What is COPD?
COPD refers to a group of lung diseases—emphysema and chronic bronchitis—that lead to blocked airflow and make breathing difficult. Damage to your lungs from COPD can’t be reversed, but treatment can help manage symptoms and further damage. Above all, prevention is the best way to avoid COPD, such as not smoking.
What causes COPD?
Smoking, Having Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis, Personal/Family Genetic History, Frequent Exposure to Toxic Air Pollutants (chemicals, smoke, mold,etc.) and Second Hand Smoke
What can COPD lead to?
Higher Risk for Lung and Airway Infections (cold, flu, pneumonia), High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Lung Cancer, and Depression
What can you do to prevent it?
Exercise regularly, eat healthy foods, avoid smoking cigarettes, avoid environments of high exposure to toxic air pollution
Resources
American Lung Association http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/copd/
Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/basics/definition/con-20032017
WebMD http://www.webmd.com/lung/copd/tc/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd-overview
Special Thanks
Derek Chang graduated with a Bachelors degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Utah. Go Utes! He was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. He aspires to become a physician-entrepreneur to find and create new ways of improving overall patient health. He enjoys skiing, hiking, camping, reading books, meeting new people, and learning anything new.
