Respiratory and Pulmonary Care

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is used to describe any long-term, non-reversible damage to the lungs that interferes with normal breathing. Some top causes of COPD are emphysema, asthma and bronchitis. Common symptoms include:

• Mild to severe coughing
• Coughing with mucus
• Breathlessness and lack of energy

While there is no cure, COPD can be managed with medications and healthy lifestyle habits.

Emphysema is a lung disease where the air sacs in the lungs are gradually destroyed. A major symptom is shortness of breath that can occur even while at rest. Other symptoms can include:

• Chronic cough
• Frequent respiratory infections
• A reduced appetite
• Weight loss
• Fatigue

Risk factors include:

• Smoking (the leading cause)
• Aging
• Exposure to secondhand smoke
• Occupational toxins
• Air pollution

While emphysema cannot be cured, you can relieve symptoms and slow progression. It can be managed with:

• Healthy lifestyle habits
• Medications
• Oxygen therapy
• Pulmonary rehabilitation programs
• Surgery

Asthma attacks are episodes of inflammation and narrowing of the airways in response to asthma triggers, such as second-hand smoke or air pollution. The causes are unknown, but it tends to run in families.

Asthma symptoms range from minor wheezing to life-threatening attacks. It can often be managed by avoiding triggers and taking medications as prescribed.

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs.

People who have bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus.

Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. It often develops from colds or other respiratory infections and is a common condition. Acute bronchitis usually improves within a few days without lasting effects, although you may continue to cough for weeks. However, if you have repeated bouts of bronchitis, you may have chronic bronchitis. This needs medical attention.