Complications and Treatment of COPD

COPD is not a curable disease. However, it is treatable. There are several treatment options which should be discussed with your health care provider. Treatment may slow the progression of COPD, but it can't reverse the damage. Some complications are:

• Respiratory infections

• Heart disease

• Lung cancer

• Pulmonary Hypertension

• Depression

Symptoms include:

• Frequent coughing

• Excess phlegm, mucus, or sputum production.

• Shortness of Breath

• Trouble taking a deep breath

Treatment:

For current smokers, smoking cessation is essential for preventing COPD. Eliminating exposure to tobacco smoke and other environmental pollutants is also important. While there is no cure for COPD, treatment is available to manage the symptoms that are caused by COPD and improve quality of life. Treatment options include medication (such as inhalers), pulmonary rehabilitation, physical activity training, and oxygen treatment (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2017).

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017, August 11). COPD. Retrieved November 8, 2019, from Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/symptoms-causes/syc-20353679