COPD Treatments & Surgery -
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

How is COPD diagnosed?
What are the treatments for COPD?
How can COPD patients stay as healthy as possible?

How is COPD diagnosed?

The first step in diagnosing COPD is a medical history and physical exam. Following the evaluation, the doctor may order pulmonary function tests to evaluate a patient's breathing, and x-rays or other tests to confirm the diagnosis. These tests are also performed to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, like asthma or heart failure.

What are the treatments for COPD?

Although there is no cure for COPD at this time, it can be managed. Treatments for COPD focus on slowing the progression of the disease and relieving symptoms. Some medications are used long-term on a daily basis to ease and prevent symptoms; others are used as needed for short-term relief of symptoms. The most important step a person can take to slow the disease is to stop smoking.

COPD patients are often enrolled in a pulmonary rehabilitation program that includes counseling, education, exercise, breathing exercises and nutritional guidance. Rehab programs may help reduce symptoms, improve quality of life and reduce COPD exacerbations.

Oxygen therapy is needed when oxygen levels in the blood are low. At first, patients usually need oxygen just at night and with exercise. Later, oxygen may be required all the time.

Patients with very advanced COPD may benefit from surgery such as lung-volume reduction or a lung transplant. These surgeries are usually performed on people who have disabling symptoms in spite of the best medical treatment.

How can COPD patients stay as healthy as possible?

Since people with COPD are more likely to get colds and the flu, they should get a pneumonia vaccine and flu shot every year. Eating healthy foods on a regular basis is also important. This provides the body with the energy it needs to function and helps strengthen the body's natural defense system.

It is vital that people with COPD remain active. Exercise helps build muscle strength and endurance and can sometimes reduce shortness of breath. COPD patients can usually make exercise a part of their pulmonary rehabilitation program. COPD patients should always consult a health professional before starting an exercise program.

To schedule an appointment with a Temple Lung Center physician click here or call 1-800-TEMPLE-MED (1-800-836-7536).

For information about additional resources, please visit the COPD Foundation website.

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