What Are the Treatments for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?
Overview Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic, progressive disease that affects the lungs. The end air spaces in the lungs are elastic sacs that are similar to a balloon. These air sacs are called alveoli. As air enters the alveoli, they expand; as air leaves the alveloi, the sac deflates. While air is in the alveoli, it exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide. When someone has COPD, the elasticity of those alveoli is lost, causing thick mucus to build up in the lungs, inflammation and poor air exchange. There is no cure for COPD. Treatment is symptomatic, which means just treating the symptoms. As COPD is a progressive disease, it leads to worsening symptoms over time and can be disabling and even fatal. Eliminating the Causes Smoking is the No. 1 cause of COPD. Other irritants such as exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollutants, chemical fumes or dust can also cause COPD. Smoking cessation or removing the person from the irritant that caused COPD or exacerbated the
