COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a disease of the lungs that makes it hard to breathe, which gets worse over time. The most common cause of COPD is smoking. COPD is currently the third leading cause of death in the US.
Smoking cigarettes is the most common way for people to develop COPD, although only about 25% of chronic smokers develop it in their lifetime. Other forms of irritants can cause COPD as well, including smoking cigars and pipes, second hand smoke, pollution, exposure to dust, smoke or fumes, and smoking e-cigarettes (also called vaping).
The most important step in treating COPD is getting rid of whatever caused it in the first place, usually to quit smoking.
While there is currently no cure for COPD, there are many medications used to help patients with COPD, both inhaled and oral.
People with COPD can take a number of steps to help them feel better. These include; controlling their breathing, clearing their airways, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding smoke and other pollutants, and visiting their doctor regularly.
If you would like to find out more about the COPD research trials currently being conducted at ActivMed’s Methuen MA and Newington NH offices, please click here.
Written by Tori Stubbs