COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – a disease that makes it progressively harder to breathe. In fact, over time patients with COPD will have difficulty doing even basic activities like walking, cooking, or showering. COPD is a major cause of disability and the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. More than 12 million Americans are currently diagnosed, and the National Institute of Health estimates an additional 12 million have the disease but don’t know it yet.
COPD can cause coughing up large amounts of mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis and most with COPD have both. Our airways are shaped like upside-down trees with many branches. At the end of each branch is a tiny air sac, called an alveolus. These airways and air sacs are elastic. When we breathe in, each air sac fills up like a tiny balloon. When we breathe out, the air sac deflates and the air goes out. In COPD, less air flows in and out because:
- The airways and air sacs lose their elasticity
- The walls between many of the sacs are destroyed
- The walls of the airways become thick and swollen
- The airways make more mucus than usual, clogging air flow
In lung cancer, a charred, blackened, gunky substance develops in the lungs and wherever cigarette smoke travels. Symptoms include:
- An ongoing cough or a cough that produces large amounts of mucus (sometimes called a ‘smoker’s cough’)
- Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity
- Wheezing (a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe)
- Chest tightness
Causes of COPD and Lung Cancer
Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of both COPD and Lung Cancer, but long-term exposure to other lung irritants (including air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust and asbestos) can also contribute to these conditions. COPD and Lung Cancer are not contagious however, and cannot be passed from person to person.
Lung cancer develops when something (most often smoking) damages the genetic code of normal cells. These damaged cells reproduce too rapidly, forming clumps of cells called tumors. These tumors steal nutrition and energy from the rest of the body and can grow large enough to block vital functions and spread to other parts of the body.
Treatment & Support for COPD and Lung Cancer
COPD has no cure yet. But doctors will work with patients to implement lifestyle changes and follow treatment plans to help patients feel better, stay more active, and slow the progress of the disease. The most important thing to prevent and treat COPD and Lung Cancer is to not smoke. It is also important to avoid other lung irritants including second hand smoke and air pollution. Within 20 minutes of smoking that last cigarette, the body begins a series of changes that continues for years. In fact, just three months after the last cigarette, circulation improves and lung function increases!
As COPD and Lung Cancer progress you may become more prone to frequent colds and flu. You may also develop swelling in the feet and ankles and a bluish tone to your lips due to the low oxygen levels in your blood.
When COPD or Lung Cancer become too severe, the patient may need to be hospitalized for treatment. For example, you might need help if:
- You’re having a hard time catching your breath or talking
- Your lips or fingernails turn blue or gray
- You’re not mentally alert
- Your heartbeat is very fast
Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms of COPD or Lung Cancer; or if you have any questions. More information is available at the American Lung Association. Visit http://www.lungusa.com or call 1-800-548-8252.
Or you can learn more about in-home care, nursing and support for people with COPD on our website.