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Treatment options for COPD exacerbations

Treatment options for COPD exacerbations

People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may occasionally have symptom exacerbations, or flare-ups. Treatments options for exacerbations include bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics, oxygen therapy, and ventilation. COPD is the name given to a group of long-term lung diseases. The condition tends to get worse over time and symptoms can include: wheezing shortness of breath coughing […]

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What to know about steroids for COPD

What to know about steroids for COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a group of conditions that affect how well a person breathes. Doctors usually treat the condition with bronchodilators but may also prescribe steroids. Risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) include cigarette smoking or exposure to irritants, such as chemicals or pollution. These factors can damage the air sacs […]

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Does COPD show up on an X-ray?

Does COPD show up on an X-ray?

A chest X-ray of someone with suspected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD is a standard part of a diagnosis. The resulting image may reveal enlarged lungs, a flattened diaphragm, or potentially dangerous air pockets in the lungs called bullae. COPD is a serious condition and is the third leading cause of death in the […]

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Can you drink alcohol if you have COPD?

Can you drink alcohol if you have COPD?

Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, are risk factors for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Alcohol may be a contributing factor because of its relationship with tobacco, but researchers have found it difficult to identify an independent link between alcohol and the disease. People who drink often smoke, which can make it challenging to distinguish a […]

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Can COPD run in families?

Can COPD run in families?

Genetic factors may increase a person’s risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but there are more significant risk factors, such as smoking. Many components play a role in the development of COPD, which means that there may be ways to prevent it or reduce the risk. COPD is the term for a group […]

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What is the average age for COPD?

What is the average age for COPD?

It may be harder for cells to repair themselves as the body ages, and this may play a role in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, otherwise known as COPD. Younger people are still at risk, but increasing age may mean more lung damage and exposure to risk factors, and so a higher risk. […]

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What tests are used to diagnose COPD?

What tests are used to diagnose COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD is the medical name for a group of long-term lung conditions. Doctors use a number of tests to diagnose people with COPD. Symptoms of COPD, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and fatigue, can be similar to the signs of other lung conditions. COPD often gets progressively worse over […]

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Can COPD cause anxiety?

Can COPD cause anxiety?

Many people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) also experience anxiety. The symptoms of COPD may indicate danger to the brain, which can react by causing anxiety or possibly triggering a panic attack. A 2016 study concluded that people with COPD have a significantly higher likelihood of anxiety. However, it can be difficult for doctors […]

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Does high altitude affect COPD?

Does high altitude affect COPD?

At a high altitude, there is less oxygen available to breathe. This can pose risks to people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A study in Respiratory Research defines a high altitude as any elevation greater than 1,500 meters (m) — about 5,000 feet (ft) — above sea level. People may experience altitude-related health effects while […]