I have COPD. And now?

COPD ELETRONIC MARATHON 2010

I have COPD. And Now?

The word COPD is an abbreviation of  Chronic Obstructive PulmonaryDisease.

COPD is type of umbrella of two highly prevalent diseases that are:

• Bronchitis and Chronic &
  

• Pulmonary Emphysema.

The main cause of COPD is smoking! So, do not smoke!

And if you smoke, search a Medicine doctor.The doctor will guide a treatment to optimize smoking cessation.

As all cases of  chronic diseases, COPD develops slowly and progresses slowly over the years. So, the smoker should pay attention to the symptom list below, as episodes of acute bronchitis in smokers may represent the first signs of clinical presentation of COPD-A spirometry (a test that assesses lung function) should be performed after this episode;

If you have more than 40 years and is a smoker or former smoker, it is recommended based on medical literature for performing a spirometry case answer YES to any of the following questions:

1. Do you cough regularly?
2. Displays productive cough (cough with sputum)?
3. Displays shortness of breath or dyspnea efforts usual day to day, such as climbing stairs or walking more than 6 minutes on a flat surface?
4. You have wheezing when they exercise or even during the night?
5. You have constant colds and persist longer than others?

If you answered YES to any of the issues, talk with your Medicine doctor. You can be diagnosed with COPD.

But do not fear! COPD has avaiable treatment!
COPD is The respiratory disease more preventable and treatable. However COPD is underdiagnosed unfortunately, not only in Brazil or USA but all over the world. The Chest  X-Ray is an exam that suggest the COPD diagnosis (Fig1).

Chest X-Ray in COPD

As said above the diagnosis of COPD is made with a simple and non invasive test, the SPIROMETRY         ( Fig 2).

SPIROMETRY: The Exam to COPD diagnosis

The Role of  PULMAOSA is to provide updated information for patients with this condition receive optimal treatment based on scientific evidence.

Contribute to society to clarify the fact that this is no longer an obstacle for the treatment of disease and protect the lungs, your real atmosphere is the main focus of PULMAOSA

Sources:

PULMAOSA – Your atmosphere, Your Life! ®

SBPT – Brazilian Society of Pneumology

ACCP, American College of Chest Physicians

ERS, European Respiratory Society