home
RSS
March 16th, 2011
10:30 AM ET

What should I expect after COPD diagnosis?

Every weekday, a CNNHealth expert doctor answers a viewer question. On Wednesdays, it's Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer at the American Cancer Society.

Question asked by Pamela of Nashville, Tennessee:

I just learned that I have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema. Can you tell me about it and what the prognosis is? I also have coronary artery disease and have had stents placed.

Expert answer:

Dear Pamela,

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a disease that truly negatively affects quality of life. Patients with COPD are prone to asthma-like wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing that can occur in episodes caused by chromic inflammation. They're also prone to viral and bacterial infections.

It is the fourth most common cause of death in the United States, killing an estimated 120,000 people each year.

While COPD is most noted for episodes of shortness of breath and wheezing, the disease is typically slowly progressive and persistent. Medical treatment can be successful in relieving symptoms and reducing the severity of exacerbations.

Treatment is with inhaled bronchodilators, steroids to reduce inflammation and other oral medications.

Breathing problems? Check them with this test

Early diagnosis and good treatment are important as they can reduce the number and severity of exacerbations and prolong survival. Some people can live with this condition for several decades.

More than 80% of patients with COPD have a history of cigarette smoking. A few patients have it because of chemical inhalation exposure. Most are overweight or obese. Weight loss can also occur in severe COPD and is a sign of severe disease with a poor prognosis.

At one time, we distinguished different types of COPD, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. All patients with COPD have an element of each, although one component will usually predominate in the individual patient.

Chronic bronchitis is defined by a chronic cough that produces sputum. Emphysema is defined by enlargement and destruction of the airspaces in the lung.

When the physician examines a patient with very severe COPD one finds decreased breath sounds, wheezes, crackles at the lungs, and distant heart sounds. The patient's diaphragm in limited in movement, meaning the patient cannot take in deep breaths. In extremely severe disease, the chest size is increased.

Patients lean forward to use all the muscles of the chest and neck to bring air in. COPD can progress to cause heart failure, as the right side of the heart cannot pump blood into the damaged lungs.

Could your job be hurting your lungs?

Physicians use pulmonary function tests to assess the severity of COPD. These are tests to measure how fast it take a patient to fully exhale air, how much air he can exhale in one second, how much air he can inhale. X-ray and especially CT scans can also be used to assess damage to the lungs.

The arterial blood gases are a series of blood tests to determine how much oxygen and carbon dioxide is in the blood. As the disease worsens oxygenation goes down and carbon dioxide levels rise. Blood gas abnormalities acutely worsen during COPD exacerbations and often worsen during exercise and sleep.

Because most patients have a significant smoking history, most patients have many of the other illnesses associated with smoking, especially cardiovascular disease. These patients also have high risk for smoking related malignancies.

Unfortunately, poor lung function often interferes with or prevents treatment of the other diseases.

 


soundoff (2,933 Responses)
  1. Khalilah Lazar

    Great post.|

    https://www.deviantart.com/cracksetup1122

    February 4, 2021 at 09:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. Tree trimming Ahwatukee AZ

    Keep Posting, I really enjoyed this! Beaver Tree Services, 2545 N 29th Pl, Phoenix, AZ 85008; (602) 671-0226

    https://goo.gl/maps/ymGC5gevqg4c2ihWA

    February 4, 2021 at 11:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. Christian Nkomo

    Great blog! Do you have any hints for aspiring writers? I'm hoping to start my own website soon but I'm a little lost on everything. Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I'm totally overwhelmed .. Any tips? Cheers!|

    https://stagestage62.werite.net/post/2021/01/13/Must-Read-If-There-Is-Colic-Baby-How-To-Deal-With-The-Stress-Of-Colic

    February 4, 2021 at 12:33 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. Suk Lee

    Having read this I believed it was extremely enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this short article together. I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!|

    https://doodleordie.com/profile/boyette62boye

    February 4, 2021 at 12:33 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. Hiram Wonderling

