COPD

What is COPD?

COPD is a group of progressive lung conditions that make breathing difficult. The two main types are:

Emphysema

Emphysema damages the tiny balloon-like air sacs at the end of your airways. When these air sacs break down, they form bigger, floppy spaces that can’t efficiently move oxygen to your blood. 

Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis occurs when the air tubes to your lungs (bronchial tubes) get inflamed and infected. These tubes swell up, creating thick, sticky mucus that blocks the airways.

What are the most common COPD symptoms?

The following COPD symptoms develop gradually and seem like normal aging at first:

• Getting out of breath while doing tasks like climbing stairs
• Coughing up phlegm, especially in the morning
• Hearing a whistling sound when you breathe 
• Feeling like you can't take a deep breath
• Catching chest infections that take weeks to clear up

Amanda and her team use spirometry testing to measure airflow through your lungs and determine how severe your COPD is. This simple test helps them choose the best treatment approach for you.

What causes COPD?

Several factors increase your risk of developing COPD, including:

• Smoking cigarettes 
• Long-term exposure to secondhand smoke
• Breathing industrial chemicals at work
• Air pollution exposure over many years
• Fine dust inhalation in specific jobs
• Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (a genetic condition)

Many people with COPD have smoked or lived around smokers. But some develop it from workplace exposures alone, even if they've never touched a cigarette.

How is COPD treated?

Treatment varies based on disease severity and specific symptoms. Amanda and the team take a whole-body approach combining conventional medicine and lifestyle changes.  Recommended medications and therapies include:

• Bronchodilator inhalers to open airways
• Inhaled steroids to reduce inflammation
• Oxygen therapy for low blood oxygen levels
• Pulmonary rehabilitation programs

Amanda focuses on medications that work effectively with minimal side effects while helping you maintain as much lung function as possible.

Can lifestyle changes help COPD?

Several lifestyle changes help slow COPD’s progression. The best thing you can do is stop smoking if you do. Staying active and investing in nutrition also helps strengthen your lung function.

Specific breathing techniques help you do more without getting winded as fast. Amanda and her team show you these methods and work with you to build them into your daily routine.

Don’t delay COPD testing. Contact Altamont Family Health & Integrative Medicine to schedule your appointment or book online.