How to Recognize the Early Signs of COPD
Courtney Carter
/ Categories: WELLNESS, 2024

How to Recognize the Early Signs of COPD

November is COPD Awareness Month and an important step in helping the estimated 18 million Americans living with the undiagnosed condition to learn the symptoms and begin treatment.

The sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. COPD refers to several chronic lung diseases that limit airflow in and out of the lungs. These include emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma. COPD is a chronic disease that worsens over time as the damaged lung tissue does not repair itself. However, early diagnosis can lead to treatment that can slow the progression of the disease, improve symptoms, reduce the need for hospital stays out of hospital, and lead to a longer life.  

 

Common early symptoms of COPD include:

  • Shortness of breath after exertion or, in severe cases, after minimal exertion or even at rest

  • A lingering cough with or without mucous

  • Wheezing

  • Tightness in your chest

  • Weight loss

  • Difficulty sleeping

  • Fatigue

  • A blue tinge to the skin caused by insufficient oxygen

  • Reoccurring lung infections like acute bronchitis or pneumonia

 

It’s important to note that you don’t need to experience all these symptoms to have COPD.

In addition, COPD can develop slowly over time. As the disease progresses, symptoms often get increasingly worse. Very often, people find themselves cutting back on their day-to-day routines and activities in response to symptoms, which has the unfortunate effect of further reducing lung function.

Take a free online COPD Risk Screener

The COPD Foundation offers a free online risk screener to help you assess your symptoms.

Comprised of five simple question, it takes less than a minute to complete and can help you—and your health care provider—assess your risk for having the disease.
Click HERE to take the risk screener.

 

Again, there are ways to manage and treat COPD. The sooner you get diagnosed, the sooner you can begin a treatment plan to keep your lungs as healthy as possible for as long as possible.

Diagnosing COPD involves a simple, non-invasive breathing test called spirometry. Other measures used to confirm a diagnosis include:

  • a physical examination

  • medical history

  • gas transfer and lung volume tests

  • blood tests

  • sputum analysis

  • chest x-ray

  • computed tomography (CT) scan.

If you’re diagnosed with COPD, treatment options may include medications, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation. While treatment will not repair damaged lung tissue, it can help slow the disease’s progress and prevent further loss of lung function.

If you’re experiencing symptoms or are concerned about COPD, contact your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment to be evaluated. 

 

Disha Geriani, MD specializes in pulmonary medicine and critical care at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington.

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What to Expect During Your Outpatient Visit

Now that cases of COVID-19 in the state have plateaued and Governor Phil Scott has given the go-ahead to resume elective procedures, the physicians and nurses at Southwestern Vermont Health Care are eager to provide the elective procedures that were postponed at the onset of the pandemic.

At the same time, we recognize that we need to implement enhanced precautions to ensure safety. See news about the universal safety precautions we are taking here.

Two areas in particular, outpatient surgery and diagnostics (which include the lab and imaging departments), have put additional precautions in place to ensure patient and staff safety.

Outpatient Surgery

3 – 4 Days Before Procedure. Patients will be given directions to get a drive-up swab test for COVID-19. The test should be conducted 3 – 4 days before your surgery. There is no out-of-pocket charge. Patients are given a cloth mask and are asked to wear it and self-isolate until surgery. Results for most tests are expected to be negative. Your surgeon will be in touch with you if there is a positive result. Procedures for those who have tested positive will be rescheduled.

Day of Procedure. Patients should come to the procedure alone, unless they need to be accompanied for safety reasons. Both patients and companions should wear a cloth face covering to the hospital. They are screened for symptoms at the main entrance. Patients will be given a medical-grade procedure mask to wear once they are checked into the unit.

Post Procedure. After the procedure, we will continue to be available to you. You will be provided a link that can be accessed via your cell phone or Internet. The link includes a brief questionnaire to help us assess your progress and guide you to a smooth recovery.

Diagnostic Imaging and Lab Work

Like those receiving an outpatient procedure, every imaging patient will be screened over the phone before arriving at the hospital. Lab patients with appointments will also be pre-screened on the phone. All patients should come for lab and imaging alone, unless a support person is needed for safety reasons. Patients should wear a cloth face covering to the hospital and for the entire duration of their stay. Patients are screened again at the main entrance.

Patients will notice some changes in the waiting rooms. Chairs have been spaced 6 feet apart to comply with social distancing. Reading material has been removed to discourage touching things that have been touched by others. In addition, the exam rooms are being deep cleaned after every patient, and the waiting rooms and high-traffic areas are disinfected hourly.

The clinical professionals at SVHC are confident that these measures, along with continued social distancing, will allow patients to receive the care they need in a safe and timely way.

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