COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It’s a respiratory disease that could be virtually eliminated from the world if we would stop smoking altogether. Imagine that. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis fall under the COPD umbrella.

According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute,

COPD is now the 4th leading cause of death in the United States and also causes long-term disability.

The number of people who have COPD is on the rise — more than 12 million are currently diagnosed with it. And it is estimated that another 12 million may have COPD but not realize it.

The typical person with COPD is over 45 years old and who either smokes or has smoked. Other people who have it may have a genetic risk factor or have been exposed to something in the environment.

Symptoms:

• Chronic cough
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Inability to take a deep breath
• Excess sputum production

If you believe you may have COPD, see your doctor. A test called a spirometry, will tell you what your lung capacity is. It’s a simple test that requires you to breathe into a tube as hard as you can and as long as you can. That’s it.

Treatment

There’s no cure for COPD but there are medications on the market that may help you breathe easier.

~~~

Image: MorgueFile.com

Post from: Blisstree

COPD Awareness Month: November

Lung transplantation may be an option for people with cystic fibrosis , emphysema, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis , or sarcoidosis , although there may be other illnesses in the group as well.

The study, done by researchers from Johns Hopkins, found that having both lung replaced by healthy lungs because if one lung is left behind, there may be some residual (left over) parts of the disease, which could end up causing problems. The researchers also point out that “when both lungs are replaced, the new lungs, which must breathe together as a pair, are already adapted to each other.”

The encouraging part of this study is that people who received two lungs had almost double the chances of long-term survival over those who only received eon. The discouraging part is this digs into the already very low number of lungs available for transplant.

By transplanting only one lung, surgeons can save two lives with one donor. According to a press release issued by the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions,

The finding is potentially controversial, researchers say, because there is already a shortage of organ donors, and more widespread use of bilateral lung transplants could nearly halve the potential number of beneficiaries. Though more than 1,400 lung transplants occurred in the United States in 2008, another 2,000 Americans remain on lung waiting lists, while 80 more are waiting for both a heart and lung.

What do you think? Should we be increasing the chances of long-term survival or give more people a shot at survival?

~~~~~

Image: Stock.xchng

Post from: Blisstree

2 lungs better than 1 in transplantation

An

I’m wondering if it’s simply an issue of having extra nutrients to feed on during illness. It’s not exactly clear at this point in time.

I’d say that the health benefits of being a normal, healthy weight outweigh (no pun intended) those of being slightly overweight. Think of all the things you are better able to do at a normal weight – such as climb stairs more easily, walk longer distances, keep up with your kids without getting winded. Being overweight puts a huge strain on your joints, which can lead to arthritis, even at a young age.

Do you think it’s possible to be fit and overweight? Let me know in the comments.

Claire

(Image from jonbarron.org)

Post from: Blisstree

Health Benefits To Being Slightly Heavy