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The Curious Bag
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Pulmonary disease, also referred to as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), represents a group of lung diseases. These lung diseases typically restrict airflow.
Causes
According to the Mayo Clinic, COPD is usually caused by two conditions: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These conditions can be caused by smoking, second-hand smoke, air pollution, and certain fumes.
Effects
COPD can cause breathing to be nearly impossible. Many patients with COPD need assistance breathing through inhalers or oxygen.
Symptoms
Symptoms of COPD include wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, chronic cough, coughing up yellow mucus, and respiratory infections.
Complications
COPD can lead to adverse complications, including high blood pressure, lung cancer, depression, respiratory infections, and heart problems.
Treatment
Many medications are available for COPD, including antibiotics that fight off the bacterial infections that worsen symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, these are only used when absolutely necessary. Inhalers are used to help patients breathe. For serious cases of this condition, lung transplant surgery may be needed.
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