COPD Specialist
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Kamal Anjum, MD, FCCP
Pulmonary Medicine & Critical Care located in Hollywood, FL
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes several inflammatory lung conditions that affect 13% of all adults in the United States. There’s currently no cure for COPD, but the professional team at the practice of K. Anjum, MD, FCCP, in Hollywood, Florida, offers customized treatment and long-term support for their patients, helping them slow their disease progression and improve their quality of life. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kamal Anjum for COPD treatment, call the office or book an appointment online.
COPD Q & A
What does it mean to have COPD?
COPD refers to several irreversible chronic lung diseases that block air flow. The two most common problems are:
Chronic bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis occurs when your airways become inflamed and produce too much mucus. The primary symptom is a mucus-producing cough that you have for at least three months a year for two years in a row.
Emphysema
Emphysema develops when the air sacs in your lungs are damaged. Air sacs send oxygen out of your lungs and into your bloodstream. These sacs collapse when they’re damaged, trapping air in your lungs and preventing your body from getting the oxygen it needs.
What causes COPD?
COPD develops from ongoing exposure to substances that injure your lungs. The top cause of COPD is smoking cigarettes. However, you can also develop the condition from exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes.
You’re also at risk for developing COPD if you work in an environment that generates dust particles, such as mining, a timber mill, or a factory that processes grains.
What symptoms develop due to COPD?
If you have chronic bronchitis, the earliest symptom is a cough, while emphysema often first appears as shortness of breath.
All types of COPD cause symptoms such as:
- Chronic cough
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive mucus
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing
- Fatigue
COPD is a progressive disease with symptoms that continue to get worse over the years.
How is COPD treated?
The team doesn’t just hand out prescriptions and send patients on their way. They teach each person what causes the disease and the steps they need to take to slow down the progression of their disease. Patients receive a long-term plan with ongoing support, and they learn ways to monitor their progress.
Treatment for COPD is always customized to meet your health needs, but the first step is the same for everyone: It’s critical to eliminate the substance irritating your lungs. For most, that means stopping smoking. As soon as you quit smoking and remove irritants, the progression of your disease slows down. If you make changes early enough, you may prevent complications.
COPD treatment focuses on relieving your symptoms and maintaining optimal lung function. You may need inhaled bronchodilators that open your airways or corticosteroids to treat lung inflammation. When your COPD progresses to a moderate or severe stage, you need extra treatment, such as oxygen therapy or pulmonary rehabilitation.
If you have a chronic cough or shortness of breath, call K. Anjum, MD, FCCP, or book an appointment online.
