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COPD and Smoking
COPD and smoking are clearly linked. While there are certain other causes of the disease, such as frequent exposure to unventilated cooking gas and work exposure to certain gas or chemical fumes, smoking and heavy exposure to secondhand smoke are prime causes for COPD.
COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder, is a debilitating disease that affects the lungs. The symptoms of COPD are mild at first and gradually get worse over time. These symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue, frequent upper and lower respiratory infections, a cough with mucus and wheezing. A doctor may diagnose a patient with COPD after a lung function test shows diminished lung capacity. The doctor may also do certain blood test to show how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in the
There is no cure for the disease known to modern medicine, but there are treatments available. Medications to improve COPD symptoms include drugs to dilate the bronchial tree, or the airway, of the lungs. These drugs include Atrovent, Spiriva, Serevent, and Foradil and are inhaled through an inhaler. A doctor can also prescribe inhaled steroids. The steroids can also be prescribed by mouth or through a vein in severe cases. Also, oxygen treatment is sometimes necessary for those with COPD.
Therapies include lung exercises that help patients stay active. A varied diet is important, including fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as quality protein sources. This can help those with COPD avoid some infections by keeping healthy. In severe cases, People with COPD may receive a lung transplant.
By far the best and first line of treatment is to quit smoking. Also, make sure no one smokes in your home and that you stay away from indoor establishments that allow smoking. If you are having trouble quitting, talk to your doctor about smoking cessation therapy, the benefits and drawbacks of
Resources:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000091.htm
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Copd/Copd_WhoIsAtRisk.html
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