COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of long-term lung diseases that make it hard to breathe. Airflow through the airways leading to and within the lungs is partially blocked, resulting in difficulty breathing. As the disease progresses, breathing becomes more difficult, and it may become hard to carry out everyday activities. Although COPD can be managed, it cannot be cured at this time.
COPD is most often caused by smoking.
Nearly everyone with COPD (80-90 percent) has been a long-term smoker, and research supports the fact that smoking cigarettes increases the risk of developing COPD. At least 10-15% of long-term smokers develop COPD with symptoms; some studies indicate up to 50 percent of long-term smokers older than age 45 develop COPD. This may be in part due to inherited and exposure factors that can affect your risk of developing COPD.
Other lung irritants inhaled over a long period of time – such as industrial dust and chemical fumes – are also thought to cause COPD. Other factors that may make you more likely to develop COPD include a family history of COPD, a low birth weight and repeated lung infections.
For more information on pulmonary and respiratory care at Northwest Health - La Porte, please call (219) 326-2396.