COPD Treatment
What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a term used to refer to emphysema, lung disease, interstitial lung disease, and other disorders that make it difficult to breathe. COPD is typically a progressive disease, which means it worsens over time. While it commonly occurs among smokers and former smokers, up to 20% of those afflicted have never smoked. At the same time, not all smokers get COPD.
Some signs that you may have COPD include fatigue, getting winded walking up stairs, chest tightness, cough with phlegm, or sudden and constant wheezing.
A COPD Diagnosis
How is the Lung Condition Diagnosed?
There are several steps that Dr. Lentzou or our other physicians will take to determine whether you are suffering from COPD. We will conduct several tests and assessments in order to figure out if your breathing troubles are related to COPD.
Medical history: Because a large percentage of people who suffer from COPD were or are smokers, your medical history comes into play in the initial diagnosis. We will ask you if you have any history of smoking or were perhaps exposed to secondhand smoke for large periods of time. We will also ask whether any of your family members about environmental risk factors and if they have been diagnosed with emphysema, lung disease, or interstitial lung disease.
Current symptoms: We will also inquire about your current symptoms and the kind of breathing problems you may be experiencing. Our physicians will also listen to your chest for any wheezing or signs of inflammation.
Possible testing: In addition to learning your medical history and finding out about how you’re feeling, Dr. Lentzou may also ask you to breathe into an apparatus called a spirometer. This measures how much air you breathe in and out and how quickly you can do so.
After the initial testing and medical history assessment, we will determine if any additional testing is required or whether we can make a diagnosis and/or move on to a treatment plan or plan of action.
Treatment and Treatment Options for COPD
What We Can Do
Although there is no outright cure for COPD, there are several courses of action that we can take to help you with your COPD symptoms. They depend on certain factors including the advancement of the condition and your particular lifestyle.
- Lifestyle changes: If you are currently smoking, Dr. Lentzou will recommend and guide you through ways of quitting.
- Medication: Whether the root cause is smoking or not, we will likely prescribe medications to help mitigate the symptoms. This might include an inhaler—a bronchodilator, or an inhaled steroid, or a combination of the two.
- Lung therapy: Another treatment option may include lung therapy in the form of oxygen or rehabilitation.
It is important to note that following your treatment plan and taking care of your overall health is critical in order to avoid ending up in the emergency room.
Why Choose Healthonomic Primary Care Clinic For Treatment?
As a primary care clinic, we work the frontlines of our community’s health. We see everyone that walks through our door like family. We provide compassionate healthcare for families in order to maintain the resilience of our neighborhoods and communities.
So why choose us?
Available and compassionate care: Our locations have extended hours and take walk-ins and same-day appointments in order to ensure you get the treatment you need when you need it.
Experienced internists and family doctors: Dr. Lentzou and her wonderful team of physicians are all experts in their field and have experience with COPD. With us, you will receive high-quality healthcare that focuses on you and your treatment plan.
We Accept All Forms of Insurance and Take Walk-Ins
Healthonomic Primary Care clinic accepts all forms of payments and medical insurance. So come in today and let us know how we can help you. We take same-day appointments and walk-ins.
Breathe Easy With Healthonomic Primary Care COPD Treatments
Come in today and talk to one of our experienced physicians about your pulmonary troubles and difficulty breathing. If you think you might be suffering from COPD, get checked and find a suitable treatment program. We are here to help.
