COPD

What is COPD?

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a common inflammatory lung disease that causes airflow obstruction. Often caused by smoking, untreated COPD can lead to troublesome symptoms that may diminish your quality of life. Call the Signature Internal Medicine office if you suspect you have COPD or need treatment for this bothersome condition.

What are the symptoms of COPD?

Some of the most common COPD symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Coughing that produces mucus
• Fatigue
• Difficulty breathing during exercise
• Wheezing
• Ankle, feet, or leg swelling
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent respiratory infections

You may not notice any symptoms of COPD until you have moderate or severe lung damage. COPD can progressively worsen over time if you continue to smoke or have ongoing exposure to toxic fumes.

When left untreated, COPD may lead to complications like respiratory infections, heart problems, high blood pressure in the arteries of your lungs, lung cancer, or depression. 

What are the risk factors for COPD?

Factors that increase your risk of having COPD include:

• Second-hand smoke exposure
• Smoking
• Genetics
• Asthma
• Ongoing chemical or toxic fume exposure

To reduce your chance of COPD, don’t smoke and avoid exposure to polluted air or chemical fumes when possible. 

How does my doctor diagnose COPD?

To diagnose COPD and develop an effective treatment, your Signature Internal Medicine specialist reviews your symptoms, lifestyle habits, and medical history. They check your vital signs, listen to your heart and breathing, and complete a physical exam.

Your concierge medicine provider may also order chest X-rays, lab tests, lung-function testing, or other tests to confirm a diagnosis, as well as the severity of COPD.

How is COPD treated?

If you have COPD, your Signature Internal Medicine provider recommends not smoking, avoiding second-hand smoke exposure, and using an inhaler when needed – especially during exercise. 

You may need oral medications, in-home ventilation, oxygen therapy, or pulmonary rehabilitation. Adopt healthy habits that include eating nutritious foods and getting regular exercise. You might require more than one type of treatment.

Your Signature Internal Medicine provider tailors each COPD treatment to give you the best quality of life possible.

To find out if you have COPD or get treated for it, call the Signature Internal Medicine office or book an appointment online today.