That’s the advice patients are given when they are stressed, panicked, or overwhelmed. But what if a health condition made it difficult to do just that: breathe? Over 16 million adults in the U.S. have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) that irreversibly damages their lungs. This blog defines COPD as well as risk factors and prevention measures for this lung condition.

Defining Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

The process of breathing involves air entering the lungs and oxygen moving from the lungs into the body’s bloodstream. With COPD, inflammation is present in the lungs and prevents oxygen from fully leaving the lungs and moving into the bloodstream. When more and more air is trapped inside of the lungs’ tissues, excess mucus and scarring can occur, slowly narrowing and damaging the lungs’ airways. The slow deterioration of the lungs from COPD can result in chronic bronchitis or emphysema.

The main causes of COPD include:

• Exposure to cigarette smoke, especially exposure in early childhood that prevents healthy lung development.
• Vaping.
• Exposure to fumes from burning fuels and other air toxins, such as near refineries or in homes with poor ventilation.

Fewer people are taking up the habit of smoking, but vaping is on the rise. The use of e-cigarettes worsens COPD, even if doctors have not yet proven that vaping can cause the condition.

Can I Prevent COPD?

If you are a smoker, consider finding a program that allows you to quit and give your lungs the best chance of returning to good health. Medical News Today shows that after only one to three months after quitting smoking, circulation in the lungs begins to improve.

Education is also important for preventing conditions like COPD. If you are a parent, begin conversations with your children about the importance of maintaining healthy lungs. The Partnership to End Addiction asks parents to consider why their children decide to vape in the first place—open the dialogue about how vaping makes children feel, and find healthy alternatives to mimic those effects.

High levels of fitness in young adults also leads to healthy lung functioning in adulthood. Every cell within your body requires oxygen to do its job. That’s why a healthy set of lungs is a must.

If you or your family members are suffering from shortness of breath or have experienced a cough for a sustained period of time, it’s time to act. Talk with your doctor or visit Access Urgent Care to check your lung health. It is never too late to start taking deep breaths.

For More Information

European Respiratory Journal, “Tobacco Smoke Exposure in Early Life and Adolescence”

Mayo Clinic, “COPD.”

National Institute of Health, “COPD National Action Plan”

Time, “Fewer Americans Than Ever Are Smoking. Will Vaping Take Its Place?”

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Access Urgent Care is a locally owned, community-driven urgent care clinic in Lake Charles that provides affordable, accessible healthcare to a growing region. Their team of ER-trained, experienced providers are available seven days a week. No appointments are necessary and little to no wait time is always their priority.