COPD

COPD Treatment for Residents of Glendale, CA

If you need help managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), turn to the skilled team at Vituity Family Medicine Center. Based in Glendale, California, we provide a wide array of family medicine services for patients in this area, including assistance with chronic conditions like COPD. You can feel confident choosing us for COPD treatment because we are part of Vituity, a physician-owned and -led partnership that serves more than 8 million patients each year.

What Is COPD?

COPD is an umbrella term used to describe numerous progressive lung diseases, two of the most common being chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis occurs when the lining of the bronchial tubes (which carry air to and from the lungs) becomes inflamed, while emphysema is characterized by damage to the walls of the alveoli (air sacs within the lungs).

COPD Causes

COPD has various potential causes, including:

  • Smoking cigarettes and other forms of tobacco
  • Being exposed to secondhand smoke
  • Being exposed to certain irritants (e.g., chemical fumes, dust, and pollution)
  • Having an alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAt) deficiency

COPD Symptoms

The symptoms of COPD can vary from one person to another but often include:

  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Chest tightness
  • Fatigue
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet
  • Frequent respiratory infections

COPD symptoms may worsen for short periods (often several days). These episodes are referred to as “COPD exacerbations.”

COPD Diagnosis

If a medical provider suspects that a patient has COPD, they may order one or more of the following tests to confirm the diagnosis:

  • Arterial blood gas analysis
  • Chest X-ray
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan
  • Pulmonary function test

COPD Treatment

The recommended course of treatment for COPD can vary from one person to another depending on the severity of their condition and the symptoms they are experiencing. For example, a provider may recommend:

  • Making certain lifestyle changes (e.g., quitting smoking and avoiding other irritants)
  • Taking medication
  • Receiving oxygen therapy
  • Attending a pulmonary rehabilitation program
  • Undergoing surgery

Get Help Managing Your COPD Exacerbations

To learn more about our approach to COPD treatment or to schedule a visit at our Glendale, CA, clinic, call Vituity Family Medicine Center today at (747) 212-3441. We will gladly provide you with additional information and answer any questions you might have.