Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
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What is COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?
COPD is a general name for a group of lung diseases: emphysema, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, and adult-onset refractory asthma. COPD is a common and chronic disease that is often preventable and treatable. It can take some work to cope with the lifestyle changes that come with a COPD diagnosis.
COPD Symptoms
Symptoms of COPD can be different for each person, the common symptoms are:
- Shortness of breath
- A cough that won’t go away and may produce mucus
- Tightness in the chest
- Feeling tired, especially when exercising or doing daily activities
COPD Treatments
COPD is not a curable disease and current treatments for COPD cannot repair the damage to your lungs. However, treatment can slow further damage and improve COPD symptoms.
Managing symptoms and preventing further damage makes it easier for patients to breathe and feel better while improving their overall health.
Treatments may include medications, rehabilitation, or surgery.
Lifestyle changes can also help. Some lifestyle changes experts recommend for managing COPD include diet changes by eating well, building strength and staying active, and having an action plan for flare ups and emergencies.
How can a group medical visit help?
A COPD diagnosis brings big lifestyle changes. Taking the time to learn more about COPD can help patients cope and live better with their diagnosis.
Group Medical visits offer people an additional resource to help manage their conditions with the support of medical providers, dietitians, and mental health experts, as well as the lived experiences of other patients.