COPD & Emphysema Care

Risk factors for developing COPD include:

• You are a prior or current smoker.
• You are frequently exposed to lung irritants such as secondhand smoke, cleaning chemical or other pollutants.
• You have a family history of COPD.

In the early stages of COPD, you may not notice any symptoms. This is because the disease can develop over a long period of time and you won’t even experience shortness of breath.

When COPD signs and symptoms do occur, they can include:

• A cough with mucus that does not go away.
• Chest tightness and wheezing.
• Shortness of breath and increased breathlessness.

If you have any of the risk factors or notice any of these symptoms, start by speaking with your primary care doctor.

There are different types of COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Some patients have genetic abnormalities that can predispose them to develop COPD. All forms of COPD can cause you to have trouble getting a deep breath or feeling like you have enough air.

Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is a serious condition in which the bronchial tubes (carry air to and from your lungs) become inflamed. This can cause you to experience:

• Chest discomfort
• Continuous cough with mucus
• Fast breathing
• Wheezing

Viruses or bacteria can further irritate the bronchial tubes. This can result in a flare-up where symptoms are worse than usual.

Other triggers for chronic bronchitis flare-ups include:

• Air pollution
• Smoking or secondhand smoke
• Workplace dust, fumes or vapors

Emphysema

Emphysema occurs when the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs become damaged. The alveoli inflate and deflate as you breathe, exchanging the oxygen in the lungs. When the alveoli are damaged, your body cannot properly exchange the oxygen. Airflow out of your body becomes blocked, making it difficult to breathe.

The most common cause of emphysema is smoking. Quitting smoking before emphysema develops can help to prevent it. Quitting smoking after you have emphysema can help keep it from getting worse.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD)

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is the most common genetic risk factor for COPD. Some people who develop COPD are non-smokers or have never had frequent exposure to air pollutants. AATD is a protein found in the bloodstream. Without it, the lungs deteriorate as white blood cells attack them. If you have COPD, you should ask your pulmonologist (lung doctor) to help you get tested for AATD.

Research is ongoing to determine whether there are other genetic dispositions that play a role in the development of COPD.  

Our COPD care team provides the latest treatment options. The goal of all treatments is to improve your lung function.

We are leaders in innovative surgery and minimally invasive procedures. Your specialist will customize your treatment plan depending on your specific condition, symptoms and overall health.  

Please check with your insurance company when scheduling an appointment. You may need an insurance referral and/or a co-payment.

Prior to your visit, please have your pulmonologist’s office fax us:

• Your most recent clinic visit note, including your current medication list.
• Your most recent pulmonary function tests (PFTs), including pre- and post-bronchodilator and six-minute walk test results.
• Chest CT scan, if available (send the CD and written report).
• Echocardiogram, if available.

Please remember to bring with you:

• Your insurance card
• You list of medications