    What a data of un-ambiguity and preserveness of precious experience on the topic of unpredicted emotions.|

    https://pbase.com/topics/hatfieldbergmann7/alternative_female_hair_loss

    February 4, 2021 at 12:33 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. Orville Navin

    First of all I want to say excellent blog! I had a quick question that I'd like to ask if you don't mind. I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your head before writing. I have had trouble clearing my mind in getting my ideas out. I truly do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or tips? Thanks!|

    https://wanelo.co/davenporthu8

    February 4, 2021 at 12:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. Kia Hreha

    Howdy! I just would like to give you a big thumbs up for the excellent information you have here on this post. I'll be coming back to your website for more soon.|

    https://www.wattpad.com/user/filtenborg01qu

    February 4, 2021 at 12:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. Tory Rineer

    This is the right blog for anyone who hopes to find out about this topic. You realize a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a topic which has been discussed for a long time. Wonderful stuff, just great!|

    https://www.allrecipes.com/cook/28798683/

    February 4, 2021 at 12:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. brad crawford

    After years of working in construction and smoking cigarettes,I was diagnosed with COPD and pulmonary fibrosis. As my illness progressed, I found myself  relying on supplemental oxygen around the clock. Even getting out of bed became a challenge.My doctors and specialists recommended a lung transplant, but after researching the pros and cons of such a drastic procedure, I decided to try something less invasive. I contacted multivitamincare .org for organic natural treatment . Following the COPD and pulmonary fibrosis herbal treatment procedure , my lung function has improved dramatically after my first four weeks of the herbal formula .My quality of life has gotten a lot better. I was amazed that I could breathe without any dead air. I no longer need oxygen and look forward to continued improvement because a specialist told me already I have a 99% chance of getting my condition totally due to the herbal treatment effectiveness . If you or someone you love has COPD, pulmonary fibrosis or another chronic lung disease, and would like to see improvements like mine they even guarantee me totally cure once the treatment is done , contact multivitamincare .org today Call (or SMS): +1 (786) 544-5148

    February 4, 2021 at 13:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. Woodrow Hoisington

    hey there and thank you for your info – I have definitely picked up something new from right here. I did however expertise a few technical issues using this web site, since I experienced to reload the site lots of times previous to I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK? Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will very frequently affect your placement in google and can damage your high-quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I'm adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for much more of your respective intriguing content. Make sure you update this again soon.|

    http://flightgear.jpn.org/userinfo.php?uid=17020

    February 4, 2021 at 15:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. Wilmer Berninger

    Hi my loved one! I wish to say that this article is amazing, nice written and include almost all vital infos. I'd like to peer extra posts like this .|

    https://www.awwwards.com/shoaib-bhaai/favorites

    February 4, 2021 at 15:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. Lina Konopka

    Having read this I thought it was really informative. I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this article together. I once again find myself personally spending way too much time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!|

    https://picsart.com/u/asfandyarsohail4

    February 4, 2021 at 15:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. Sherwood Leydecker

    Today, while I was at work, my sister stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a thirty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!|

    https://www.manyvids.com/Profile/1000478189/vngflgrl/About/

    February 4, 2021 at 15:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. Meta Ianni

    It's not my first time to go to see this site, i am visiting this web site dailly and get pleasant information from here daily.|

    https://www.kongregate.com/accounts/cracksetup1122

    February 4, 2021 at 15:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. Sam Kaja

    I'm extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout for your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it your self? Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it's rare to look a nice blog like this one today..|

    https://answers.opencv.org/users/446189/newcracks1122/

    February 4, 2021 at 21:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. Otha Witkus

    Hey there this is kind of of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I'm starting a blog soon but have no coding know-how so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!|

    http://www.lambdafind.com/link/651620/https-thecracksetup-com

    February 4, 2021 at 21:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. Erwin Bukrim

    I like the helpful information you provide in your articles. I'll bookmark your weblog and check again right here regularly. I am slightly certain I'll be informed a lot of new stuff proper here! Good luck for the following!|

    https://itsmyurls.com/cracksetup1122

    February 4, 2021 at 21:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. Laurice Fletcher

