For Easier Breathing

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

ROCHESTER, Minn. — A chronic cough or change in breathing shouldn't be dismissed as smoker's cough or a sign of being out of shape.

These can be early symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary artery disease (COPD). The August issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter discusses COPD, a progressive lung disease usually caused by smoking.

COPD is most commonly a combination of chronic bronchitis — characterized by persistent cough and phlegm production — and emphysema, which causes shortness of breath. These conditions develop gradually and produce few signs and symptoms in the early stages. But COPD, among older adults, is a leading cause of death in the United States.

Fortunately, when COPD is detected at a mild-to-moderate stage and the majority of cases are, symptoms can remain mild if a person stops smoking and adopts a healthier lifestyle.

Strategies that can help mild-to-moderate COPD include:

• Avoid respiratory infections — Get the pneumonia vaccine and an annual flu vaccination and take basic preventive precautions such as frequent hand washing.
• Get daily exercise — The efficiency of the muscles and circulatory system will increase.
• Use short-acting bronchodilators — They can help relax muscles and prevent spasms and, as a result, relieve coughing and make breathing easier.
• Avoid irritants — Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke, air pollution, wood smoke, strong odors and dust.
• Maintain a well-balanced diet and healthy weight — Too thin can lead to frailness, while being overweight can increase shortness of breath.

Treatments for more severe COPD include long-acting bronchodilators, corticosteroids and supplemental oxygen.

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Mayo Clinic Health Letter is an eight-page monthly newsletter of reliable, accurate and practical information on today's health and medical news. To subscribe, please call 800-333-9037 (toll-free), extension 9771, or visit www.healthletter.mayoclinic.com.

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