How is COPD Diagnosed?

• What is COPD?
• What causes COPD?
• What are the symptoms of COPD?
• How is COPD diagnosed?
• Can COPD be cured?
• How can I avoid developing COPD?

Around 30 million people are diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) each year in the United States. COPD causes coughing and difficulty breathing in patients, and is most often caused by tobacco consumption. So, how is COPD diagnosed? Can this chronic disease be cured?

COPD is a chronic lung inflammation that restricts the airflow to the lungs. COPD is actually a group of lung diseases that cause respiratory illness. These diseases typically get worse over time. 

In COPD, the tubes that allow air to come into the lungs and be expelled are affected in one or more ways:

• The air sacs and airways in the lungs lose the ability to expand and contract
• The delicate walls between the air sacs are destroyed
• The airways inflame and swell
• The airways make more mucus and become clogged

Two of the most common COPD conditions include chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Some doctors suggest that asthma should be listed under the COPD designation, as well.

Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis inflames the lung’s breathing passages. These tubes carry air to and from the lungs. This inflammation causes an increase in the production of mucus and makes it harder for the body to take in air and expel carbon dioxide.  

Emphysema

In emphysema, the alveoli, or air sacks, in the lungs are damaged. This can weaken the inner walls of these tiny breathing mechanisms, reducing the working surface of the lungs and ultimately, the amount of oxygen that enters a patient’s bloodstream. Many times, people living with emphysema also have chronic bronchitis. 

Asthma

In asthma, the airways that carry oxygen into the body and dispel carbon dioxide can inflame and narrow. Asthma affects all ages and frequently begins during childhood. Asthma triggers, such as cat dander or other allergens, can cause the disease to worsen potentially to the point that it threatens the person’s life.

Exposure to long-term irritants that damage the airways and lungs are what causes COPD. In the U.S., cigarette smoking is a primary cause of COPD. Healthline says, “The longer and more tobacco products you smoke, the greater your risk of COPD.” If you have asthma and smoke, your risk of COPD is higher.

Exposure to secondary pollutants such as air pollution, chemicals from the workplace, or other environmental factors, can also cause COPD. In rare cases, a genetic condition known as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can lead to this disorder. About 5% of patients living with COPD have this type of protein deficiency.

COPD can develop gradually. Over time, the disease makes it harder to breathe. Coughing and shortness of breath may be some of the first signs of the disease, which many people consider cold or flu symptoms. Early onset of COPD can include:

• Mild but recurring cough
• Shortness of breath, particularly after exercise
• The need to clear the throat often, particularly in the mornings

Over time, COPD symptoms worsen and start to affect your life. This can include:

• A chronic cough
• Frequent flu, colds, or respiratory infections
• Low energy
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness of the chest
• Wheezing

The later stages of COPD also can include ankle or foot swelling, fatigue, and weight loss. You may have trouble talking or catching your breath. Your fingernails and lips may turn blue and you may have trouble thinking or staying alert. All of this puts strain on your body, which in turn can cause a very fast heartbeat.

These symptoms will be worse if you continue to smoke or are frequently exposed to secondhand smoke or chemical fumes.

There isn’t a single test your doctor can do to diagnose COPD. The diagnosis is based on the symptoms, a physical exam, and diagnostic testing. Your doctor will listen closely to your lungs as you breath and may conduct a number of tests to confirm the diagnosis, including:

• A spirometry test, where the patient blows into a tube connected to a spirometer
• Imaging testing such as a CT scan or X-ray of the lungs
• Arterial blood gas testing, which takes a sample of blood from an artery to see how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in your bloodstream

These tests will help pin down if you have COPD, asthma, or even heart failure.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for lungs damaged by COPD. However, your doctor can help you manage your symptoms and slow the disease progression. Some of the treatments for COPD include:

• A bronchodilator medication to help open clogged airways
• Corticosteroids to reduce airway and lung tissue inflammation
• Expectorant medications that loosen phlegm so you can cough it up
• Ongoing monitoring of your condition will help doctors adjust treatments for maximum effectiveness
• Oxygen therapy via an oxygen tank and mask
• Pulmonary rehabilitation, which is a kind of supervised physical therapy
• Surgery called lung volume reduction is possible for a small percentage of these patients
• Treatment to clear up chest infections caused by COPD

The best way to cure COPD is to never get the disease in the first place. You can prevent COPD by making some lifestyle choices now.

The best way to avoid developing COPD is to avoid smoking. From 85% to 90% of new COPD cases could be prevented by never taking up smoking. Yet, about 15 million of the 30 million people living with COPD continue to smoke. However, there are all kinds of new treatments that can help you reduce the urge to smoke, from medical therapy to nicotine replacement. These treatments give hope to the millions of people struggling with their cigarette addition.

Staying active and eating healthy are great ways to stay generally healthy and avoid any chronic illness. This includes staying hydrated to keep the mucus in your lungs thinned. Avoiding pet dander and dusty environments or any other environmental allergy triggers can help as well.  

At AMA Medical Group we are devoted to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic diseases like COPD. If you haven’t had a check-up this year, or if you’re worried about your COPD symptoms, please contact us today for an appointment.