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NetWellness is a global, community service providing quality, unbiased health information from our partner university faculty. NetWellness is commercial-free and does not accept advertising.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
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NetWellness is a global, community service providing quality, unbiased health information from our partner university faculty. NetWellness is commercial-free and does not accept advertising.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
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COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) |
Do I have COPD?01/31/2008 |
A few years ago I informed my doctor that I got really short of breath with the slightest bit of exercise. He did a chest Xray and told me that I had COPD since he saw where my diaphragm had flattened out. I`ve done a lot of research online about COPD and nowhere have I seen where a flat diaphragm is an indication of it. I did smoke for years but haven`t smoked in 6-7 years but the shortness of breath seems to get worse instead of better. Is there anything that can be done about this condition or is there a treatment? I`d appreciate any advice you can offer.
A flattened diaphragm may be an indication of lung hyperinflation, which can be a finding in COPD. The best test to diagnosis COPD, however, is a pulmonary function test. COPD is caused by smoking, and quitting smoking was the best thing you could have done to avoid further damage to your lungs. There are medications (e.g. inhalers that open up the airways) and other options (including exercise rehabilitation programs) available to treat COPD. You should discuss this further with your physician.
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Mahasti Rittinger, RRT Clinical Program Manager of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep College of Medicine The Ohio State University |
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Phillip T Diaz, MD Professor of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine College of Medicine The Ohio State University |
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