COPD Specialist

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of progressive lung diseases, typically caused by smoking, that results in persistent shortness of breath. These diseases include:

Emphysema

Emphysema is a lung condition that develops when the air sacs or alveoli of the lungs become damaged and can’t absorb oxygen efficiently.

Damaged alveoli also result in the stretching out of the lungs, causing air to become trapped and making it difficult to breathe.

Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is a condition that develops when damage occurs to the bronchial tubes due to inflammation. As a result of chronic bronchitis, it becomes difficult to breathe, and a persistent cough develops that lasts for three months or longer.

Damaged bronchial tubes also make it harder to move mucus up and out of the lungs, causing additional health complications as mucus builds up.

Refractory (nonreversible) asthma

Refractory asthma is a type of asthma that standard medications cannot treat. These medications, by design, quickly reduce inflammation in the airways to improve breathing. In this type of asthma, medications aren’t effective at relieving asthma inflammation.

What are the symptoms of COPD?

Shortness of breath is a hallmark symptom of COPD. You can also develop COPD-related symptoms like:

• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Breathlessness
• Coughing with or without mucus

These symptoms can get progressively worse if left untreated, and you may be prone to more frequent infections of the respiratory system.

How is COPD diagnosed?

To diagnose COPD and rule out other types of lung condition, your Verma Health provider reviews your symptoms, your personal and family medical history, and your history of smoking. If you work in a job that involves frequent exposure to fumes, dust, or smoke, your Verma Health physician also needs to review your exposure history.

Your provider may request tests, like spirometry, to evaluate how air flows to and from your lungs or a chest X-ray to evaluate your lung health.

What treatments are available for COPD?

If you smoke, Dr. Verma can provide resources to help you quit successfully.

Whether your COPD stems from smoking or another cause, you may need medications to open your airways and make breathing easier. If you experience severe shortness of breath, you may need oxygen therapy to help you stay active.

Your Verma Health physician can work with you on other lifestyle changes to help you enjoy a high quality of life, such as improving your diet, getting daily exercise, and making necessary changes to your life to support your condition.

If you have symptoms of COPD or need help managing your COPD condition, schedule a consultation at Verma Health by calling the office today or by requesting an appointment online now.