Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):
Definition:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the overall term for a group of chronic lung conditions that obstruct the airways in your lungs. COPD usually refers to obstruction caused by chronic bronchitis and emphysema, but it can also refer to damage caused by asthmatic bronchitis. In all forms of COPD, there's a blockage within the tubes and air sacs that make up your lungs, which hinders your ability to exhale. And, when you can't properly exhale, air gets trapped in your lungs and makes it difficult for you to breathe in normally.
COPD is very common. It's a major cause of death and illness worldwide, and it's the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States. In the majority of cases, COPD is caused by long-term smoking and could be prevented by not smoking or quitting smoking. However, once symptoms begin, the damage to your lungs can't be reversed, and there's no cure. Treatments for COPD focus primarily on controlling symptoms and preventing further damage.
Symptoms:
Initially, COPD is often silent. Signs and symptoms may not appear until there's significant lung damage, but once symptoms begin, they typically worsen over time. COPD symptoms may include:
- Persistent cough
- Increased mucus production
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Frequent respiratory infections
Causes:
In the vast majority of cases, the damage in the lungs that leads to COPD is caused by long-term cigarette smoking. But other irritants can cause COPD, including cigar smoke, secondhand smoke, pipe smoke, air pollution and certain occupational fumes.
In rare cases, COPD results from low levels of a protein called alpha-1-antitrypsin. This is a rare genetic disorder known as alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.
Additional Information:
For additional information about COPD (such as Risk Factors, Treatments, and Prevention) please visit the COPD Mayo Clinic webpage.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):
Definition:
More than 12 million people in the United States have obstructive sleep apnea — a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. There are several types of sleep apnea, but the most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when your throat muscles relax and block your airway. The most noticeable sign of obstructive sleep apnea is snoring.
Anyone can have obstructive sleep apnea, although it most commonly affects older adults, men and especially those who are overweight. Obstructive sleep apnea treatment may involve using a device to keep your airway open or undergoing a procedure to remove tissue from your nose, mouth or throat.
Symptoms:
Signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
- Loud snoring
- Observed episodes of breathing cessation during sleep
- Abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath
- Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headache
- Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia).
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