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Copd It's Never Too Late

November 18, 2015 is The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease’s (GOLD)annual World COPD Day.

It represents a partnership between health care groups and respiratory educators to raise awareness about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.The theme for 2015 is “It’s not too late,” which GOLD believes emphasizes the meaningful actions people can take to improve their respiratory health, at any stage before or after a COPD diagnosis, according to an organization press release.

By making the general public and the healthcare community aware of the symptoms of COPD, individuals with symptoms will receive appropriate treatment and prevent further deterioration of their lungs

IMG 9021Did you Know?

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, COPD is the 4th leading cause of death in the United States. The disease kills more than 120,000 Americans each year, that’s 1 death every 4 minutes, and causes serious, long-term disability. The number of people with COPD is increasting. More than 12 million people are diagnosed with COPD and an additional 12 million likely have the disease and don’t even know it.

What is COPD?

COPD is a serious lung disease that over time makes it hard to breathe. You may have heard COPD called other names like emphysema, or chronic bronchitis.

What are the Symptoms?

  • Constant coughing, sometimes called “smoker’s cough”
  • Shortness of breath while doing activities you used to be able to do
  • Excess sputum production
  • Feeling like you can’t breathe
  • Not being able to take a deep breath
  • Wheezing

When COPD is severe, shortness of breath and other symptoms can get in the way of doing even the most basic tasks, such as doing light housework, taking a walk and even bathing and getting dressed.

COPD develops slowly and can worsen over time, so be sure to report any symptoms you might have to your doctor as soon as possibly, no matter how mild they may seem.

Risk Factors

  • Smoking
    • COPD most often occurs in people age 40 and over with a history of smoking.
  • Environmental Exposure
    • COPD can occur in people who have had long-term exposure to things that can irritate your lungs like certain chemicals, fumes and long-term exposure to secondhand smoke.
  • Genetic Factors
    • In some people, COPD is caused by a genetic condition known as alpha-1 antitrypsin, or AAT, deficiency.

Learn More

If you think you might be at risk for COPD, get a simple breathing test. Talk with your doctor about treatment options and the steps you can take to make breathing easier and live a longer, more active life.

The Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Speare Memorial Hospital is an individualized education and exercise program that follows the guidelines established by the American Academy of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Our multidisciplinary program is dedicated to improving the lives of persons with chronic lung diseases by increasing strength, endurance and symptom management to maximize function and quality of life.

Speare’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is coordinated through our Cardiopulmonary Services department. Click Here for more information call 603-238-2288

 

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