Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease that severely restricts your ability to breathe freely, and it’s one of the most common causes of disability in America. Early detection, before too much damage has been done to the lungs, is essential to COPD successful treatment. Routine check up can help discovering  COPD before its symptoms develop.

COPD Q & A

Do I have COPD?

Several symptoms could indicate COPD, including:

  • Constant coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Struggling to breathe
  • Chest pain, because of the coughing

How does the doctor diagnose COPD?

With a commitment to improved health and Dr. Pham’s ongoing support, you can be healthy in spite of a hypertension diagnosis. There are tests that Dr. Pham may use:

  • Spirometry – A spirometry test is a simple way to measure how much air you can breathe in and out.
  • Chest X-ray – A chest X-ray allows for a clear picture of your lungs, and it can help determine whether your symptoms originated in your lungs (COPD) or in your heart, as heart failure symptoms can be similar to COPD symptoms.
  • CT scan – A CT scan is particularly effective in diagnosing emphysema and may be necessary of Dr. Pham suspects an advanced case of COPD.

How is COPD treated?

COPD treatment depends on your specific symptoms. The most common treatments include inhaled medications, corticosteroid medications, and oxygen therapy. With the right therapy, you can get relief from COPD symptoms very quickly in many cases.