COPD Symptoms and Treatment Options
A prolonged lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third most common cause of death in the United States. However, you can take steps to effectively reduce your risk and protect your health.
The board-certified primary care providers at Beaufort Memorial can diagnose and treat COPD. Find a primary care provider accepting new patients.
COPD Causes
COPD is typically caused by exposure to indoor air pollutants, such as cigarette smoke. Smokers are at the greatest risk. Roughly 85% to 90% of people living with COPD smoke or have smoked cigarettes, which leads to narrowed airway passages, swollen air tubes and damaged air sacs.
Ongoing exposure to air pollutants, such as chemicals, dust, fumes and secondhand smoke, can also lead to COPD. Additionally, a genetic condition known as alpha-1 deficiency can lead to a rare form of COPD known as alpha-1 deficiency-related emphysema.
COPD Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of COPD include:
- Blue lips and fingernail beds
- Chronic cough
- Fatigue
- Frequent infections of the respiratory system
- Phlegm
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
If you experience these symptoms, talk to your primary care provider. Early detection and treatment can help you manage COPD successfully.
People with COPD can have exacerbations, in which typical COPD symptoms worsen. These exacerbations are caused by bacterial or viral illnesses, allergies, or inhaled irritants and cause the airways to become inflamed. Symptoms of an exacerbation include:
- Changes in the color or amount of sputum (fluid in your respiratory tract)
- Cough that becomes more severe or frequent
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue
- Greater-than-normal shortness of breath during daily activities
- Headache and/or confusion when waking
- Lower-than-normal oxygen levels
COPD Stages
COPD may be divided into the following stages:
- Stage I — Mild COPD is associated with a minor amount of damage to the lungs and may cause no symptoms or shortness of breath during exercise.
- Stage II — Moderate COPD means the condition has progressed and may cause more noticeable symptoms.
- Stages III and IV — Severe and very severe COPD result in frequent and serious symptoms.
COPD Treatment
COPD treatment plans focus on improving lung function. Smoking cessation for those who still use tobacco products is essential.
Beaufort Memorial offers smokers the support and resources they need to help them quit smoking.
Additional treatments may include pulmonary rehabilitation, supplemental oxygen therapy and, in more severe cases, lung surgery. Medications known as oral corticosteroids may be recommended. Complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage and yoga may also help.
If you have an exacerbation, those options may change. COPD exacerbation treatment may require antibiotics to treat an infection, as well as inhalers or steroid medications. Severe exacerbations may require going to a hospital, where you may receive supplemental oxygen therapy. Because they can be fatal, exacerbations should be identified and treated as early as possible.
Your primary care provider is a helpful ally in treating and managing COPD, so you can avoid its complications and enjoy a high quality of life.