COPD Health Center

Medical Reference Related to COPD

61. COPD: Using Exercise to Feel Better
    

    Key pointsChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often makes it difficult to breathe, which in turn may limit how active you are and how much you exercise. However, it is important to remain active and exercise when you have COPD. Activity and exercise can:Build muscle strength. This will help you be more active-you will be able to do more activities for longer amounts of time.Reduce ...

62. Beta2-Agonists for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
    

    Drug details for Beta2-agonists for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

63. Differences Between COPD and Asthma - Topic Overview
    

    Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma both affect the lungs and often have similar symptoms,such as shortness of breath. However,what causes these conditions,how they affect the lungs,and whom they affect differ. Differences between COPD and asthma COPD Asthma Who? Smokers Mostly older adults Smokers and nonsmokers Any age group How? Nonallergic response to cigarette smoke ...

64. COPD: Clearing Your Lungs
    

    COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a long-term illness that makes it hard to breathe, but learning to clear your lungs may help you save energy and oxygen, and help prevent lung infections.

65. Oxygen Treatment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
    

    Oxygen treatment increases the amount of oxygen that flows into the lungs and into the bloodstream, may improve shortness of breath, and prolongs survival of some people who have severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Oxygen treatment may be given using several delivery systems, including air concentrators, oxygen - gas cylinders, and liquid - oxygen devices.You do not have to stay a

66. Lung Transplant for COPD - Topic Overview
    

    Although uncommon,lung transplants are sometimes used in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). During a lung transplant,you are given a lung from a donor who has recently died. A single-lung transplant (receiving one lung) is done more often than a double-lung transplant (receiving two lungs). Improvement in the ability to exercise is nearly as good in people who have a single-lung ...

67. COPD and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) Deficiency - Topic Overview
    

    Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a protein normally found in the lungs and the bloodstream. It helps protect the lungs from the damage caused by inflammation that can lead to emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). People whose bodies do not produce enough of this protein (AAT deficiency) are more likely to develop emphysema and to do so at a younger-than-normal age (30 to 40 ...

68. Spirometry Tests for COPD - Topic Overview
    

    Spirometry is the best test to assess lung function. It often is used to evaluate a person who has a chronic cough and sputum ( mucus ) production and a history of risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),even if shortness of breath is not present. It is also used to determine whether a specific therapy has improved lung function or whether your lung disease is getting ...

69. Lung Infections and COPD - Topic Overview
    

    When you have COPD,it’s easier for you to get lung infections like bronchitis and pneumonia. If you are still smoking,the risk may be even higher. COPD causes your airways to get narrower. That makes it harder for your lungs to clear out mucus. And that mucus makes an inviting home for the germs that cause lung infections. These infections also cause more shortness of breath and coughing ...

70. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Genetic Testing - What Is AAT Deficiency Testing?
    

    A blood test can measure the amount of alpha1 - antitrypsin in your blood. You may have AAT deficiency if your levels are low or if the blood test is not able to find any AAT in your blood. If your AAT level is lower than normal, the blood sample can be tested to look for the type of alpha1 - antitrypsin. People who carry the changed gene may be more at risk for symptoms if they have a certain typ