Though it’s the third-leading cause of death in America, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is frequently misunderstood. COPD often goes unrecognized for many years, and it’s not until patients are hospitalized or get pneumonia that a diagnosis is made.
COPD isn’t only a physical affliction; it can affect you mentally and emotionally, too. That’s why at the AdventHealth Transplant Institute, we work with psychologists and therapists to see if medication or counseling can help to treat you in body, mind and spirit.
Keep reading to hear from one of our experts, Ahmad Zeeshan, MD, about what COPD is, its common symptoms and how you’ll know if a transplant is the right treatment for you.
COPD 101
COPD, which commonly occurs in the form of emphysema or chronic bronchitis, is a long-term illness of the lungs. Over time, the lungs can become damaged, leading to inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it hard to breathe and perform daily activities. COPD is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over time.
According to the American Lung Association, 85 to 90% of COPD cases are caused by cigarette smoking. “A burning cigarette creates harmful chemicals that weaken the lungs,” says Dr. Zeeshan. “Long-term exposure to air pollution, secondhand smoke and other work-related pollutants can also lead to COPD.”
Symptoms of COPD
In addition to shortness of breath during normal activity, other signs of COPD include:
- Blueness of the lips or fingernails
- Cough that doesn’t go away
- Fatigue
- Frequent infections involving the nose, throat or airways, such as a sinus infection or the common cold
- Producing a lot of mucus or phlegm
- Wheezing
Dr. Zeeshan says, “Though some of these symptoms may seem easy to ignore, taking action early on can slow the progression of COPD and give you the best chance of leading a healthy life.”
Practicing preventive care means maintaining your quality of life and independence by paying attention to your body and talking to your doctor if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.
Using What Works Against COPD
“While there is no cure for COPD, treatment can slow its progression and delay the need for a lung transplant,” says Dr. Zeeshan. Treatment may also increase your eligibility to become a transplant recipient if the need arises. Even without a cure, researchers have learned several ways to slow the advance of COPD, including oxygen therapy, smoking cessation, proper vaccination and pulmonary rehabilitation.
Oxygen Therapy
Since COPD reduces the lungs’ ability to absorb oxygen, using supplemental oxygen, whether at home or in the hospital, may be needed. The amount and length of time you’d need to be on oxygen is unique to you, but can help you feel better and stay active.
Smoking Cessation
People who have COPD and actively smoke experience a rapid decline in their lungs’ function. However, when they stop smoking, their rate of decline becomes similar to those who don’t smoke.
Vaccination
Those with COPD have a greater chance of dangerous complications from the flu, including a higher likelihood of developing pneumonia afterward. “That’s why maintaining routine vaccinations is so important. It helps reduce your risk of severe respiratory illnesses and worsening of your condition,” says Dr. Zeeshan.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a guided program that teaches you how to breathe easier and feel healthier using a combination of exercises, breath training, lifestyle modifications and other techniques to regain lung function. With expert support from a pulmonary rehab team, you can improve both your physical and mental health.
The Transplant Decision
Some patients are strong candidates for transplants. However, since COPD can develop at differing rates, this makes it hard to know if and when a transplant is right for you. Your best course of action is to consult your doctor.
“If transplant is the best option, patients are given a score that determines their priority on the waiting list for lungs, which has about 1,500 people on it nationwide,” says Dr. Zeeshan. “After a transplant, patients remain under the care of the transplant program for the rest of their lives.”
World-Class Care With Your Whole Health in Mind
At the AdventHealth Transplant Institute, we believe that part of helping patients with COPD live longer, healthier lives is supporting them holistically in body, mind and spirit. Whether a transplant is your best option or not, your doctor can share strategies for long-term health and well-being.
Visit us here to learn more about our lung transplant program and how we can partner with you to support your whole health.
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