    It's remarkable to pay a visit this web page and reading the views of all friends concerning this paragraph, while I am also eager of getting familiarity.|

    https://www.meneame.net/user/cracksetup1122

    February 4, 2021 at 21:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. Jarrett Fiducia

    This site really has all of the information I needed concerning this subject and didn't know who to ask. |

    https://fstoppers.com/profile/335574

    February 4, 2021 at 21:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. Vernetta Brookes

    I will immediately clutch your rss feed as I can not to find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you've any? Kindly allow me recognise so that I may just subscribe. Thanks.|

    https://fancy.com/asfandiloveyou22

    February 4, 2021 at 21:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. Elwood Howatt

    Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular article! It's the little changes that produce the most significant changes. Many thanks for sharing!|

    https://articlescad.com/choosing-among-the-htc-rhyme-and-the-apple-iphone-402889.html

    February 4, 2021 at 22:22 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. Samual Zellmann

    Every weekend i used to visit this website, for the reason that i want enjoyment, for the reason that this this web page conations genuinely pleasant funny material too.|

    https://topsitenet.com/article/847421-5-for-spring-clean-your-life/

    February 4, 2021 at 22:22 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. Gail Schwalen

    I pay a visit daily a few web sites and information sites to read articles, however this website presents quality based articles.|

    https://smidtsinger2.werite.net/post/2021/01/13/Post-Menopause-And-Candida-Albicans-Could-We-Handle-Candida-On-This

    February 4, 2021 at 22:22 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. Broderick Shepheard

    It's really a cool and useful piece of information. I am satisfied that you shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.|

    https://deckerdecker8.bladejournal.com/post/2021/01/18/Top-5-Hot-Frauds-Getting-Your-App-Featured-In-Apple-App-Store

    February 4, 2021 at 22:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. Berna Trivitt

    Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! However, how could we communicate?|

    https://www.ted.com/profile

    February 4, 2021 at 22:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. Jenell Chernich

    Simply wish to say your article is as surprising. The clarity on your publish is just excellent and i could assume you're knowledgeable in this subject. Well together with your permission allow me to grab your feed to stay up to date with drawing close post. Thank you 1,000,000 and please continue the rewarding work.|

    http://www.docspal.com/viewer?id=-

    February 4, 2021 at 22:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. Alonzo Lariosa

    Hey there! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this page to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!|

    https://yugustafsson6.werite.net/post/2021/01/13/We-only-need-to-have-the-faith-of-a-particular-mustard-seed,-as-we-told-by-Jesus.-You-don-t-always-need-to-have-cooling-off-period-a-new-consequence-of-anger.-They-don-t-even-need-think-about-that-before-they-give-it.

    February 5, 2021 at 01:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. Fe Mccrosky

    What's Happening i'm new to this, I stumbled upon this I've discovered It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I am hoping to contribute & assist different customers like its helped me. Great job.|

    https://reedreed36.bladejournal.com/post/2021/01/15/Guarantee-An-Extra-Date-How-In-Order-To-Him-Ask-You-Out-Again

    February 5, 2021 at 01:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. Lucio Lester

    Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the images on this blog loading? I'm trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it's the blog. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.|

    https://www.file-upload.com/awi7x8yege5u

    February 5, 2021 at 01:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. Lincoln Lizarrago

    Excellent post! We are linking to this particularly great content on our site. Keep up the great writing.|

    https://www.openstreetmap.org/user/Tobin20Marker

    February 5, 2021 at 01:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. Chanelle Inniss

    Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers? I'm kinda paranoid about losing everything I've worked hard on. Any tips?|

    https://ccm.net/profile/user/youngbradley16

    February 5, 2021 at 01:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. William Serravalli

    Good way of describing, and pleasant paragraph to get information regarding my presentation focus, which i am going to present in school.|

    http://ge.tt/5x8JOWA3/v/0

    February 5, 2021 at 01:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. Tracey Tall

    Hi to every , because I am in fact keen of reading this webpage's post to be updated regularly. It contains good stuff.|

    https://www.wattpad.com/user/koldingsunesen

    February 5, 2021 at 11:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. Judson Montore

