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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, usually referred to as COPD, is a common and treatable lung condition. It is a condition that is characterized by obstruction of the small airways in the lungs. COPD is the third leading cause of death in the United States. COPD is common in the general population. Approximately 30 million people in the United States or 5.8 percent of the population, currently carry the diagnosis, but it is estimated that millions more with the condition have not yet been diagnosed. In North Dakota, about 4.4 percent of the population has COPD which is similar to other Midwestern states.

Patients who have COPD most commonly experience shortness of breath. Coughing, wheezing, and/or chest tightness can also be present. Smoking is the most modifiable risk factor and the number one cause of COPD. COPD can also be caused by exposure to noxious chemicals or gases in the environment. These exposures may be occupational as well. A genetic condition, such as alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, can also be a cause of COPD.

Testing such as pulmonary function tests can be valuable and necessary in establishing a diagnosis of COPD. The use of blood tests, chest radiographs and computed tomography studies of the lungs may also be used as an aid arriving at a diagnosis. While COPD is not a curable condition, there are many therapies that can be employed in its management.

Common treatments for COPD start with smoking cessation and include inhaled therapies. Patients diagnosed with COPD should receive the recommended routine vaccinations. Receiving their influenza and pneumonia vaccinations as recommended will help to limit the patient’s susceptibility to these conditions and decrease their risk for exacerbations related to COPD. Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation has also been shown to be a viable treatment for COPD patients. This type of therapy is useful for maintaining a patient’s functional level and encouraging them to become more active.

If you feel you have symptoms of COPD, talk to your primary care provider or contact Trinity Health’s Pulmonology department. The Pulmonology department is located at Health Center – East, Suite 203, 20 Burdick Expressway W, Minot. For appointments or consultations, please call 857-5741.