Symptoms & Treatment Of Copd

By Author: Make healtheasy
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COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a disease of the lungs which has no complete cure. There are two types of COPD - Chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Often, both these conditions occur together. These diseases separately or collectively are known as COPD. The disease causes damage to the lungs which makes breathing difficult. Those who smoke excessively are at a greater risk of contracting this disease. In addition, people exposed to lung irritants like chemical fumes, polluted air, occupational dust are also likely to contract this disease. Although all sorts of medications for COPD are available, they fall short of completely curing the disease. Therefore, it is very important to be on the lookout for symptoms of COPD and go in for proper diagnosis and treatment before it's too late. People exposed to hazardous environments while working in mines or in chemical factories are also at an increased risk of getting this disease. Patients suffering from an advanced stage of COPD are left breathless even while performing moderate physical activities.

Depending ...
... on the different levels of severity related to the disease COPD has four stages: At risk, mild, moderate and severe. In its initial stages, COPD causes a minimal shortness of breath along with cough and excess sputum. If detected in its early stages, the disease can be brought under control by immediately stopping tobacco consumption. In case of failure in detecting the disease in its earlier stage, the lungs are affected are reduced in their functionality to about fifty percent of normal working. Treatment of COPD becomes necessary from this stage onwards. The lungs are tested with a spirometer and medications in the form of inhalers are usually prescribed. Medications for COPD involve bronchodilators that help regain normal breath. Anti inflammatory medicines or other medications in the form of inhalers often provide relief to COPD patients. For severe COPD cases oxygen therapy gives substantial relief. The patient is given supplemental oxygen in this type of therapy. Surgery is the last option if the severity of the disease is of a serious nature. This type of treatment is not at all desirable but is acted upon as a last resort.

Natural treatments of COPD involve breathing and relaxation techniques, which is a combination of deep breathing, meditation, release tenseness of muscles and thinking positively by replacing negative thoughts. Following moderate exercising techniques like walking or picking up books reduces effects of stress from the body and gradually renders strength to COPD patients. Exercise helps in alleviating and controlling symptoms of COPD. Pulmonary rehabilitation has proven beneficial to COPD patients. It involves four types of exercises: Stretching exercises, aerobic exercises, strengthening exercises and breathing exercises. This therapy renders lasting improvements in quality and expectancy of life, improved breathing, good levels of energy and decrease in symptoms. In addition, rehab exercises also promote activeness in patients. As a result the body uses oxygen in an efficient way which helps in relaxed sleeping. These rehab exercises should be done by seeking help from a professional as one can also get specific advice related to COPD as well as encouragement and support during therapy sessions. It is bad news to be diagnosed with COPD. But, an early identification helps in managing the symptoms of COPD and improves our chances of leading a better quality of life.