can open your airways and keep them from getting swollen. Some may be taken with a nebulizer, a ma- chine that changes liquid medicine into a fine mist which makes it easier to inhale deep into the lungs. If your COPD is severe, oxygen therapy may be used to help with shortness of breath. This may be needed all day and all night or only part of the time. Be sure to understand how to safely use oxygen. Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a program that teaches you about COPD, how to exercise and how to manage your disease, and provides support and counseling. In some rare cases, surgery may be recommended for people with very severe COPD. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aktIMBQSXMo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiPMZ4GmfD0