Lung Center of Nevada, a division of Comprehensive Cancer Centers provides treatment for various pulmonary diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), among others. The lungs are the key organs to be affected by COPD. COPD is a long-term condition and does not go away. For those with COPD, the flow of air in your lungs is partially obstructed or blocked.
The primary causes of COPD include: Tobacco smoke, secondhand smoke, pollution and industrial fumes. Additionally, in a very small number of people — fewer than 1 out of every 100 — COPD can be caused by a genetic disorder.
If left untreated, COPD can damage airways, causing them to narrow, leaving those with the condition trouble breathing and getting air in and out of the lungs. People with COPD may sometimes experience a flare-up, or worsening of symptoms, such as coughing more, or feeling very tired. Flare-ups can even be severe enough to require a visit to the hospital for treatment.
COPD is also a significant risk factor for the development of lung cancer, which adds to the importance of proper treatment of the disease. Patients with COPD are twice as likely to develop lung cancer than those without COPD. This may be associated with genetic susceptibility to cigarette smoke. The team at Lung Center of Nevada will work closely with patients to take all necessary precautions to manage their care as best as possible to reduce risks. Should lung cancer develop, physicians at Lung Center of Nevada provide referrals for treatment options to patients with lung and bronchus cancer to its colleagues at Comprehensive Cancer Centers.
What Are Symptoms of COPD?
Many people have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but are not aware of it. With COPD, lungs are working harder to breathe. Damage to the lungs happens gradually over time and damage may already be underway before the symptoms start. COPD symptoms can be different for each person, but if have one or more of these four common symptoms, seek medical attention to confirm a diagnosis or determine a different issue that may also require treatment:
- Shortness of breath that gets worse over time
- Frequent cough, often called “smoker’s cough”
- Wheezing, or a whistling sound when you breathe
- Mucus production: coughing up mucus for a month or more can indicate lung disease
Rather than thinking they have COPD, some people think that they are just out of shape or getting older. Being out of breath is not normal. It’s especially important to talk to your doctor at Lung Center of Nevada about breathlessness, as well as factors such as smoking, even if you’ve quit.
How Can You Slow Down or Treat COPD?
Patients with COPD are often concerned they will not able to do some things they used to, or that they will have to avoid situations where symptoms could get in the way, but there is hope. This can come from making lifestyle changes. With regard to lifestyle changes, quitting smoking is the only known way to actually slow down the progression of COPD. Even for those who have smoked for a long time, it’s never too late to quit. Some of the positive effects that may happen soon after quitting smoking include:
- 20 minutes after quitting smoking – heart rate and blood pressure will drop.
- 2 weeks after quitting smoking – blood circulation and lung function begin improving.
- As soon as 1 month after quitting smoking – coughing can decrease and breathing can improve.
Quitting smoking can be challenging, and it may take many tries before success is enjoyed. Your doctor can talk with you about several ways that might help you. You can also visit iquitfor.com (LINK 4) to learn about strategies outlined by Comprehensive Cancer Centers and the American Lung Society to help quit smoking for good.
How Lung Center of Nevada Treats COPD
While it’s true that there is no cure for COPD, the good news is that the condition can be treated by the providers at Lung Center of Nevada. There are medicines that can be prescribed to help you manage some of the day-to-day symptoms of COPD, and even help lessen your risk of having a flare-up. COPD usually gets worse over time, so if the condition presents itself, do not delay in seeking treatment.
About 15 million Americans are living with COPD, and many more suffer from the symptoms but have never been diagnosed. Those with the condition can take comfort in knowing that while living with COPD can be hard, you are not alone.
Lung Center of Nevada can Help
When it comes to care for your chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Lung Center of Nevada, a division of Comprehensive Cancer Centers, can help. The team of board-certified pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, nurse practitioners, and administrative support staff are dedicated to providing high-quality care to patients with lung disease and sleep disorders. To schedule an appointment with the Lung Center of Nevada, call 702-737-5864.
The content is this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.