Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Advocate Health Care’s team of expert pulmonologists provides the highest level of care for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We provide access to lung screenings and testing for pulmonary disease, and the latest COPD treatment options.

Learn more about lung and respiratory care at Advocate Health Care.

What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

COPD is a group of chronic inflammatory lung diseases that obstruct airflow from the lungs. COPD is caused by long-term exposure to chemicals, cigarette smoke, air pollution or dust. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders have a higher risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer or other conditions affecting the lungs and heart.

There are two primary diseases associated with COPD, chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

COPD vs. asthma

Asthma is sometimes associated with COPD but is not the same thing. When asthma and COPD coexist, the condition is known as Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS).

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by periodic attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing. However, asthma isn't considered a type of COPD, but rather a different obstructive lung disease.

Types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is inflammation of the breathing tubes (bronchi) that carry air in and out of the air sacs of the lungs. It’s characterized by a persistent cough with mucus. While chronic bronchitis is not curable, there are several treatment options to help you manage your symptoms.

Emphysema

Emphysema is a lung disease that causes shortness of breath. The most common cause of emphysema is smoking. In people with emphysema, the air sacs are gradually damaged, leading to shortness of breath. Over time, the inner walls of the air sacs weaken and rupture, creating larger air spaces instead of many small ones, reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches the bloodstream. There is no cure for emphysema, but it can be managed through medications and lifestyle changes.

Causes of COPD

The leading cause of COPD is smoking cigarettes. Other COPD causes include long-term exposure to lung irritants such as air pollutants and breathing in chemicals in the workplace. Not everyone at risk of developing COPD will develop it. However, not everyone with COPD has risk factors. Here are common risk factors:

• Tobacco smoke: This is the most common cause of COPD, particularly in developed countries. Many people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder are long-term smokers or were former smokers.
• Exposure to dusts and chemicals: Certain industrial pollutants, dust and chemical fumes can also cause COPD. Workers in certain industries such as mining, construction and cotton textile manufacturing are at a higher risk.
• Air pollution: Chronic exposure to outdoor air pollution (smog) and indoor air pollution (fuel used for cooking and heating) can lead to COPD.
• Genetics: Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) is a genetic condition that can cause COPD, even in people who have never smoked or been exposed to pollutants. People with this deficiency have low levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT), a protein that protects the lungs.

Symptoms of COPD

Symptoms of COPD typically develop slowly and may not be noticeable until there's considerable damage to the lungs. The most common chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder symptoms include:

• Chronic cough
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Fatigue
• Unintended weight loss
• Blueness of the lips or fingernail beds

Symptoms can vary in severity, and some people with COPD may not show symptoms until the disease is advanced. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms and especially if you've had long-term exposure to lung irritants, it's important to talk with your doctor.

Treatment & management of CCOPD

Since there isn’t a cure, COPD treatment aims to manage symptoms, slow disease progression, improve exercise tolerance, prevent and treat complications and improve overall health and quality of life.

To diagnose COPD, Advocate’s pulmonologists will review your medical history and perform a physical exam. They may order testing, including a pulmonary function test, CT scan, X-rays, arterial blood gas sampling or other tests that measure lung function.

COPD treatment options could include:

• Bronchodilator therapy
• Chest physiotherapy
• Inhaled corticosteroids
• Oral steroids
• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Bronchial thermoplasty
• Antibiotic or antiviral medications
• Surgery

Your Advocate pulmonologist will recommend individualized chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder treatment based on the severity of symptoms, the degree of lung function impairment and your overall health status.

How to manage COPD

Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes to manage your symptoms or prevent your COPD from worsening. These include:

• Quitting smoking: This is the most crucial step in treating COPD. Advocate Health Care provides several resources to help people quit.
• Avoiding lung irritants: Try to avoid exposure to lung irritants such as air pollution, dust, and secondhand smoke. Getting an air purifier for your home will help lower indoor air pollutants.
• Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can improve breathing and overall health. Pulmonary rehabilitation, which is a personalized exercise program, can be beneficial.
• Oxygen therapy: Some people with COPD use oxygen therapy to help with shortness of breath and improve quality of life. This can be used during activities, during sleep, or all the time, depending on individual needs.