COPD & Asthma Evaluations and Treatments

COPD Evaluations and Treatments

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable disease that makes it difficult to empty air out of the lungs. COPD is a term that is used to include chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or a combination of both conditions.

This difficulty in emptying air out of the lungs (airflow obstruction) can lead to shortness of breath or feeling tired because you are working harder to breathe.

Asthma is also a disease where it is difficult to empty the air out of the lungs, but asthma is not included in the definition of COPD. It is not uncommon, however for a patient with COPD to also have some degree of asthma.

Asthma Evaluations and Treatments

Breathing is something most of us take for granted. But asthma can make breathing hard, even scary. Fortunately, with lifestyle changes and treatment, most people with asthma can lead full, active lives.

Asthma is a disease of the bronchi. These small tubes must be open for air to pass. But in asthma, the muscles around the bronchi tighten, narrowing the passages. Also, tissue that lines the tubes becomes inflamed (or swollen), and bronchial glands produce too much mucus. This clogs the small airways and makes breathing hard. The problems wax and wane, so symptoms come and go.

To learn more about how we manage COPD and asthsma, contact Hilton Head Primary Care today at 843-682-2004.