Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is an umbrella term used for a group of obstructive airway disorders which can make it difficult for you to breath.

COPD consists of a combination of the following diseases:

• Emphysema - progressive disease of the lungs in which lung tissue is destroyed
• Chronic bronchitis - long term coughing with mucus production

COPD is often caused by smoking and damage is permanent even after a person stops smoking.

Symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• Chronic cough; and an
• Expanded chest.

COPD may be identified by common Respiratory assessment such as Spirometry and Comprehensive Lung Function Testing.

There is no cure for COPD but if you quit smoking this will slow the diseases progress.

Treatment for COPD may include medicines, vaccines, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy and surgery.

For more information please contact us.