November is COPD awareness month

Kathryn Hawley

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, another health awareness in November is COPD Awareness. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes lung disease such as emphysema, and chronic bronchitis and in some cases asthma.

The best way to prevent COPD is to not smoke as this is a main factor in the development and ongoing progression of COPD, along with air pollutants in the workplace or at home, genetic factor as well as infections that can play a role.

Through the American Lung Association, you can join an online support community for COPD, Living with Lung Cancer and/or Lung Cancer Survivors at https://www.inspire.com/groups/american-lung-association-copd/ , https://www.inspire.com/groups/american-lung-association-lung-disease/, https://www.inspire.com/groups/american-lung-association-lung-cancer-survivors/ .

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describe the following effects of COPD: having a “fair” or poor health status, activity limitations when walking or climbing stairs or other activities, being unable to work, increased confusion or memory loss, an increase in hospital stays or overnight emergency room visits, have other chronic disease such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, asthma or arthritis, depression or other mental/emotional conditions. Early detection of COPD might help your future prognosis. A spirometry tests is used to measure pulmonary function so that COPD can be detected. If you have medical concerns, contact your doctor.

Kathryn Hawley, RN & Health Educator, Nodaway County Health Dept.