{"id":17801,"date":"2021-08-06T19:25:55","date_gmt":"2021-08-06T19:25:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ade-medical.z4pby1v9-liquidwebsites.com\/?p=17801"},"modified":"2023-06-09T06:05:44","modified_gmt":"2023-06-09T06:05:44","slug":"more-than-a-measurement-copd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medical.andonline.com\/more-than-a-measurement-copd\/","title":{"rendered":"More Than a Measurement: COPD"},"content":{"rendered":"

More Than a Measurement: COPD<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

When you are diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), you may be instructed to monitor your health parameters at home, possibly including your blood pressure and weight. You may begin to feel your life is being ruled by numbers: the numbers on the screens of your blood pressure monitor and scale.<\/p>\n

At A&D Medical, we understand that these measurements are just a small part of who you are. To ensure your health, you must monitor and manage your weight and blood pressure. \u00a0But the good news is that as you do, you\u2019ll be empowered to make decision that can improve the bigger parts of your life – the parts that matter most to you.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

What is COPD?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A progressive, inflammatory lung disease, COPD is most commonly associated with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, excessive coughing, and wheezing which may get worse over time. \u00a0According to the\u00a0American Lung Association<\/a>, more than 11 million people have been diagnosed with the condition, and it is the third leading cause of death in the United States.<\/p>\n

Its origins can be anything from exposure to cigarette smoke or other irritants to chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
\nRegardless of how you came to have COPD, the bronchioles (the small tubes with air sacs or alveoli at the ends) in your lungs have been damaged, but the good news is that it can often be controlled by reducing exposure to irritants or by making lifestyle changes.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n

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What\u2019s important to know about COPD?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

There are many risk factors that lead to COPD, such as exposure to tobacco smoke, fumes, chemicals, and other irritants, as well as asthma, age, and even family history. \u00a0If you have any of the risk factors and experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, a chronic cough, tightness in your chest, low energy, or swelling in your lower extremities, you should make an appointment with your doctor.<\/p>\n

In addition to the daily struggles you might face with COPD, other complications may arise as well. \u00a0Because of how your lungs are affected, respiratory infections may be more likely, as is your risk for heart disease, lung cancer, and more.<\/p>\n

Because COPD is often a preventable disease, the best path is to avoid irritants \u2013 or if you have been a long-term smoker, talk to your doctor about getting help quitting.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n

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How does COPD affect most people?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

When someone has COPD, the bronchioles in their lungs are damaged, and their bronchiole tubes may have thickening or inflammation as well as a loss of elasticity.<\/p>\n

On top of the physical changes to the lungs themselves, many people experience an increase in mucus, which can obstruct breathing.<\/p>\n

The combination of these factors means that less air can get in and out of your lungs, which makes you feel short of breath and tired. \u00a0You may also frequently cough or wheeze due to excess mucus, and you may find that you experience respiratory infections more often than your friends and family.<\/p>\n

The American Lung Association recommends getting checked out if you have questions or concerns about whether you might have COPD. \u00a0\u201cCOPD is often not found until the disease is very advanced because people do not know the early warning signs. \u00a0Sometimes people think they are short of breath or [can\u2019t] take part in their normal activities because they are \u2018just getting older.\u2019\u201d \u00a0In the case of COPD, though, prevention can make a huge difference in the severity or treatment of your case.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

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What other health conditions play a role in COPD?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Like many other chronic conditions, once you have one, you may find yourself at risk for others. \u00a0Unfortunately, COPD is no different. \u00a0Many other conditions may need to be monitored once you are diagnosed with COPD, including:<\/p>\n