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by Barb Keck
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term, slow progressive lung disease that develops due to low oxygen levels in the bloodstream. It affects mostly people that smoke, making breathing difficult, along with coughing and wheezing. Forms of COPD include emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
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When it comes to emphysema, the disorder destroys the tiny air sacs in the lungs, making the lungs incapable of exchanging oxygen for carbon dioxide. Common symptoms are coughing, wheezing and excess mucous production.
Bronchitis is defined as a long-term inflammation of the bronchi, stimulating the production of mucous within the airways. Symptoms of the disorder include frequent shortness of breath, appearance of blue lips and swelling of the feet.
Approximately 30 million people in the United States live with COPD, but only 16 million know that they have it.
A lack of awareness leaves many COPD sufferers misdiagnosed. When awareness of COPD is increased, diagnosis can be improved in the earlier stages of the disease.
Learn more about COPD symptoms, how you can prevent the breathing disorder, what kind of tests to take and ways to treat it.
For further reading:
The Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema Handbook A highly recommended in depth book on COPD. An excellent book that covers in detail, the disease, medication and natural remedies to manage COPD – their pros and cons, and how to live and cope with the various stages of COPD.
Other articles you may find interesting:
- COPD Causes, Symptoms and Tests
- Prevention of COPD
- Treatment of COPD
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