Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a term used to describe chronic lung conditions, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Patients with COPD often feel breathlessness and experience tiredness and chronic cough with or without mucus. Currently, there is no cure for COPD. However, with the correct diagnosis and treatment, there are many things you can do to ease, control and manage your COPD symptoms.
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two most common conditions contributing to COPD. These two conditions often occur together and can vary in severity.
Chronic bronchitis is inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes or airways. Symptoms of Chronic bronchitis may include breathlessness, a daily cough, and mucus production.
Emphysema is a condition in which the lung tissue becomes damaged due to exposure to cigarette smoke and other irritating gases and particulate matter.
PIH Health’s pulmonary specialists and respiratory therapists are dedicated to helping you manage your COPD.
Diagnosing COPD
PIH Health’s Pulmonary Function Lab offers specialized testing to assess your lung function and provide your doctor with the vital information they will use to develop a personalized COPD management plan.
PIH Health is pleased to offer a comprehensive Lung Cancer Screening Program to patients with a smoking history.
Lung cancer screening is recommended for patients who meet all of the following criteria:
• Age 50 to 80;
• Smoking history equivalent to one pack per day for 20 years; and
• Current smoker or has quit within the last 15 years
Managing COPD
COPD is often managed through a combination of breathing medications. Some medications help prevent your symptoms, called maintenance or controller medications that, are taken daily. Other medications are fast acting and sometimes called rescue medications that are used as needed. The doctor will often prescribe a combination of maintenance and as needed medications to help you manage your symptoms.
Pulmonary Disease Navigator Team
Suppose you do become hospitalized because of your COPD. In that case, you may be seen by one of our Pulmonary Disease Navigators, that will assist you with treatment. In addition, they will provide you with COPD management education to help you better manage your COPD.
COPD Education Videos
English versions:
How to use a Metered Dose Inhaler MDI with Spacer
https://youtu.be/kYZHPZfXgdo
How to use a Dry Powder Inhaler DPI
https://youtu.be/tW3nc0DAYsQ
How to use a Respimat Inhaler
https://youtu.be/CfXWIz9ozqY
How to use a Jet Nebulizer
https://youtu.be/bPfpG8QXI4M
How to perform Pursed Lip Breathing
https://youtu.be/ggoP28Z4DRk
Spanish versions:
Cómo usar un inhalador de dosis medida MDI
https://youtu.be/aAjzPQj4wno
Cómo usar un inhalador de polvo seco DPI
https://youtu.be/lg94mwDY2NA
Cómo usar un Inhalador Respimat
https://youtu.be/WveNonVoxr4
Cómo usar un Nebulizador Jet
https://youtu.be/492AasFnnsw
Cómo realizar la respiración con los labios fruncidos
https://youtu.be/I0YRUXQi2Hg
Smoking Cessation
Smoking is the biggest risk factor to developing COPD and or lung cancer. If you are ready quit smoking and decrease your risk, PIH Health offers a free smoking cessation program to the community. For more information, contact PIH Health Respiratory Services at QuitSmoking@PIHHealth.org or 562.698.0811 Ext. 12549.
