You may have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and think you have cancer because of the symptoms. COPD is a chronic disease of the lungs. This means that this disease is persistent and will remain with you. However, with the proper care, the symptoms can be alleviated.
Some of the common symptoms of this disease are: a persistent cough, coughing up mucus, shortness of breath, wheezing and tightness in the chest. You can also have COPD and not yet have symptoms. Of course, the more damaged your lungs are, the more severe are your symptoms.
Smoking causes most cases of COPD. Like cancer, being exposed to other smokers can cause this disease. Also being exposed to pollution is another factor.
When we have been exposed to smoke or pollution for a length of time, the airways or tubes that lead to and from the lungs become narrowed and blocked. Once this damage occurs, there is no way to repair this passage. Although with the proper care, the damage to the airways can be slowed down.
The damaged airways can cause chronic bronchitis. This means that the lining of the air tubes gets inflamed and fills up with mucus. The mucus clogs the airways and makes it difficult to breathe. This can also cause coughing.
COPD can also cause emphysema. This happens when the air sacs at the end of the airways break down. Air can’t pass through the damaged air sacs, which makes it hard to breathe.
If you have the above mentioned symptoms, it is extremely important to go to a physician to get diagnosed. The following are some techniques that your doctor will no doubt use in getting more information besides the symptoms that you have reported to him or her.
Lung imaging is used to get images of the lungs to aid in the diagnosis of abnormalities or disease. An x-ray may be taken of the lungs from which almost every type of lung disorder can be detected. Tomography may be used. This technique produces a sharp image of an organ.(in this case, the lungs) at a particular depth. Scanning techniques, CT as it is referred to, can be used. This technique is used instead of the standard x-ray because it gives a more detailed view of the lungs or whatever organ is being viewed. Ultrasound is also used to detect if there is any fluids around a lung. Whatever method is used, it is important to see a doctor if you have symptoms.
Although there is no cure for COPD, treatment and lifestyle can help you feel better. Your doctor will prescribe treatment and medications. Most of the medicines are inhaled. It is important for you to get the right amount of medication in your lungs. This type of treatment will open up your airways to help make breathing easier. It will also decrease mucus.
It is important to see a doctor as soon as you can. Don’t let fear get in your way. You may find that an early diagnosis can lead to a path to a much healthier life.
If you find out that you do have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, follow the doctor’s instructions and make regular visits.
Your breathing can be improved if you use an air conditioner if it is a humid day. Make sure the filters are changed frequently. On smoggy days, it’s best to stay home, if possible, to avoid air pollution. It is important to drink lots of fluids to help loosen mucus.
If you are a smoker, and find it difficult to quit, you can buy nicotine patches or a special kind of gum to help reduce your habit. You may want to check a web site called Quit Net that can be helpful. www.quitnet.com/
A program called pulmonary rehabilitation may help you with your breathing. Ask your doctor about this program or any program that can be of help
Exercise can be helpful in making you breathe better, but don’t start any exercise program without the advice of your doctor. Your chances of leading a healthy life are good if you make certain you go to a doctor, follow his/her instructions, and lead a healthy life style, such as a healthy diet and the correct type of exercises for your particular situation.