    Pretty! This was an incredibly wonderful post. Many thanks for supplying these details.|

    https://wanelo.co/dalrymplemcdaniel8

    February 5, 2021 at 11:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. Velia Giovanetti

    Hey! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow you if that would be ok. I'm undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.|

    https://articlescad.com/love-handle-exercises-best-exercises-to-throw-away-them-426520.html

    February 5, 2021 at 11:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. Phil Morland

    I'm gone to say to my little brother, that he should also visit this website on regular basis to obtain updated from newest reports.|

    https://dailyuploads.net/wpmua94jzspx

    February 5, 2021 at 11:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. Samual Weller

    I enjoy reading through an article that can make men and women think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!|

    https://www.allrecipes.com/cook/28799018/

    February 5, 2021 at 11:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. zipper pouch insert

    With havin a whole lot content and articles do you encounter any problems of plagorism or copyright infringement?
    My website has a lot of exclusive content I've either
    authored myself or outsourced nevertheless
    it seems like a lot of it is popping it all over the web
    without my permission. Have you figured out any ways to
    aid reduce content from being stolen? I'd genuinely appreciate
    it.

    Here is my web site: zipper pouch insert

    February 5, 2021 at 11:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. Jaime Masello

    Really no matter if someone doesn't know then its up to other visitors that they will assist, so here it happens.|

    https://hellocrack.com/avs-audio-editor-crack/

    February 5, 2021 at 17:33 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. Abram Alsdon

    Outstanding post however , I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject? I'd be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Kudos!|

    https://crackpropc.com/vso-downloader-crack/

    February 5, 2021 at 17:33 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. Daniela Zanardi

    Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for supplying this information.|

    https://homecracks.com/idrive-crack/

    February 5, 2021 at 17:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. John Boulerice

    Hello there, I discovered your site by the use of Google whilst searching for a similar subject, your web site came up, it seems great. I've bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

    https://crackpropc.com/avocode-crack/

    February 5, 2021 at 17:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. Slyvia Dishinger

    Thanks to my father who told me about this webpage, this webpage is truly awesome.|

    https://homecracks.com/corel-videostudio-pro-ultimate-crack/

    February 5, 2021 at 17:39 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. Daron Meng

    If some one needs expert view regarding blogging and site-building afterward i recommend him/her to visit this blog, Keep up the nice job.|

    https://www79.zippyshare.com/v/p6oZP6QN/file.html

    February 5, 2021 at 20:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. Elenora Briden

    Fine way of telling, and pleasant paragraph to obtain facts regarding my presentation topic, which i am going to convey in university.|

    https://uberant.com/article/1079189-nokia-e5-a-smartphone-everyday-life/

    February 5, 2021 at 20:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. Thaddeus Galinol

    Useful information. Lucky me I found your web site by accident, and I am stunned why this twist of fate did not came about in advance! I bookmarked it.|

    https://vimeo.com/marshallburke76

    February 5, 2021 at 20:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. Coy Meinecke

    What's up, I read your blogs regularly. Your writing style is witty, keep up the good work!|

    https://dreyercarstensen2.mystrikingly.com/

    February 5, 2021 at 20:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. Victor Sterns

    Hey there! I'm at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the excellent work!|

    https://www.artfire.com/ext/people/jacobsmosley85twbfxi743146647

    February 5, 2021 at 20:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. Rory Rebeiro

    Wonderful blog! Do you have any tips for aspiring writers? I'm hoping to start my own blog soon but I'm a little lost on everything. Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I'm completely confused .. Any suggestions? Thanks a lot!|

    https://penzu.com/p/7e47461a

    February 5, 2021 at 20:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. Angelyn Senne

    I like the helpful information you provide to your articles. I'll bookmark your weblog and test again right here frequently. I am reasonably certain I will be told a lot of new stuff proper here! Best of luck for the next!|

    https://homecracks.com/keyshot-pro-crack-mac/

    February 5, 2021 at 21:16 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59

Leave a Reply to kgf


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.