COPD and Emphysema afflict millions of adults and children today.
An estimated 3.1 million Americans have been diagnosed with emphysema and 11.2 million U.S. adults have been estimated to have COPD. Emphysema and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are related lung conditions that are caused by many years of cigarette smoking (‘smoker’s lung’) and other factors.
COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a progressive lung disease that negatively affects one’s ability to breathe. Most people who have COPD are living with both emphysema and chronic obstructive bronchitis, each of which affects the lungs in its own way.
In emphysema, damage to the walls between air sacs causes the sacs to lose their shape and often results in destruction of the walls themselves, thus creating fewer and larger air sacs instead of many tiny ones. As a result, the amount of gas exchanged in the lungs is reduced.
Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is characterized by irritation and inflammation to the lining of the airways, which causes the lining to thicken. In addition, thick mucus forms in the airways, making it difficult to breathe.
While tobacco use is the number one factor in the development and progression of COPD, exposure to air pollutants in the home and workplace, genetic factors, and respiratory infections can also play a role in the disease. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and an increased production of mucus.
There are a number of treatments that can help patients living with COPD, including inhalers, steroids and oxygen therapy. However, the most important step to living a better life is to stop smoking.
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