A: COPD (short for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a lung disease which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

The obstructive component in COPD means there is less air flow in and out of the lungs than there should be. This means there is less oxygen available for the body tissues and organs and it is harder to get rid of carbon dioxide (which is the “waste gas” produced by the body).

As the disease progresses, breathing becomes more difficult and a person will feel “short of breath”. This makes daily activity more and more difficult. It is important to remember that COPD can be prevented and treated.

Chronic Bronchitis causes the lining of the respiratory system to become swollen and this can result in mucous production which blocks the airways, requiring chronic coughing to keep the airways clear.

Emphysema causes the walls of the alveoli (air sacs) to beak down and air becomes trapped as the alveoli get stretched-out. Many people have a combination of both emphysema and chronic brochitis which we now refer to as COPD.

COPD is the 4^th leading cause of death in the U.S.  Long-term disability and early death are serious complications of the disease. There is no cure for COPD which affects more than 12 million people and an additional 24 million who may not know they have the disease.

Deaths due to COPD are HIGHER in women than in men and COPD is not usually found until the disease has reached an advanced stage because people do not know the early warning signs. Shortness of breath is never normal but many people assume they are "getting old" and can't  do the things they used to. It’s important to know that COPD can be diagnosed early and treated successfully to help manage the disease.

A: Smoking - The major cause of the disease. Cigarette smoke contains gases which weaken the lung’s defenses against infection, narrowing of the airways, and destruction of the alveoli.

Air Pollution - The airborne dust and chemical fumes of the environment can cause COPD.

A: Constant cough, sometimes referred to as "smoker's cough."

Feeling short of breath will doing normal, daily activity.

Sputum production, also called phlegm or mucous.

Not being able to breathe or take a deep breath.

A: Anyone who suspects they might have COPD should be tested. This simplest test to see how your lungs are working is called Spirometry. By forcefully blowing into a measuring device, the device can analyze the volume and flow of air coming from your lungs. This will give an indication of your lung’s function. Your care provider may also do a physical and health questionaire. A chest xray or other tests are also used for special situations.

A: IF YOU SMOKE… STOP!!

Take all your medications as prescribed by your physician. These may include inhalers which help to keep your airways open and keep them from getting swollen. Some medications may require a nebulizer to turn your medication into a fine mist which can be inhaled into your lungs.

If your COPD is severe enough, you may be required to use oxygen to help fight your shortness of breath. Oxygen may be used either continuously or at nights, as prescribed by your doctor.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation programs are available at some hospitals for patients who want to learn about their COPD.

In some rare occasions, surgery may be indicated for the treament of very severe COPD.

A: Asthma is a lung disease which makes it hard to move air in and out of your lungs. Things which you should know about asthma are:

Asthma is a chronic lung disease, you will live with it every day of your life.

It is serious, and can be LIFE THREATENING.

Asthma can not be cured, but can be managed for a normal lifestyle.

Air normally passes through your nose and mouth, and travels down your trachea "wind pipe" into your lungs. In the lungs are your airways. These airways can become red and swollen from asthma, and are very sensitive to everyday irritants, called "triggers." Triggers can be cold air, smoke, perfume or aftershave, dust, chemicals, and pet dander.

When someone with asthma breathes in a trigger, the airways react, swelling and producing extra mucous. This makes the airways even smaller and much more difficult to move air in and out of the lungs. Muscles around the airways may tighten, causing bronchoconstriction. All of these reactions can be called an asthma “attack”, flare-up, or episode.

Asthma can occur at any age, some children have asthma at a very early age, but as their lungs develop, the symptoms can go away. There is, however, a possibility that the asthma symptoms can return later in life. Some people get asthma later in their life.

A: The exact cause is not known, but asthma can run in families and may be inherited. Environmental factors can also play a major role in the cause of asthma, along with:

Genetics- Asthma tends to run in families, if mom or dad have asthma, then you are more likely to develop asthma.

Allergies-People who are more likley to develop allergies are prone to develop asthma.

Respiratory Infections- As the lungs develop in infancy and early childhood, respiratory infections have been shown to cause inflammation which damages the lung tissue. This damage can lead to diminished lung function in later life.

Environment- Contact with irritants, allergens, and certain viral infections during early childhood has been linked with a compromised immune system and the development of asthma. Irritants and air pollution can play a role in adult-onset asthma.

A: Respiratory Infections, chemicals, allergens, odors, physical activity, emotions/stress, seasonal changes(environment), and smoking can irritate the lungs. These are refered to as “triggers” because they cause or trigger a reaction in the airways. Understanding triggers can help a person control their asthma and manage the disease.

A: Asthma is a serious disease and health problem. Luckily, it can be controlled and treated. People who suffer with asthma can lead normal, productive lives. It is important you find a doctor who you trust and will be comfortable visiting on a regular basis. With regular visits, you and your health care provider will develop a plan of care to manage your asthma. Without proper treatment, asthma can be a dangerous, even DEADLY disease. After an asthma flare-up, you will feel tired and drained. This will last for several days and during that time you will have an increased risk for another flare-up.

A: After the flare-up be sure to:

AVOID ASTHMA TRIGGERS

MONITOR YOUR SYMPTOMSAND CHECK YOUR LUNG FUNCTION WITH A PEAKFLOW METER

Poor asthma management can lead to airway remodeling. Airway remodeling is a serious condition that happens when asthma is untreated or poorly managed. The lungs become scarred, asthma medicines do not work well, and less air is able to move through the lungs. Airway remodeling doesn’t have to happen, so following an asthma action plan is extremely important.

- Respiratory Assessments
- Pulse Oximetry Evaluations
- Nocturnal Oximetry Evaluations
- Home Oxygen Therapy