==== ====
For free videos and the latest information about copd, please visit our site
http://blogs4u.biz/copd/
==== ====
Most cases of COPD develop over time, after the lungs and airways have suffered irreversible
damage over several years and decades, from inhaling irritants with toxic particles and smoke.
Cigarette smoking is the most often cause. Since COPD has a clear cause, it also has a clear path
to prevention.
Quitting Smoking
If you've been a long-time smoker quitting will seem daunting and even impossible. More so, if you
have tried several times in the past and failed. But if you've been diagnosed with COPD, the single
most important thing you can do is to quit smoking immediately. Though there are other things you
can do to cope with COPD, they do not compare in significance to what quitting smoking can do to
help. Cessation of smoking will slow down the damage to lungs and advancement of the disease.
Note that COPD is a progressive disorder that will get worse over time. There is no cure. This is so
because the damage that the lungs and the airways, the tubes that carry air from your throat to
lungs, suffer permanent damage.
Most smokers are diagnosed with COPD when they are in their early 40's or 50's. In many cases,
since the patient is in early stage COPD, they do not take professional help. Meanwhile, lung
damage progresses. Some smokers with COPD fail to realize how devastating it is on their lungs
and persist with their addiction.
Quitting smoking is less intimidating if you speak to your doctor about the many options available
today. You may seek the help of a specialist like a Pulmonologist who specifically treats lung and
respiratory problems.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is found to be highly successful to help with quitting
smoking. Several NRT products like transdermal patches and chewing gums can be used.Other
alternative methods, such as counseling, support groups, hypnotherapy and acupuncture can also
be helpful. Educate yourself and discuss with your doctor what might be best for you.
Avoiding Exposure to Pollutants
In some occupations, exposure to chemical fumes and dust is unavoidable. These lung irritants
can lead to COPD over several years of exposure. Since this is nearly an everyday health hazard
you face, talk to your employers and supervisors about providing the best ways to protect with aids
such as a breathing mask. Speak about improving ventilation in the work area.
Timely Vaccinations
Vaccination against viral influenza and pneumonia is strongly recommended in all patients with
cardiopulmonary diseases, including COPD.
Dealing with Genetic Risk Factors to COPD
If you have a rare deficiency which causes low levels of the protein alpha1-antitrypsin, stopping
smoking is especially important. People who have this protein deficiency should get timely shots of
alpha-1 antitrypsin that is obtained from human plasma. It is known to lower their risk for severe
COPD.
For infants who are born with low birth weight, many times poor airway function is seen soon after
birth. This is another known risk factor for COPD due to airflow obstruction that starts in infancy
and continues well into early adulthood. A pulmonologist can advise proper breathing and physical
exercises to help with better intake of air.
Hina Mahajabeen
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hina_Mahajabeen
==== ====
For free videos and the latest information about copd, please visit our site
http://blogs4u.biz/copd/
==== ====