What is the Medical Term COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a medical term used to describe chronic diseases of the lungs, such as bronchitis, asthma and emphysema. A history of smoking is associated with (COPD). Those who suffer from COPD usually exhibit symptoms that are mild, moderate or in some cases severe.

COPD symptoms

Symptoms associated with COPD are recurrent bronchitis, shortness of breath, excessive mucus production, and in more severe causes cyanosis (blue skin color of the lips, fingers and toes), bloating of the abdomen, edema (swelling of the ankles, hands, fingers and toes), fatigue, insomnia, fever, depression, confusion (due to lack of oxygen) and COPD exacerbation .

COPD exacerbation

When COPD symptoms become progressively worse, including mucus production, coughing, and shortness of breath it is called COPD exacerbation. This is a life threatening medical condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Cause of COPD exacerbation

There are two main causes associated with COPD exacerbation: Infection in the airway of the lungs, known as bronchitis, or infection within the lungs, known as pneumonia.

Testing for COPD

Spirometry tests are used to measure the amount of air you are breathe out in one second increments, this measurement is call forced expiratory value (FEV1), it also measures the amount of air you breathe out after inhaling deeply, this is measured as forced vital capacity (FCV).

Treatment for COPD

Your physician may prescribe antibiotics to kill the infection; this is a common treatment for those who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In some cases bronchodilators are prescribed for people with COPD who do not respond to other treatment.

Consulting your Physician

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a serious condition that requires regular medical care. It is never advised for a non medical individual to diagnosis or treat COPD. All symptoms associated with COPD should be discussed with a medical Physician.