Skip to content

COPD Health Center

Medical Reference Related to COPD

  1. Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

    Pulmonary rehabilitation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) combines a number of different therapies to help reduce your symptoms, improve quality of life, and encourage your active participation in your treatment. It will not reverse the damage to your lungs already caused by COPD. Instead, it will help you improve your ability to carry out daily tasks, such as dressing, grocery ...

  2. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) - Cause

    Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is most often caused by smoking. Nearly everyone with COPD (80% to 90%) has been a long - term smoker, and research supports the fact that smoking cigarettes increases the risk of developing COPD.1 At least 10% to 15% of long - term smokers develop COPD with symptoms; some studies indicate up to 50% of long - term smokers older than age 45 develop COPD.

  3. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) - Medications

    Medication for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is used to reduce shortness of breath, control any coughing and wheezing, and to prevent and reduce a rapid, sometimes sudden, and prolonged worsening of cough, amount of mucus, and/or shortness of breath (COPD exacerbation). Most people with COPD find that medications make breathing easier.Bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids are

  4. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) - Prevention

    The best way to prevent the development and worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is to not smoke. Other airway irritants (such as air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust) also can make COPD worse, but they are far less important than smoking in causing the disease. Stopping smoking is especially important if you have low levels of the protein alpha1 - antitrypsin. People who .

  5. COPD's Effect on the Lungs - Topic Overview


  6. COPD: Avoiding Weight Loss

    Key pointsSome people with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-especially those with emphysema-may be underweight and malnourished. People with COPD often lose weight. When you lose weight, you lose muscle mass, including the muscles that help you breathe. This may make breathing more difficult. About 1 in 4 people with COPD weighs too little for good health, and those who are ...

  7. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) - Other Treatment

    Other treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes:Pulmonary rehabilitation, which employs a team of health professionals that monitors and treats the medical, physical, and emotional aspects of COPD. It generally combines exercise, breathing therapy, emotional support, nutritional guidance, and education. Pulmonary rehabilitation is required for those undergoing lung ...

  8. COPD: Clearing Your Lungs


  9. COPD: Handling a Flare-Up - Topic Overview

    If you have COPD,your usual shortness of breath could suddenly get worse. You may start coughing more and have more mucus. This flare-up is called a COPD exacerbation or a COPD attack. A lung infection or air pollution could set off an attack. Or it may happen after a quick change in temperature or being around chemicals. You may not always know the cause. What are the warning signs? When ...

  10. Ventilation Options for COPD - Topic Overview



Today on WebMD

man talking to his doctor
Check your COPD risk.
woman using inhaler
What is the top cause of this condition?
chest x-ray
7 early warning signs.
Senior couple stretching
10 exercises for people With COPD.
Bronchitis Overview
Senior woman blowing dandelion
Living With Copd
human lung graphic
Energy Boosting Foods
red heart and ekg
Living With Copd
Senior couple stretching

WebMD Special Sections