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ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50 is excited to bring you an insightful Q&A discussion with COPD specialist Dr. Katharine Knobil.
Katharine Knobil, MD, is Vice President of Global Clinical Development, Respiratory, at GlaxoSmithKline. Dr. Knobil is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Disease. She is a member of the American Thoracic Society, the Drug Information Association, and the American Academy of Pharmaceutical Physicians.
Dr. Knobil:
COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It's a term for a condition in which the airflow into and out of the lungs is reduced due to chronic bronchitis or emphysema, or a combination of both. Patients may experience symptoms of one or more of these conditions.
Dr. Knobil:
Chronic bronchitis occurs when the lining of the bronchial tubes becomes inflamed and produces excess mucus that clogs the airways. While many people will suffer a brief episode of acute bronchitis with coughing and spitting, chronic bronchitis occurs when a mucus-producing cough lasts for months, even years.
Dr. Knobil:
Emphysema is caused by the weakening and breaking down of the air sacs at the end of the bronchial tubes. These changes are permanent, and the lungs no longer work as well as they should. Many patients with emphysema also have chronic bronchitis.
Dr. Knobil:
When affected areas of the lung become enlarged, they trap "stale" air and don't effectively exchange it with fresh air, causing shortness of breath. Over time the lungs can become badly damaged, leaving fewer functioning areas where air can be exchanged.
Dr. Knobil:
If you still smoke, the first thing to do is stop. Even if you already have COPD, quitting smoking can help prevent further lung damage. There are also medications available that can help people with COPD breathe better. Talk to your doctor to see if you are doing all you can for your condition.
Dr. Knobil:
Smoking is responsible for the vast majority of COPD cases. Cigarette smoke can induce inflammation and directly damage the lungs. It is believed that this inflammation can then lead to COPD.
Smoking cessation is the single most effective—and cost-effective—intervention to reduce the risk of developing COPD.
Dr. Knobil:
Healthcare professionals can help people with COPD live more comfortably with their disease. The healthcare professional's advice and treatment may include: quitting smoking, medications, supplemental oxygen, exercise, antibiotics, and vaccines.
Dr. Knobil:
It's true. Believe it or not, even a mild to moderate workout routine can improve your health. In fact, physical activity has many benefits for the person with COPD. It improves muscle tone, increases energy level, strengthens the heart, and gives you a more positive outlook. Exercise also improves cardiovascular efficiency, which helps you to do more with less effort. Your healthcare professional will tell you how much exercise you should do, and how much is too much.
Dr. Knobil:
Breathing exercises can help strengthen the muscles used in breathing as part of a pulmonary rehabilitation program to condition the rest of the body.
Dr. Knobil:
Use salt in moderation. Too much sodium can cause you to retain fluids, which can interfere with your breathing. Also, snack healthfully. Prepackaged snack foods like potato chips and cookies typically contain large amounts of salt, fat, and sugar; they also usually have little in the way of nutrients. It's best to eat fresh, healthy foods. Healthy snacks also help keep up your energy. Finally, drink lots of fluids, unless you are told not to by a healthcare professional. Go light on the soft drinks; fruit juices are better choices, and water is best of all. Keeping your body hydrated may help loosen phlegm, mucus, or sputum so that they can be more easily dislodged by coughing.
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