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March 13, 2007
COPD: Learn More Breathe Better
Millions of Americans are at risk for a disease many may not have heard of, or that it has a specific name. But 11.4 million Americans, primarily former smokers, have COPD—Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease—and another 12 million likely have it and don’t even know it.
COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, most often occurs in people 40 and over and are smokers or former smokers. But environmental exposures (certain chemicals, dust, or fumes in the workplace, secondhand smoke, and other air pollutants) and genetic factors also play a role in COPD.
Symptoms
What should you look for, and when should you be concerned? In short, don’t ignore any change in your health. Talk to your doctor! COPD develops slowly and can worsen over time. Be sure to report any symptoms, no matter how mild they may seem, to your doctor.
If you think someone you love may be experiencing COPD symptoms, urge them to talk to their doctor!
Symptoms include:
The American Lung Association’s COPD Center provides extensive resources for patients and caregivers. For more information about our COPD programs or to speak with a registered nurse or respiratory therapist, please call our Lung Helpline at 1-800-LUNG-USA.
With the goal of earlier diagnosis and treatment for people with COPD, the American Lung Association has joined with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute to promote its Learn More Breathe Better campaign (www.learnaboutcopd.org).
Pam’s Story:
We know how COPD can affect individuals’ and families’ lives. The story of Pam, who lives in Idaho, illustrates the “before and after” of diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and education. The American Lung Association is working to prevent this type of story from unfolding again and again.
Pam, 56, endured a long, painful path to her diagnosis of COPD. A former smoker, Pam would get acute bronchitis two or three times each year since her late 40s. Then, as her shortness of breath got worse and she was unable to do the things she used to do, a doctor told her she might have “COPD”. She was told to quit smoking and that was it. Pam searched for more information, but couldn’t get the answers to her questions. In 2003, Pam became dreadfully ill, could not breathe and was rushed to the Emergency Room. The attending physician put her on oxygen and ordered testing of her lung function. At age 53, she was diagnosed with emphysema.
Finally, Pam received proper medical management. But she continued to struggle with the disease, becoming more debilitated and needing to go on full-time oxygen. Pam and her husband were both affected by this disease, living in constant fear and anxiety, Pam became hopeless. Since late 2003, though, Pam has become a regular member of the American Lung Association’s Better Breathers Club, through which she has gotten the information and support she desperately needs. Now Pam tells us that she has learned how to manage her COPD, and is able to accept the disease, no longer ashamed or afraid. Most important, she is able to get out and enjoy life again. Her husband has learned how he can be a supportive caregiver. She has returned to work part-time and has begun horseback-riding.
Now, for every Pam who has been diagnosed, there is likely one other person who has not, there are untold numbers who are not receiving the right care and support, and there are thousands whose activities are severely limited, who are isolated and fearful, who frequently need to go to emergency rooms and hospitals...all at a huge cost in terms of human suffering in addition to the billions of dollars annually that you heard about earlier.
We know and the evidence shows that where chronic disease is concerned, the earlier the diagnosis, the better the chance for reducing serious disability. That means reducing the human suffering, the costs to their families and to society and a much improved quality of life. Early diagnosis and better management can only come about when all Americans are familiar with the term COPD, what causes it, and how to seek help and how to manage it.
Posted by lungblogposter at 09:28 AM | Comments (4)
