The lungs are very delicate organs and certain factors can damage gradually and permanently. This is particularly the case of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
COPD is characterized by shortness of breath, chronic cough and increased mucus production. It includes some lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The progression of the disease increases breathlessness, which limits the activity, reduced quality of life and can cause premature death.
Risk Factors
In almost 90% of cases, the main cause of this disease is smoking . Other risk factors include:
the alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency (a rare genetic disorder) SHS air pollution (dust or toxic gas), at work and in the environment frequent lung infections during childhood Diagnosis
Spirometry is one of effective screening tests and commonly used. This test is simply to blow as hard and as long as possible in a camera attached to a tube. These forced expirations, repeated a few times consecutively, used to measure lung capacity (volume and speed).
This assessment of pulmonary function can be performed easily by your doctor or hospital. For some years now, many affiliated with Uniprix pharmacies unite the Quebec Lung Association and offer in the fall, a day spirometry in collaboration with respiratory therapists. Check with your pharmacist family!
Prevention and treatment
It is easy to put the odds on his side to avoid developing COPD in:
There is no cure for COPD, but it can be treated to improve the quality of life of the individual and to slow the development of the disease. A treatment plan includes, among others:
A team of professionals can teach you how to reduce living with the disease manifestations. Meanwhile, your pharmacist can advise you on family therapies nicotine replacement , if you want to quit, and introduce you to the different categories of drugs to treat different symptoms.
COPD is characterized by shortness of breath, chronic cough and increased mucus production. It includes some lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The progression of the disease increases breathlessness, which limits the activity, reduced quality of life and can cause premature death.
Risk Factors
In almost 90% of cases, the main cause of this disease is smoking . Other risk factors include:
the alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency (a rare genetic disorder) SHS air pollution (dust or toxic gas), at work and in the environment frequent lung infections during childhood Diagnosis
Spirometry is one of effective screening tests and commonly used. This test is simply to blow as hard and as long as possible in a camera attached to a tube. These forced expirations, repeated a few times consecutively, used to measure lung capacity (volume and speed).
This assessment of pulmonary function can be performed easily by your doctor or hospital. For some years now, many affiliated with Uniprix pharmacies unite the Quebec Lung Association and offer in the fall, a day spirometry in collaboration with respiratory therapists. Check with your pharmacist family!
Prevention and treatment
It is easy to put the odds on his side to avoid developing COPD in:
- not smoking
- avoiding secondhand smoke
- helping to make the outside air and your home healthier
- protecting against risks to lung health in the workplace
There is no cure for COPD, but it can be treated to improve the quality of life of the individual and to slow the development of the disease. A treatment plan includes, among others:
- smoking cessation
- medication to prevent and alleviate symptoms
- the adoption of a healthy lifestyle
- monitoring of a pulmonary rehabilitation program
- Prevention and control of aggravation
A team of professionals can teach you how to reduce living with the disease manifestations. Meanwhile, your pharmacist can advise you on family therapies nicotine replacement , if you want to quit, and introduce you to the different categories of drugs to treat different symptoms.
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