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Treating COPD One Breath at a Time

Having trouble catching your breath? You might want to ask your doctor about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.

“COPD is the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States,” said Carrie Taylor, a registered respiratory therapist with the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department at Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital. COPD can cover emphysema, chronic bronchitis and, in some cases, asthma. Symptoms may include:

• chronic cough;
• chest tightness;
• wheezing;
• an increased effort to breathe;
• greater mucus production; and
• frequent throat clearing.

“Long-term smoking accounts for 80 percent of all COPD cases,” Taylor said. “Sometimes COPD occurs in nonsmokers because of genetics or a prior serious lung infection that caused lung damage.” Other COPD risk factors include exposure to secondhand smoke, the presence of air pollutants at home or work and a history of childhood respiratory infections.

Progressive Damage

COPD develops gradually as lungs are damaged, but symptoms may not emerge for years. The first sign might be a chronic cough. Then you may notice that breathing is more difficult when you exercise or exert yourself. Severe COPD can leave sufferers in constant need for oxygen therapy and possibly a hospital stay. It also may contribute to heart problems and pneumonia.

Preventable and Treatable

The good news is that COPD is a preventable and treatable disease. It starts with taking care of your lungs. At Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital, the goal of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is to help people with lung problems improve their quality of life — one breath at a time.

The program consists of exercise training, education and counseling. Participants learn to:

• reduce their shortness of breath;
• increase endurance;
• decrease stress; and
• reduce hospital admissions.