Our Services / COPD

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex group of disorders affecting the lungs. It includes various diseases of the lungs and airways that worsen over time. Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest tightness or pressure. You can also have more than one type of COPD at the same time. 

The two most common types of COPD are:

Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis causes long-term lung inflammation, which makes the bronchial tubes narrower and promotes mucus buildup. 

Emphysema

Emphysema is a condition that slowly breaks down the air sacs in your lungs and makes it hard to exhale. 

COPD often develops due to long-term exposure to chemical irritants, fumes, and cigarette smoke. Avoiding triggers like these helps improve symptoms of COPD if you already have them. 

How is COPD diagnosed?

The Arizona Chest & Sleep Medicine team evaluates how well your lungs are functioning using a variety of tests. Because COPD causes similar symptoms to other disorders and diseases like Covid-19, pneumonia, and asthma, it’s essential to get an official diagnosis and a treatment plan that aligns with your condition. 

When you visit Arizona Chest & Sleep Medicine for a diagnostic assessment, it may involve:

• A discussion of your medical history 
• Chest X-ray
• Lung function tests
• Blood tests
• Genetic testing

Collectively, these tests can identify underlying causes of COPD and show how far the condition has progressed. Once you have a diagnosis, the Arizona Chest & Sleep Medicine team develops an individualized care plan for your COPD. 

How is COPD treated?

Treatment for COPD varies based on the severity of the condition and the exact diagnosis you get. Your treatment plan may include multiple approaches, some as simple as changes to your diet and others as complex as surgery. 

The team at Arizona Chest & Sleep Medicine may recommend:

• Weight management
• A healthy eating plan
• Smoking cessation
• Inhaled bronchodilators
• Corticosteroids
• Supplemental oxygen therapy
• Vaccines to prevent infections
• Surgery

Surgery is only necessary in severe cases of COPD or in cases where other less invasive treatments have failed to improve your symptoms. 

To find out more about COPD and the tests and treatments available, call Arizona Chest & Sleep Medicine or book an appointment online today.