Articles Index
Diagnosis of COPD
A diagnosis 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.
Facts About Oxygen Therapy
There are many benefits to oxygen therapy, especially if you have COPD or other chronic diseases. Learn the benefits of supplemental oxygen and why oxygen safety tips are important.
COPD and Heart Failure
Many people with COPD also have heart disease and/or heart failure. Discover why these conditions often co-exist, and how having both can impact your prognosis.
What is COPD?
COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a lung disease characterized by a blockage of the airways that makes it hard to breathe. Learn the facts about COPD, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this lung disease and how to quit smoking.
4 Lung Changes Associated With COPD
Changes in the lungs caused by COPD are responsible for the varying degrees of COPD symptoms. Find out more about changes in the lungs that occur because of the COPD disease process.
The Health Risks of Secondhand Smoke
Passive smoking, or secondhand smoke is harmful to all. Secondhand smoke causes an increased risk of respiratory illness, heart disease, lung cancer and asthma. Secondhand smoke worsens symptoms of COPD.
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.
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.
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.
COPD Complications: Secondary Polycythemia
Secondary polycythemia is acquired from a rare disorder that causes the body to produce an increased amount of red blood cells. It is one of the complications of COPD. Secondary polycythemia is caused by an excessive production of ethyropoietin, a hormone that is responsible for red blood cell production.
Treatment of Alpha-1 Antitrysin (AAT) Deficiency
Treatment of AAT deficiency is primarily based on replacement therapy. Find out more about treatment of Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Diagnosis of Alpha-1-antitrypsin Deficiency
A simple blood test will point doctors toward a diagnosis of Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. Learn more about AAT deficiency and how it relates to emphysema.
Antioxidants
The link between antioxidants and COPD is becoming increasingly more evident. Learn more about antioxidants and COPD.
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.
Exercise and COPD
Learning about exercise and COPD is important. Learn the basics of exercising with COPD, including types of exercise, how to breathe during exercise, how to use the dyspnea scale and signs of overexertion during exercise.
The Importance of Flu Shots in COPD
Annual flu shots can help prevent COPD exacerbation. Learn more about the flu shot, who should get a flu shot, risk factors of flu shots and when you should get a flu shot for COPD exacerbation prevention.
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.
COPD: The Heat Is On
Extreme heat can cause people with COPD to have an increased level of shortness of breath which can lead to COPD complications. Learn how to beat the summer heat and avoid COPD complications.
Obstructive and Restrictive Lung Diseases
When comparing the differences between obstructive versus restrictive lung diseases, spirometry plays an important, diagnostic role. Learn more about how doctors determine which is which.
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.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation is becoming widely recognized as an essential part of a COPD treatment plan.
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. Learn more about what spirometry test results mean and how to interpret spirometry tests.
COPD and Anesthesia: Is it Safe?
The combination of COPD and anesthesia can be risky. Learn more about understanding the risks of anesthesia and COPD.
COPD Pathophysiology
COPD pathophysiology is not completely understood, but is characterized by degeneration and destruction of the lungs and their supporting tissue. Learn more about COPD pathyphysiology and how your lungs work.
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.