SENIOR HEALTH CONNECTION NEWSLETTER November 2012 Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital Center Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: COPD More than 12 million men and women across America have a common lung disease called COPD. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease referred to as COPD is a serious lung disease. The diagnosis of COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, many people with COPD have both conditions. • Chronic bronchitis occurs when the airways in the lungs are swollen and inflamed, and tend to produce too much mucus. The inflammation and mucus make breathing difficult. • Emphysema affects the lungs where the air sacs (alveoli) and the small airways (bronchioles) are damaged and lose their normal elasticity. The alveoli are over expanded and are unable to contract to push the air out as you exhale. Inhaled air is trapped inside and fresh air has a hard time getting in. This limits the oxygen going in and carbon dioxide going out of your blood stream. The lung damage with COPD can not be repaired, and the disease cannot not be cured. However, there are things that you can do to reduce the symptoms and improve your life. Pulmonary rehab is an exercise and education program for people with COPD. Studies have shown the pulmonary rehab programs make a big difference for people in all stages of lung disease. Rehab can; • Ease your shortness of breath • Build your capacity for exercise and activity • Reduce anxiety and depression caused by lung disease • Help you stay out of the hospital • Improve your quality of life Your doctor can refer you to a program in your area. Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do to prevent or treat COPD. Life style changes, such as exercising, practicing breathing techniques, lowering stress, and eating well are also important Your doctor may also prescribe medication, oxygen therapy, and for a small number of people surgery may help. Source: www.intermountainhealthcare.org 111