COPD Related Symptoms Can Be Treated
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it increasingly difficult for you to breathe.

Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two main conditions that make up COPD, but COPD can also refer to damage caused by chronic asthmatic bronchitis. In all cases, damage to your airways eventually interferes with the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your lungs.

Causes

In the vast majority of cases, the lung damage that leads to COPD is caused by long-term cigarette smoking. But other irritants can cause COPD, including cigar smoke, secondhand smoke, pipe smoke, air pollution and certain occupational fumes. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which occurs when stomach acids wash back up into your esophagus, can aggravate COPD and may even cause it in some people.

In rare cases, COPD results from a genetic disorder that causes low levels of a protein called alpha-1-antitrypsin.

There is no cure for COPD, and you cannot undo the damage to your lungs. But COPD treatments can control symptoms, reduce your risk of complications and exacerbations, and improve your ability to lead an active life. It is not known what role exposure to secondhand smoke plays in COPD, but avoid it whenever possible.

Western Medicine Treatment

Smoking cessation. The most essential step in any treatment plan for smokers with COPD is to stop all smoking. It is the only way to keep COPD from getting worse -- which can eventually result in losing your ability to breathe.

Bronchodilators. These medications -- which usually come in an inhaler -- relax the muscles around your airways. This can help relieve coughing and shortness of breath and make breathing easier. Depending on the severity of your disease, you may need a short-acting bronchodilator before activities, a long-acting bronchodilator that you use every day, or both.

Inhaled steroids. Inhaled corticosteroid medications can reduce airway inflammation and help you breathe better. But prolonged use of these medications can weaken your bones and increase your risk of high blood pressure, cataracts and diabetes. They are usually reserved for people with moderate or severe COPD.

Antibiotics. Respiratory infections, such as acute bronchitis, pneumonia and influenza, can aggravate COPD symptoms. Antibiotics can help fight bacterial infections, but are only recommended when necessary.

Oxygen therapy. If there is not enough oxygen in your blood, you may need supplemental oxygen. Pulmonary rehabilitation program. These programs typically combine education, exercise training, nutrition advice and counseling.

Adopted from Wei Laboratories, Inc.