COPD: Possible Causes and Risk Factors

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is more than one disease that affects the body making it difficult to breath. The most common diseases that are generally associated with COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Causes of these two diseases are mostly associated with tobacco smoking. There are multiple different ways to avoid getting COPD. If you are diagnosed with a chronic lung disease it is very important to follow your doctor's orders so that you will not let the problem develop into more issues. People with chronic bronchitis, emphysema, chronic asthma, or other lung diseases are more likely to develop COPD. There is no cure for COPD but with medications the disease can be made more manageable by relieving symptoms. You can stop COPD from getting worse by quitting smoking, staying away from secondhand smoke, live a healthy lifestyle, know if you are in an area with air pollutants, and by wearing proper safety gear around chemicals.

Risk Factors

• The risk factors of COPD can be easy to identify and avoid. The most common include: Smoking and tobacco use is the most common risk factor found in COPD patients.
• Secondhand smoke can contribute to making lung diseases worse.
• Drinking alcohol and living an unhealthy lifestyle are also additional risk factors.
• Areas with large amounts of air pollution can be a contributor.
• Exposure to chemicals either during your occupation or lifestyle habits.

Try avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and wear proper safety masks when around chemicals and air pollutants.

If you are looking for additional information on COPD or want to find support groups try these websites:

WebMD.com goes above and beyond to help people with the COPD disease by offering support on the site that discusses ongoing concerns, frequently asked questions, medications, as well as other places to get help.

MayoClinic.com talks about coping and support for individuals with COPD, with lifestyle tips, and home remedies. MayoClinic.com will also go so far as to help you prepare for your appointments.

COPD-international.com has message boards and a chat room for patients to share stories and offer support to others living with the disease. COPD-international.com also gives its readers a COPD survival guide and exercises to help you keep a healthy lifestyle.

MedicineNet.com offers everything from patient discussions on COPD and COLD (chronic obstructive lung disease) to slideshows of lung diseases. This can be a great outlet for COPD sufferers.

http://www.medicinenet.com/chronic_obstructive_pulmonary_disease_copd/article.htm

http://www.copd-international.com/

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/copd/DS00916

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd-overview