COPD Specialist

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a broad term that includes conditions that affect the lungs and prevent easy breathing and oxygen intake. Most types of COPD are progressive, meaning they get worse with time if you don’t manage them. Two of the most prevalent types are:

Emphysema

Emphysema occurs when the tiny air sacs in your lungs, called alveoli, are damaged and lose their elasticity. This causes the sensation of breathlessness. Healthy alveoli expand when you inhale and retract back to their smaller size when you exhale. With emphysema, some of the alveoli rupture completely while others stay large and cause the airway to collapse. 

Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis, another common type of COPD, causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes or airways. It has no cure, and the symptoms will never fully go away. However, you might have periods of remission and flare-ups of symptoms like coughing and breathing problems. 

What are the symptoms of COPD?

Despite the fact that there are many different types of COPD, they share most of the same symptoms. Most cases of COPD start with very mild symptoms that you might mistake for some other condition, like the common cold. As they get worse, you might get more concerned. You should schedule a visit at JAX Family Care if you have COPD symptoms like:

• Chest tightness
• Cough that won’t go away
• Wheezing
• The constant need to clear your throat
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Shortness of breath
• Frequent respiratory infections, including cold and flu

Once COPD reaches a late stage, you might feel fatigued all the time and even start to lose weight without trying. You might also experience swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet. 

What causes COPD?

One of the most common causes of COPD is lung and airway damage from smoking. In fact, your risk for COPD increases with the number of tobacco products you smoke and the number of years you’ve smoked. 

While it’s not really a direct cause, having asthma worsens COPD. Your risk for COPD is exponentially higher if you have asthma and are also a smoker. 

How is COPD treated?

JAX Family Care offers long-term care for COPD. While you can’t cure the condition, Dr. De La Hoz makes it easier to live your life despite the breathing issues and other symptoms that come with COPD. As part of your care plan, he might recommend:

• Smoking cessation
• Nutritional counseling
• Avoiding smoke and fumes
• Supplemental oxygen therapy
• Inhaled bronchodilators
• Corticosteroids

With chronic disease management and medication management, you can attend some of your visits for COPD remotely with JAX Family Care’s telemedicine services.  

Surgery for COPD is not needed unless you don’t experience significant improvements with nonsurgical care. Dr. De La Hoz can refer you for surgery to improve your airflow if needed. 

To schedule an appointment for COPD symptoms at JAX Family Care, call the office or book online right away.