WHAT IS COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
CAUSES
- Smoking
- Being exposed to second hand smoke for long periods of time
- Air pollution
- Long term Asthma
- Exposure to dust or chemicals
- Family history of COPD
♦♦♦♦♦
SYMPTOMS
- Chronic cough that doesn’t relate to a cold
- Bringing up mucus
- Vomiting
- Coughing up blood
- Increasing shortness of breath
- Chest tightening
- Wheezing
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
♦♦♦♦♦
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR APPOINTMENT
- Physical exam
- Discuss medical history
- Spirometry - a Lung function test hat measures how much air is moving in and out of the lungs
- Chest x-ray
♦♦♦♦♦
ADDITIONAL TESTS
IF NECESSARY
To help your doctor decide if you need oxygen treatment
- Arterial blood gas test
- Oximetry
To see if heart problems may be causing your shortness of breath
EKG
To assess lung damage
Transfer factor for carbon monoxide test
♦♦♦♦♦
SYMPTOMS
MAY SOMETIMES WORSEN
Harsh symptoms that last for a few days or longer may require
- Antibiotics
- Oral steroids
- Possibly hospitalization.
The sooner COPD is diagnosed,
the sooner you can take steps to slow down the disease
& keep your quality of life for as long as possible.
♦♦♦♦♦
Return to Health Challenges Directory
♦♦♦♦♦
Copyright © 2012 - 2017 KosherWoman.com
All rights reserved
