What COPD is
COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It covers emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and it is almost always caused by years of smoking, though some patients never smoked. The lungs lose their ability to move air, so everyday activities leave you winded. It cannot be cured, but with the right inhalers and a plan for flare-ups, most patients breathe better and avoid emergency visits.
How we care for it
- Diagnosis. A breathing test called spirometry confirms COPD and tells us how severe it is. We order it if you have not had one.
- Inhalers. There are many, and using the wrong one or using it incorrectly is the most common problem we see. We match the inhaler to your stage, check your technique, and work with your insurance on cost.
- Flare-up plan. You will leave with a written plan for what to do when breathing gets worse, so you are not guessing at 2 AM.
- Vaccines. Flu, pneumonia, COVID, and RSV vaccines matter more for COPD patients than anyone else. We give them in the office.
- Oxygen and rehab. If your oxygen level is low, we arrange home oxygen. Pulmonary rehabilitation helps many patients and is covered by Medicare.
Asthma
We also manage adult asthma, which is often mistaken for COPD or exists alongside it. The treatments overlap but are not identical, so getting the diagnosis right matters.
Quitting smoking
Stopping smoking is the only thing that slows COPD down. We will not lecture you. We will offer the medicines and patches that double your odds of quitting, and Medicare covers counseling.
Common questions
-
Do I need to see a lung specialist?
Many COPD patients do well with their internist alone. We refer to a pulmonologist when breathing tests show severe disease, when flare-ups keep happening, or when you may need advanced treatments.
-
Which vaccines should I get if I have COPD?
Flu every fall, the pneumonia vaccines, COVID boosters as recommended, and the RSV vaccine if you are 60 or older. All are available in our office.
-
What should I do when my breathing suddenly gets worse?
Follow the flare-up plan we give you and call the office the same day. If you are struggling to speak, your lips look blue, or a rescue inhaler is not helping, call 911.
-
Does Medicare cover inhalers and oxygen?
Medicare Part D covers most inhalers, and Part B covers home oxygen when your levels qualify. We help with the orders and prior authorizations.