COPD

Services

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease involving obstructed airflow to the lungs. It is caused by long-term exposure to irritating gas or particulate matter. A common catalyst is cigarette smoke. People suffering from COPD are at increased risk of developing heart disease and lung cancer.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

The main cause of COPD is smoking tobacco. However, in the developing world, COPD often occurs when people are exposed to fumes from burning fuel, or from cooking in poorly ventilated homes. One in 20-30% of chronic smokers have the possibility of developing COPD, though many smokers may develop reduced lung function without COPD.

Types of COPD

COPD is treatable with proper management. Many people with COPD can achieve symptom control with a good quality of life with a lowered risk of developing an associated condition. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common conditions that contribute to COPD, though they are vastly different in presentation and severity.

Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is chronic inflammation of the lining in the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the alveoli of the lungs. This condition is characterized by a frequent or daily cough and excessive mucus production. In many cases, coughing and excessive mucus production may last three months to two years before being treated.

Emphysema

Emphysema involves destruction of the alveoli at the bronchioles, resulting in damaging exposure to smoke inhalation and particulate matter. Symptoms may not appear until significant lung damage is sustained and will gradually worsen over time. Small airways begin to collapse when you exhale, impairing airflow out of the lungs.

Who Is at Risk for COPD?

In the vast majority of cases, tobacco use is the primary catalyst in COPD. However, genetic susceptibility also plays a role. 1% of people with COPD may develop the disease from a genetic disorder called AAt deficiency; this is described as being low in a protein called alpha-1-antitrypsin. This is made in the liver and secreted into the bloodstream, which protects the lungs. For persons with this condition, treatment options are the same for more traditional COPD diagnosis.

What Are the Symptoms of COPD?

COPD is often painful or uncomfortable. Many patients report pain, coughing, and mucus for a long period of time before their diagnosis. A chronic cough is developed from constantly trying to clear the airways as they gradually become inflamed and narrowed.

For both conditions, symptoms include:

  • Wheezing
  • Tightness of chest
  • Clearing throat excessively in the morning
  • Chronic, mucusy cough
  • Cyanosis of the lips or fingernails
  • Respiratory infections
  • Lethargy
  • Unintended weight loss

Treatments for COPD

Treatment is designed to ease symptoms and prevent complications while slowing the progression of the disease. Bronchodilators are a common form of defense and disease management, widening the airways to allow for easier breathing. They are typically taken through use of an inhaler or a nebulizer. Glucocorticosteroids are often added to this routine to reduce inflammation.

In order to reduce risk of other respiratory infections, ask your doctor if the yearly flu shot, pneumococcal vaccine, or tetanus booster are right for you and your condition. If your blood oxygen is low, you will receive supplemental oxygen by way of mask or nasal cannula. In some cases, the need for surgery is indicated.

A bullectomy may be ordered to remove abnormal air spaces, called bullae, from the lungs, in order to provide relief. Lung reductions are also performed, removing damaged lung tissue. Finally, lung transplants may be required in more severe cases.

Contact Us

AMA medical group was founded to support every member of the community. If you have chronic bronchitis or emphysema and suspect you may be developing COPD, don’t hesitate to contact us at (727) 331-8740 to schedule an appointment.

What People Are Saying

Lynn F
2022-06-30
5 star so far! Had my second appointment today after labs..Very thorough from start to finish. A very busy place, I have worked in many medical offices, so I had to mention how organized and caring the staff has been to me. PA took all the time I needed and I am sure her schedule was booked! I felt so much better as I left , as all my concerns were addressed in a caring, calming way. Thank you everso, I had not experienced this yet, in my med advantage insurance physician visits
exer cise
2022-04-21
Very clean, organized and friendly staff
brenda dent
2022-04-04
I actually moved further away, but kept Dr. Fana because the entire staff and especially Dr. Fana gives you the feeling of “”you are the only patient”. Takes time to thoroughly explain issues and concerns.
Nancy Brown
2021-10-09
One of my reasons for moving back to Florida was to find a medical group that I could communicate with and who could take care of my medical needs for the rest of my life. I am so happy and more satisfied than I could have imagined with Dr. Dones and PA, Benjamin Love. Both take the time to listen to my questions and concerns. They clearly explain options and recommendations very thoroughly in terms that I understand and trust. I am relieved that they know the hospitals, should I ever be hospitalized. I recently sprained my foot on a Sunday night and left a message with the answering service. An x-ray was set up for the next morning as well as an appointment at AMA with Dr. Dones, first thing in the morning. The whole staff is really great and very easy to talk with. It's nice that they have their own lab in the building too. It is a gentle place.
Carole Mayne
2021-05-04
Wonderful caring staff & Doctors! The best care you will ever receive in Central Florida! Attention to your condition & caring follow up! Love Dr Fana-Souchet
Kathy Hall
2021-03-01
Thank you so much for taking care of my mom. I am forever grateful to AMA!

A Lifetime of Care

AMA Medical Group is a physician-owned medical practice dedicated to patients and their loved ones. As an advocate for a lifetime of good health, our practice treats each patient as an individual.

Our Providers
Our Services

Quality Care
for Every Patient

Quality Care for Every Patient

As a world-leading innovator in comprehensive primary care and preventative medicine, we dedicate ourselves to personalized and compassionate service for every patient.

Request an Appointment