COPD and Air Quality: How Your Environment Affects Your Breathing
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a life-long health condition that's primarily brought on by smoking, but it can be exacerbated by exposure to bad air quality and other environmental factors. You can learn more about COPD and how it can be managed by getting in contact with your Valdosta, GA, health professionals, Dr. Jose Medina-Bairan, Dr. Gabriel Medina-Smester, and Dr. Juan Guarderas of Maranatha Medical Plaza.
COPD
COPD is a term used to refer to a group of diseases, which include chronic bronchitis and emphysema. You may be diagnosed with COPD if you have at least one of these diseases or symptoms of both of them.
Although there is no cure for the condition, the goal of treatment is to manage your symptoms through the use of medication along with lifestyle changes. These lifestyle changes include reducing your exposure to poor air quality and conditions.
Poor Air Quality
Good air quality is important for everyone's health, but for those who suffer from COPD, bad air quality can cause an increase in their symptoms. It can lead to more coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
Your lung function can rapidly decline the more often that you experience these symptoms or are exacerbated by any environmental factors.
Reducing Your Risk
Reducing your exposure to environmental pollution can reduce your risk of experiencing COPD symptoms. During days of high pollution, it's important to stay indoors as much as possible and to minimize indoor pollution.
You can minimize indoor air pollution by keeping your house clean and free of dust, replacing your air filters, and making sure no one in your household smokes.
COPD Treatment in Valdosta, GA
You should visit your service provider if you experience even a mild increase in COPD symptoms. So if you're experiencing increased symptoms or need help managing your COPD you can schedule a consultation in Valdosta, GA, with Dr. Medina-Bairan, Dr. Medina-Smester, and Dr. Guarderas of Maranatha Medical Plaza by dialing (229) 247-1667.