COPD
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects the health of more than 15.3 million people in the United States. To quickly determine if your breathing-related issues are the result of COPD, the board-certified physicians at Jiki Medical Associates, LLC offer comprehensive diagnostic testing at their Rockville, Maryland, office. Through a thorough physical exam and lung function testing, the team can better understand the root cause of your breathing problems and create the right treatment plan to protect your lung health. Schedule a COPD evaluation today at Jiki Medical Associates using the online booking feature or by phone.
COPD Q & A
What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases that interfere with your ability to breathe. Under this classification are the conditions:
Emphysema
Emphysema is a condition that develops when the air sacs of the lungs are damaged and can no longer absorb oxygen effectively. This disease also causes the lungs to stretch out and lose their flexibility, trapping air inside that makes breathing out difficult.
Chronic bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis develops when the bronchial tubes of the lungs become damaged and inflamed, leading to chronic shortness of breath. Celia, the hair-like structures in the tubes that move mucus up and out of the lungs, are also damaged, allowing mucus to build up.
Refractory (nonreversible) asthma
Refractory (nonreversible) asthma is a condition that makes it difficult to breathe due to inflammation in the airways caused by allergy triggers or physical activity. This type of asthma is resistant to traditional medications that reduce airway inflammation.
What are the symptoms of COPD?
The first signs of COPD can include persistent shortness of breath and coughing. You should schedule a lung evaluation if these symptoms aren’t related to a cold or respiratory infection, and don’t resolve within a few days with home care.
Other common symptoms of COPD include:
-
Wheezing
-
Chest tightness
-
Increased shortness of breath
Your Jiki Medical Associates provider offers on-site diagnostic testing to determine if your symptoms relate to COPD or another underlying medical condition.
How is COPD diagnosed?
Diagnosing COPD involves a physical exam and lung function testing. Your Jiki Medical Associates provider also reviews your medical history to determine if other conditions may be contributing to your shortness of breath and other symptoms.
During your lung function test, you breathe into a device that measures airflow in and out of your lungs. You may also need imaging tests, like a chest X-ray, that allow your provider to identify lung obstructions that interfere with your breathing.
How is COPD treated?
As many cases of COPD are caused by smoking, your Jiki Medical Associates provider can recommend resources that help you quit smoking for good, if you already haven’t.
You may benefit from medications that help reduce airway inflammation and make it easier to breathe. Many of these medications are delivered through an inhaler. You may also need oral medications that provide long-term relief of inflammation.
If you have an infection in your lungs relating to COPD, you may also need a course of antibiotics to clear it.
As COPD progresses and breathing becomes more difficult, you may need to use a portable oxygen device that delivers pure oxygen through a facemask or nose inserts. Your Jiki Medical Associates provider can also help you make modifications to your lifestyle to keep you comfortable and help you cope with your condition.
Schedule a COPD evaluation at Jiki Medical Associates by calling the office or by requesting an appointment online now.