COPD

The main symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and a reduced ability to perform physical activities. As the condition becomes worse, the ability to breathe can become more difficult, and your energy will decrease even more. You can also experience immense weight loss, and COPD can affect your heart function.

The most common cause of COPD is cigarette smoking. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are common forms of COPD that result in swelling in the lungs’ airways and can destroy structures in the lungs.

First we’ll perform a detailed health history and physical examination. Then we’ll conduct tests that may include a breathing test, chest X-ray, high-resolution computerized tomography scan, and/or pulmonary function testing.

The most important thing you can do is to quit smoking, if you haven’t already. We can also prescribe medications to help your breathing, and respiratory therapy to show you how to optimize your breath.

If you have severe COPD, you may need a breathing tube, breathing device, lung reduction surgery, or lung transplant surgery.