Lake Regional Health System | Thrive | Fall 2017

4 | Fall 2017 C hronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condi- tion that makes it hard to breathe. Although there is no cure, treatment can improve quality of life. “Getting a diagnosis and beginning treatment can help slow and even pre- vent further lung damage,” says Lake Regional Pulmonologist Harjyot “Joe” Sohal, M.D. “Plus, treatment can help people with COPD breathe better.” What’s in a name? To understand COPD, it may help to break down its name. Chronic means long-lasting. COPD is progressive — it gets worse through- out time. Obstructive refers to the fact that air can’t move freely in and out of the lungs. Obstruction may be from chronic bronchitis (swelling and excess phlegm in the airways), emphysema (damage to lung tissue), or both. Pulmonary disease means disease of the lungs. Pulmo is Latin for lung . Fighting for air COPD can be life-threatening — it’s a leading cause of death in the United States. Signs and symptoms of the disease include: • Shortness of breath — especially during physical activity. • A cough that doesn’t go away or that produces a lot of mucus. • Wheezing (a whistling or squeaking sound when breathing). • Frequent colds. Early on, COPD may not cause symptoms. Breathe better As many as 8 out of 10 cases of COPD are caused by smoking. Other risk factors include genetics and exposure to indoor and outdoor pol- lutants. For smokers, the most important treatment is to quit smoking. Other treatments include: • Exercise to help the body use oxygen more efficiently. • Medicines, such as bronchodilators and steroids. • Pulmonary rehabilitation, a program that may include exer- cise training and nutritional and psychological counseling. • Supplemental oxygen. • In some cases, surgery or lung transplantation may be necessary. • Treatment also includes preventive medicine. “People with COPD are at high risk of complications from colds and respiratory infections,” Dr. Sohal says. “It’s important for them to get their annual flu vaccine and to practice good handwashing to avoid illness.” To make an appointment with Dr. Sohal at Lake Regional Pulmo­ nology, call 573- 302-3199 . Sources: American Medical Association; American Thoracic Society; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention LOOKING FOR COPD SUPPORT? You don’t have to face lung disease alone. Lake Regional’s Better Breathers support group provides free ongoing education and encouragement. To join, call 573-302-2282 . COPD? What is Harjyot “Joe” Sohal, M.D.