COPD means Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary (Lung) Disease. The key words are “chronic” and “obstructive.” Chronic means that it’s going to be with you a long time. Obstructive means that airflow in the lungs is partly blocked.
COPD includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. Either may compromise lung function. “Chronic bronchitis” is increased cough and mucus production caused by inflammation of the airways. Bronchitis is considered chronic (or long-term) if a person coughs and produces excess mucus most days during three months in a year, for two years in a row.
“Emphysema” is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with damage of the air sacs and/or the smallest breathing tubes in the lungs.
Exacerbations (ig-zas-er-BAY-shuns) are a part of COPD. Although you may not have heard the term, many people with COPD periodically suffer from a marked worsening of their COPD symptoms (including cough, increased mucus production, and shortness of breath). This can last for a few days or longer and often requires antibiotics, oral steroids, and in some cases, hospitalization. Doctors call this an exacerbation.
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Allergy & Asthma Associates of Southern California provides relief from allergies, asthma, sinus problems, chronic cough and other related conditions. Dr. William E. Berger, Dr. Warner W. Carr, Dr. Mark S. Sugar, Dr. Simi Kapoor and Dr. Christina Schwindt together with their staff specialize in allergy and immunology in Southern California.
If you think you have COPD or any other kind of pulmonary problem please call us at (949) 364-2900 to schedule your appointment today. You can also use our online Request an Appointment form to schedule a future appointment.
