Articles Index
Assessing Your Risk for COPD
COPD is on the rise. That's why it's important to detect the disease early in its course. This self-assessment tool will help you find out if you may be at risk for COPD or if your symptoms may be related to something else.
Are You at Risk for COPD?
Are you at risk for COPD? The following risk factors for COPD will help you understand your risk, and help you decide what to do about it.
Is a Clinical Trial Right For You?
A clinical trial can help doctors detect, diagnose and treat many illnesses like COPD. Find out if a clinical trial is right for you with this handy guide to COPD and clinical trials.
COPD Diet: Nutritional Guidelines for Patients With COPD
People who have COPD are often malnourished, so following a COPD diet can help provide the energy they need to breathe better and to perform regular activities of dailiy living. Learn more about the nutritional guidelines for people who have COPD.
Breathing Exercises
Several types of breathing exercises can help you strengthen your diaphragm, relieve shortness of breath and clear your airways. Breathing exercises include diaphragmatic breathing, pursed-lip breathing and controlled coughing. Learn these breathing techniques to help you cope with COPD.
Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary function tests or PFT's are used to help diagnose COPD and other lung diseases. PFT's include spirometry testing, lung diffusion studies and body plethysmography.
BODE Index
The BODE Index is a tool used to help health care professionals predict COPD mortality. Learn what the BODE Index is and how to score yourself.
COPD Life Expectancy
COPD life expectancy may be a topic that many patients don't care to talk about. Actually, there are several key factors associated with COPD life expectancy. Learn what they are and how they are connected to COPD prognosis.
Lung Transplants
Lung transplants may be indicated in the end stages of COPD, if certain criteria apply. See if you qualify for a lung transplant.
Surgical Treatment for COPD
Surgical treatment for COPD includes bullectomy, lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS), and lung transplantation. Although surgery is not for everyeone, all have proven to be important surgical treatments for COPD.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, is a lung disease characterized by a blockage of the airways. This results in a decrease of airflow both into and out of your lungs. Learn the facts about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including information about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this lung disease and how to quit smoking.
AAT Deficiency: The Unsung Cause of Emphysema
AAT deficiency, or Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, is an inherited condition caused by a lack of a protective protein called alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) that is produced by the liver. Eventually, lack of AAT can lead to COPD, specifically emphysema. Learn more about AAT deficiency.
Diagnosis of COPD
Dianosis of COPD is made by history and physical, arterial blood gases (ABGs), complete blood count (CBC), chest xray, CT scan, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), carbon monoxide diffusion capacity, pulse oximetry and sputum culture.
Cor Pulmonale
Cor pulmonale is a complication of COPD in which there is either an enlargement or failure of the right side of the heart. It is caused by a number of chronic lung diseases, including COPD.
10 Steps to Better Indoor Air Quality
You may be surprised to know that even indoor air can be polluted, sometimes more so than outdoor air. And because many people who have COPD spend a great deal of time indoors, improving indoor air quality is especially important.
Diabetes and COPD
Many people with COPD also have diabetes. Learn more about the combination of these two medical problems.
Pain and COPD
Pain is a significant problem in people who have COPD, but, is often under-recognized. Find out more about pain and COPD.
Quit Smoking
Learning to quit smoking is a difficult decision. If you are serious about becoming a person who has finally quit smoking, these 10 quit smoking tips may help. Kick the habit -- for good.
The Pros and Cons of E-Cigarettes
E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices designed to help you quit smoking. They have also stirred up a lot of controversy. Learn the truth about the e-cigarette and see if they are for you.
23 COPD Triggers That May Worsen Your COPD
COPD triggers can greatly impact your quality of life and land you in the hospital. Learn more about COPD triggers and how to avoid them.
Living With COPD
Living with COPD can be challenging. Learn more about living with a chronic lung disease, including tips on safety, breathing, conservation of energy, diet, exercise and travel.
COPD Treatment: There is Hope
COPD treatment includes everything from bronchodilators, steroids, aerosol therapy and antibiotics, to pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, flu shots and quitting smoking. COPD treatment can improve your quality of life and slow down the progress of the disease.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet and COPD
The anti-inflammation diet is an eating plan for life that may help people with COPD feel better. Learn more about the anti-inflammation diet and COPD.
Bacterial Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a lung infection which can occur in patients who have COPD. The risk of acquiring bacterial pneumonia is relatively high, because people with COPD have weakened immune systems. Learn more about pneumonia as it relates to COPD.
What Is a COPD Exacerbation?
Learn more about COPD exacerbation and what causes a COPD exacerbation. Discover signs and symptoms of COPD exacerbation, treatment for COPD exacerbation and how to prevent an exacerbation of COPD.