COPD
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Himalaya Family Medicine Clinic
Bipin Kumar, MD
Family Medicine Physician located in Aurora, CO
COPD is the third leading cause of death by disease in the United States, with more than 11 million people being diagnosed each year. At Himalaya Family Medicine Clinic, Bipin Kumar, MD, offers comprehensive diagnostics and treatment for COPD-related breathing issues at his family medicine clinic. Dr. Kumar focuses on the prevention of COPD through routine, on-site pulmonary screenings and lifestyle changes. Learn more about available resources for treating and preventing COPD by calling the Aurora, Colorado, office or booking a consultation online today.
COPD Q & A
What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of progressive lung diseases affecting your ability to breathe. Other diseases under the COPD umbrella include:
Emphysema
Emphysema is a condition where the tissue of the air sacs in the lungs becomes progressively thinner and irreversibly damaged.
Chronic bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes that carry air to your lungs, causing the production of excess mucus, a chronic cough, and wheezing.
Refractory asthma
Refractory asthma is a nonreversible type of asthma that causes chronic inflammation in the airways that leads to frequent asthma attacks and low lung function.
Each of these conditions make it increasingly difficult to breathe, with symptoms progressing and becoming severe enough to interfere with your quality of life.
What are the symptoms of COPD?
Shortness of breath is often the first indication you have COPD. However, this symptom can relate to many underlying medical issues and it’s important you schedule an evaluation with Dr. Kumar as soon as possible to determine the cause of your shortness of breath.
Other common symptoms of COPD include:
- Wheezing
- Frequent cough
- Chest tightness
- Coughing up mucus
Depending on the progression of your COPD, your symptoms may range from mild to severe. Dr. Kumar offers on-site testing to confirm COPD and rule out other conditions.
How is COPD diagnosed?
During your evaluation, Dr. Kumar reviews your personal and family medical history. He discusses your lifestyle habits that may increase your risk for COPD, such as smoking and exposure to harmful environment materials, due to your job or recreational activities.
Dr. Kumar can request a pulmonary function test to determine how well you move air in and out of your lungs. This noninvasive test requires you to breathe into a device that measures your air flow and can identify signs of COPD.
What treatments are available for COPD?
After a careful assessment of your symptoms and your pulmonary function test, Dr. Kumar creates a treatment plan to improve your breathing and prevent more serious health complications.
Your treatment plan depends on the severity and progression of your condition. Initially, Dr. Kumar may recommend medications to relax the muscles surrounding your airways to help you breathe easier.
For some with serious breathing issues, oxygen therapy may be necessary. This treatment involves the use of a portable oxygen tank that delivers a flow of oxygen into your body through a facial mask or nasal cannula.
To learn more about treating and preventing COPD, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kumar today by calling the office or by booking an appointment online now.
