COPD Treatment in Baltimore, MD

What Is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, describes a variety of chronic lung diseases that leave the person affected unable to breathe properly. This condition is becoming more and more common for Americans, and it is one of the leading causes of death among them.

Most often, you will see COPD in the form of:

  • Emphysema
  • Chronic Bronchitis
  • Refractory Asthma

The team of pulmonologists at Pulmonary and Critical Care Associates of Baltimore are all board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and have extensive experience diagnosing and treating COPD. If you’re experiencing symptoms of COPD in the Baltimore area, contact Pulmonary and Critical Care Associates today to schedule an appointment. Give us a call at (410) 832-3400 or request an appointment through our secure online form. The pulmonologists at PCCAB see patients with COPD from Baltimore, Towson, Owings Mills, Bel Air, Timonium, Parkville, and the surrounding area.

What Are the Symptoms of COPD?

Many of the signs and symptoms associated with COPD are easy to brush off as a normal occurrence, but early detection and treatment of COPD can make an incredible difference in the life of a patient. Typical COPD symptoms include:

  • Frequent coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Tightness within the chest
  • Increasing degrees of breathlessness

What Causes COPD?

Most chronic lung diseases are caused by a history of smoking, but this is not the sole contributor to these types of conditions. It is possible for persons who have never smoked nor been exposed to such pollutants to get COPD.

Environmental and genetic factors can also play a large role in an individual’s potential to develop a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Diagnosing COPD

In order to determine the current functionality of your lungs, your pulmonologist will likely run a few tests. Most often, a spirometry test is administered. This simple, non-invasive test is used to measure the abilities of the lungs, which will help to conclude whether or not a patient has COPD.

How Is COPD Treated?

Once the patient’s condition has been properly assessed, a pulmonologist will determine the appropriate method of treatment. Those who do smoke will be urged to quit, and a variety of medications are often prescribed to help with symptoms of the patient’s chronic lung disease.

In more severe cases, particularly for those with emphysema, surgery may be considered. It is important to weigh each and every treatment option carefully, and to discuss all major factors with your doctor before beginning a new form of treatment.

Schedule a COPD Consultation

If you believe you are suffering from symptoms commonly associated with COPD, don’t wait to speak with a specialist. Patients in the Baltimore area can contact Pulmonary and Critical Care Associates of Baltimore today to schedule an appointment. Call PCCAB at (410) 832-3400, or request an appointment through our secure online form.