COPD

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, is a chronic inflammatory lung disorder that blocks airflow, making it difficult for the patient to breathe.

Though it requires a medical diagnosis, COPD is made up of such preexisting conditions as chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Visit the medical library to learn more about COPD

How many people Over 3,000,000 new cases per year

Can be long-term or lifelong

Medical Kit Can be treated, but not cured

Contagious Usually affects those aged 40-60+

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Understand the Basics

Basic Understanding

COPD: Definition, Epidemiology & Etiology

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable disease. More than 90% of cases of COPD are caused by tobacco smoking. Every day, millions of people are diagnosed with COPD, and millions of people have this disease and aren't aware of it.

COPD: Know about Blue Bloater and Pink Puffer Signs and Symptoms

Basic Understanding

COPD: Know the Signs and Symptoms – Pink Puffers and Blue Bloaters

The signs and symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease do not develop until the later stages of this disease. In mild COPD, there may be no symptoms at all, or an individual will have a quiet wheezing in the chest. In severe cases, patients may have difficulty breathing, a persisting cough, wheezing, and recurrent infections.

Basic Understanding

Diagnosing COPD

COPD is diagnosed using a quick and painless method, called spirometry, which is used to assess your lung functions. The values produced from the spirometer are compared with the normal values of a healthy adult of the same age, gender, height, and ethnicity. Early detection of COPD can slow down or prevent the progression of this disease and allow you to live a fairly normal life.

Understand Causes

Causes

The Link Between Childhood Asthma and COPD

There is a link between childhood asthma and COPD. Read this article to learn more.

Causes

Can My Child Develop COPD?

When we hear the term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the first thought that comes to mind relates to cigarette smoking. Contrary to popular belief, COPD can be caused by other factors as well, including exposure to smoke, occupational hazards, and environmental pollution. Read this article to learn how different factors can influence your child's risk for developing COPD in adulthood.

Causes

The Top 3 Myths About the Development of COPD

Many people believe false information that relates to the development of COPD. Read this article to learn what the myths about the development of COPD are.

Understand Treatment

Treatment

Oxygen Therapy for COPD Patients

COPD patients are at risk for a severe deficiency of oxygen in their bodies. Read this article to learn about oxygen therapy methods used for patients with COPD.

Treatment

Pulse Oximeter Use for Patients with COPD

Individuals who have COPD need to monitor oxygen levels in their blood consistently. One efficient way of doing so is by using a pulse oximeter. Read this article to learn more.

Treatment

COPD: Nicotine Replacement Therapy

A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should anticipate experiencing breathlessness or labored breathing, frequent coughing with or without mucus, and fatigue. These symptoms become progressively worse if the patient continues to smoke cigarettes or other tobacco products. Read this article to learn about different nicotine replacement therapy options for individuals with COPD.

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COPD