COPD
Happy Thursday! It’s been a busy and exciting week on our end at Dr. John’s. Sara and Kim are covering the Mid-West Truck and Trailer Show in Peoria, Il. Sara is pulling double duty tomorrow. She will also be doing The St. Christopher Minute on The Tim Ridley Show on Sirius Channel 146 at 6:30 am EST. This week Sara will be discussing COPD. If you or anyone you know are suffering from the possible symptoms of, or have already been diagnosed with COPD, you don’t want to miss out on this informative discussion. Let’s start with the stats…
According to the CDC, in 2014, COPD was the third leading cause of death in the United States. It is the fifth leading cause of disability in the US, costing $30 billion annually. Almost 15.7 million Americans (6.4%) reported that they have been diagnosed with COPD. COPD occurs most in people who are over 40 and have a history of smoking. Here’s a stat for our OTR truck driving friends – as many as 54% of commercial truck drivers smoke. Now, while not everyone who smokes will get COPD, 90% of patients diagnosed with COPD have smoked. Scary statistics and one of many really good reasons to try to quit smoking ASAP!
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, refers to a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing related problems. Emphysema, chronic bronchitis and refractory, non-reversible asthma. The main cause of COPD is smoking. Other causes are exposure to air pollutants, and genetic factors alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency. Symptoms to look for are an increase in shortness of breath, frequent coughing and wheezing, and tightness in the chest. The signs and symptoms come on gradually. Usually, COPD is diagnosed once you are having an exacerbation.
COPD can be confirmed as a diagnosis by doing a simple lung test called a spirometry. A pulse oximetry test is usually done as well to make sure your O2 level is within normal limits. Once diagnosed, treatment includes alleviating the symptoms that go along with COPD by decreasing the severity of exacerbations and increasing tolerance to exercise. The coughing and wheezing associated with COPD can be treated with medication, and pulmonary rehab can teach a person breathing and energy saving techniques. If your oxygen level drops below 88%, oxygen may be ordered as well.
COPD can be prevented. If you smoke, stop now! Avoid air pollutants if possible, and if you have a family history of COPD, get tested for the Alpha 1 Antitrypsin. An early diagnosis can lessen the symptoms of COPD.
Sara will be discussing all of this and more tomorrow morning on the Tim Ridley Show at 6:30 am EST on Sirius XM channel 146. Please feel free to call in with your questions. The more informed you are the more proactive you can be about catching COPD in it’s early stages.
