{"id":537,"date":"2022-11-16T07:54:20","date_gmt":"2022-11-16T07:54:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/?p=537"},"modified":"2022-11-18T07:58:19","modified_gmt":"2022-11-18T07:58:19","slug":"what-is-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/copd-medications\/what-is-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease? (COPD)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Highlights<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can result from several diseases of the lungs and gets worse over time.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Common causes of COPD include smoking, air pollution, and occupational hazards.\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>COPD may also have genetic and autoimmune components.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>The primary symptoms of COPD are shortness of breath and coughing.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>While COPD is not curable, it is preventable and can be treated with medications.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>BidRX can help you get the lowest price on your COPD medications.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health-topics\/education-and-awareness\/COPD-national-action-plan\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">affects at least 16 million Americans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Despite its prevalence, it\u2019s often not well understood. COPD can\u2019t be cured, but it can be managed with medication.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease, which means it gets more severe as time goes on. Over time, the airways in the lungs become narrower and can collapse, making it harder to inhale and to fully exhale.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">COPD is an umbrella term for a condition that is caused by other diseases. The two most common are: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Emphysema.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> In emphysema, the air sacs in the lungs are damaged and collapse, reducing the surface area of the lungs and how efficient they are at transferring oxygen to the body.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Chronic bronchitis.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Also called \u201csmoker\u2019s cough,\u201d chronic bronchitis is a cough that lasts for more than three months out of the year for at least two years, and that is \u201cproductive,\u201d meaning that the coughing produces sputum. As coughing damages the lungs, it can become COPD.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Autoimmune diseases, <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">such as rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.atsjournals.org\/doi\/10.1165\/rcmb.2017-0409LE\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">may also be linked to COPD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. As foreign matter invades the lungs, the immune system attacks it. However, this may lead to the immune system attacking lung tissue as well, contributing to COPD over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While there is currently no cure, COPD is preventable and treatable.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>COPD Causes<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To find the root of COPD, you need to find the root of the diseases that cause it. Although researchers don\u2019t yet fully understand the causes of COPD, we do know of a few clear culprits, all involving the introduction of foreign particles into the lungs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tobacco.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Smoking is, by far, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/tobacco\/campaign\/tips\/diseases\/copd.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the most common cause of COPD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as it\u2019s the trigger of a wide range of conditions that inhibit lung function.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Occupational hazards.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Working in environments with high amounts of dust, fumes, and other irritants can fill the airways with foreign particles that irritate the lungs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Air pollution. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heavily polluted areas have higher rates of lung disease and COPD. Air pollution <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4740163\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">irritates lung tissue and forces the lungs to work harder<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, setting the stage for COPD later in life.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>COPD Risk Factors<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-542\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/2.jpeg-13.jpg\" alt=\"Woman's face\" width=\"512\" height=\"328\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to the above root causes, there are other risk factors to be aware of.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Chronic lung diseases. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic diseases that affect the lungs, such as asthma, tuberculosis, or autoimmune diseases, can raise the chances of developing COPD.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Genetics and family history. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increasingly, evidence is emerging that some people are predisposed to COPD. While COPD doesn\u2019t have a strictly genetic basis, family history can increase risk.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Exposure to irritants early in life. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While research is ongoing, it appears that children exposed to tobacco smoke, air pollution, or other irritants on a regular basis may be at higher risk of COPD as they get older.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lung injury or infection.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> One-time injury or severe injury to the lungs may contribute to COPD, regardless of when it happens.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Alcohol consumption.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Heavy alcohol consumption <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3860447\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can impact the lungs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, causing damage that worsens over time.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>COPD Symptoms<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">COPD has two primary symptoms, shortness of breath and coughing. The cough can be dry or produce sputum or mucus. People with undiagnosed COPD may also notice they have more frequent respiratory infections. Symptoms are usually worse in the morning, and there may be other signs, like a bluish tint to the lips.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The main concern to monitor for is that these symptoms are ongoing and affect quality of life. If you\u2019re less active because you\u2019re more frequently out of breath, see a doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>COPD Diagnosis<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-541\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/3.jpeg-12.jpg\" alt=\"Doctor listening to patient's lungs\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">COPD is usually diagnosed using spirometry, a test of lung function. You\u2019ll take a bronchodilator, which expands your airways, and then exhale. The test looks at both how much air you can exhale in the first second of a breath and how much you exhale in one large breath. If the test comes in under a certain percentage threshold, you\u2019ll undergo a few other tests, such as a chest x-ray, to rule out other causes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>COPD Complications<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The main complication of COPD is its progressive nature. Unmanaged, it makes physical activity more difficult, and less activity leads to worse outcomes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other complications include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More frequent upper respiratory infections<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight loss<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle loss due to inactivity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decreased or lack of appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>COPD Treatment<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/4.jpeg-3.jpg\" alt=\"Man wearing breathing mask\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">COPD has several common treatments, some preventative and some that slow the progression.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Smoking cessation.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you\u2019re still smoking, quitting will help limit disease progression.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Workplace safety.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Proper breathing protection in the workplace avoids irritation and prevents new foreign particles from entering the lungs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Oxygen therapy.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Providing supplemental oxygen can help with shortness of breath and encourage activity, slowing the progression.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pulmonary rehabilitation.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A combined program of exercise, disease interventions, and counseling can help people stay active and limit the overall impact of COPD.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Environmental changes.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Keeping rooms at the right temperature and humidity can help prevent severe symptoms and other problems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Underlying disease treatment.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Interventions, such as lung surgery, for the diseases underlying COPD can assist with management.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Medication.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A range of medications can be used to keep the airways open, limit the damage caused to the lungs by underlying diseases, and help manage other symptoms.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Get the Lowest Price for Your Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Medication<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">COPD shouldn\u2019t be the driving factor in your life, and medication can help. BidRX gets you the lowest price on your COPD medication by putting you in the driver\u2019s seat. Choose your medication and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/Contents\/medication\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">create your bid<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and pharmacies across the country will offer their lowest prices. Select your bid, and your medication comes to your door, or you can pick it up locally, depending on the offer you choose.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BidRX can help you find peace of mind with medication costs. Start today to learn how you can save on all your prescriptions.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Highlights Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can result from several diseases of the lungs and&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":543,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[42],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-537","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-copd-medications"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/537","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=537"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/537\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":545,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/537\/revisions\/545"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/543"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=537"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=537"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=537"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}