On 18th November this year, Redbank Plaza Medical want to provide our patients with some additional information and services to help them understand how COPD develops and what can be done to prevent and manage it better.
We provide Chronic Disease Management plans with GPs to plan and coordinate the health care of patients with chronic or terminal medical conditions, including patients with these conditions who require multidisciplinary, team-based care from a GP and other allied health professionals (eg Dietitians, Podiatrists, Exercise Physiologists etc.).
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs.
MORE INFORMATION ON COPD
Chronic bronchitis is defined as presence of a chronic cough that is accompanied by sputum production for at least 3 months in 2 consecutive years. Emphysema is abnormal enlargement of air spaces within the lungs.
Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema
Sufferers of COPD tend to have a bit of both.
Signs and symptoms of COPD may include:
Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities
Wheezing
Chest tightness
A chronic cough that may produce mucus (sputum) that may be clear, white, yellow or greenish
Frequent respiratory infections
Lack of energy
Unintended weight loss (in later stages)
Swelling in ankles, feet or legs
Causes
Smoking: Most cases of COPD are caused by smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes etc. This also includes long term second hand smoking
Environmental and workplace pollutants like fumes, chemicals and dust are also contributing factors
Genetics also plays a significant role in COPD development.
It's typically caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke.
People with COPD are at increased risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer and a variety of other conditions. Chronic bronchitis is inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs. It's characterized by daily cough and mucus (sputum) production.
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