| ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX |
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Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test |
| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
| Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention |
| Alternative Names: |
| COPD; Chronic obstructive airway disease; Chronic obstructive lung disease |
| Treatment: |
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Treatment for COPD includes inhalers that dilate the airways (bronchodilators) and sometimes theophylline. The COPD patient must stop smoking. In some cases inhaled steroids are used to suppress lung inflammation, and, in severe cases or flare-ups, intravenous or oral steroids are given. Antibiotics are used during flare-ups of symptoms as infections can worsen COPD. Chronic, low-flow oxygen, non-invasive ventilation, or intubation may be needed in some cases. Lung volume reduction surgery for COPD is a surgical therapy currently being evaluated in a large, national trial. Lung transplant is sometimes performed for severe cases. |
| Support Groups: |
| The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See lung disease - support group. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
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This condition is associated with chronic (long-term) illness. The disease continues to worsen if tobacco use continues. |
| Complications: |
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| Calling your health care provider: |
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Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if there is a rapid increase in shortness of breath or if complications develop. |
Spirometry |
Emphysema |
Bronchitis |
Quitting smoking |
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder) |
Smoking and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder) |
Respiratory system |
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