Everyone has the occasional cough. It usually comes with a cold and goes away with little concern. It is when a nagging cough is accompanied by shortness of breath and regular wheezing that most people become very concerned about their health. These are some of the symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). According to statistics from the American Lung Association, more than 12 million Americans have a diagnosis of COPD, the group of lung diseases that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. There are likely another 12 million with it that are undiagnosed.

Causes

There are many different causes of COPD. Most of them involve frequent, constant and prolonged inhalation of particles, such as tobacco smoke, dust and noxious fumes. The number one cause of COPD is smoking tobacco. For non-smokers, pollution, cooking gases and secondhand smoke are prominent causes of COPD.

Effects

It is the root cause of several more serious medical conditions, and will . These include heart failure, collapsed lung, pneumonia and malnutrition. The early effects include an increase of mucus with coughing, frequent bouts of pneumonia and bronchitis. COPD causes patients to become fatigued easily, making it difficult to breathe after moderate or even mild activity. Eventually, COPD patients may need frequent hospitalization or at-home health care. In severe cases, home hospice care may be useful.

Treatments

Many sufferers of COPD have a combination of respiratory ailments, which makes their conditions more difficult to endure and harder to treat. COPD can be fatal, and there is no cure. Its progress can be slowed down with lifestyle changes, medication and sometimes surgery. This may include oxygen therapy, lung transplants and use of steroids and inhalers.

Coping

Living with COPD on a daily basis requires cooperation between household family members, patients and their doctors. Some may need in home health care or private nursing for daily assistance. Patients may need assistance from friends and family members to quit smoking. Those who quit smoking have the greatest benefit, as the disease will slow down dramatically. The patient’s doctor may provide a patch to help someone quit more quickly and easily. Another lifestyle change that will help those with COPD is a change in diet. Eating a nutritious diet of fruits, vegetables and lean meats will ensure high protein, vitamins and minerals, which are important for staying as healthy as possible. Those with unwanted weight loss issues may find it necessary to eat more calories with healthy foods.