CONVERSATION ABOUT HEALTH & DISABILITIES
COPD
Unfortunately, we are all becoming all too familiar with diseases and conditions that comprimises our health and consequently our lifestyles. Fortunately, there are many things that can be done to alleviate symptoms, provide treatments and improve the quality of our lives.
As it happens, my spouse was diagnosed with COPD almost 2 yrs ago after an emergency room visit for shortness of breath. It was the scariest moment I experienced since the birth of our oldest daughter who was diagnosed with CP, seizure disorder and is mentally challenged.
At the emergency room, of course the routine testing was done, a steroid injection given, and many symptom specific tests were performed. EEG, EKG, MRI, Cat Scan and others. Waiting for test results are the worst because it leaves room and time to contemplate on what it could be; not his heart, I said to myself, never had problems with the old ticker, not diabetes 'cuz didn't have any of those symptoms, on and on. Of course, my thoughts would make a 360 back to my first thought....the big C ! He is a long time smoker of at least 2 packs a day; it was a BIG possibility...nah, I thought, pushing negative thoughts in denial and trying to keep him calm.
To make long story short, the test results showed a "shadow" in one of his lungs but it was not the big C! What a relief ! Then the doctor went on... the tests clearly showed he had pneumonia due to the beginning stages of COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonay Disease. At least, it is treatable was all I could say at the moment, not realizing how it could alter our lives in the near feature. He has been hospitalized several times since and has had to quit his job and lives on meds and lots of TLC!
Not possible to explain what COPD is in medical terms on my own, so will resort to info from the Web to let you in on main topics:
Causes of COPD
Smoking causes 80 to 90 percent of all cases of COPD. By quitting smoking, you can reduce the risk for and symptoms of COPD.
Other causes:
* Secondhand smoke
* Exposure to air pollution at work and in the outdoor environment
* Heredity
Symptoms of COPD
Chronic Bronchitis
This disease occurs when the lining of the bronchial tubes becomes inflamed and produces excess mucus that clogs the airways. While many people will suffer a brief episode of acute bronchitis with coughing, chronic bronchitis occurs when a mucus-producing cough lasts for months, or even years.
Emphysema
Many patients with emphysema, a condition caused by the weakening and breaking down of the air sacs at the end of the bronchial tubes, also have chronic bronchitis.
Because many patients with COPD are former or current smokers, diseases associated with smoking (for example, heart disease and cancer) are common. If you still smoke, quit!
COPD may also be associated with decreased bone strength. There are tests your doctor can perform in order to determine whether or not your bones are losing strength.
Additionally, because COPD patients are generally older, they may experience common eye problems like cataracts and glaucoma. Use of inhaled corticosteroids, including ADVAIR DISKUS, may increase your risk. It's a good idea to get regular eye exams.
Tags: copd, smoking
As it happens, my spouse was diagnosed with COPD almost 2 yrs ago after an emergency room visit for shortness of breath. It was the scariest moment I experienced since the birth of our oldest daughter who was diagnosed with CP, seizure disorder and is mentally challenged.
At the emergency room, of course the routine testing was done, a steroid injection given, and many symptom specific tests were performed. EEG, EKG, MRI, Cat Scan and others. Waiting for test results are the worst because it leaves room and time to contemplate on what it could be; not his heart, I said to myself, never had problems with the old ticker, not diabetes 'cuz didn't have any of those symptoms, on and on. Of course, my thoughts would make a 360 back to my first thought....the big C ! He is a long time smoker of at least 2 packs a day; it was a BIG possibility...nah, I thought, pushing negative thoughts in denial and trying to keep him calm.
To make long story short, the test results showed a "shadow" in one of his lungs but it was not the big C! What a relief ! Then the doctor went on... the tests clearly showed he had pneumonia due to the beginning stages of COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonay Disease. At least, it is treatable was all I could say at the moment, not realizing how it could alter our lives in the near feature. He has been hospitalized several times since and has had to quit his job and lives on meds and lots of TLC!
Not possible to explain what COPD is in medical terms on my own, so will resort to info from the Web to let you in on main topics:
Causes of COPD
Smoking causes 80 to 90 percent of all cases of COPD. By quitting smoking, you can reduce the risk for and symptoms of COPD.
Other causes:
* Secondhand smoke
* Exposure to air pollution at work and in the outdoor environment
* Heredity
Symptoms of COPD
Chronic Bronchitis
This disease occurs when the lining of the bronchial tubes becomes inflamed and produces excess mucus that clogs the airways. While many people will suffer a brief episode of acute bronchitis with coughing, chronic bronchitis occurs when a mucus-producing cough lasts for months, or even years.
Emphysema
Many patients with emphysema, a condition caused by the weakening and breaking down of the air sacs at the end of the bronchial tubes, also have chronic bronchitis.
Because many patients with COPD are former or current smokers, diseases associated with smoking (for example, heart disease and cancer) are common. If you still smoke, quit!
COPD may also be associated with decreased bone strength. There are tests your doctor can perform in order to determine whether or not your bones are losing strength.
Additionally, because COPD patients are generally older, they may experience common eye problems like cataracts and glaucoma. Use of inhaled corticosteroids, including ADVAIR DISKUS, may increase your risk. It's a good idea to get regular eye exams.
Tags: copd, smoking
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