COPD

Vibrant Health Care

Alternative Medicine & Aesthetic Medicine Practice located in Downtown Scottdale Area, Scottsdale, AZ

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can affect your ability to breathe deeply and may reduce your quality of life. If asthma, shortness of breath, or other breathing problems make everyday activities difficult, simple treatment options are available at Vibrant Health Care in Scottsdale, Arizona. Edgar Suter, MD, and the experienced medical team offer advanced COPD treatments to help you breathe easier. Schedule an appointment over the phone or online to learn more.

COPD Q & A

What is COPD?

COPD, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, results from lung damage and makes it difficult for you to breathe efficiently. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two main types of COPD. Proper treatment can make breathing easier so you can enjoy staying active and other everyday activities with ease.

What are the symptoms of COPD?

The following signs and symptoms may indicate you have COPD:

  • Wheezing
  • Chest tightness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Other breathing problems
  • Mucus in your lungs
  • A chronic cough with mucus
  • Frequent respiratory infections
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling in your feet or ankles
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Bluish lips or fingernail beds

Having asthma can make COPD symptoms more severe. Smoking and occupational exposure to chemicals or dust are common causes of the condition. While there’s no cure for COPD, treatment helps relieve your symptoms.

How is COPD treated?

Vibrant Health Care specialists review your medical history and symptoms and complete an exam. They may use lung function tests, X-rays, CT scans, or other imaging tests to diagnose COPD and other breathing problems. Your personalized COPD treatment plan might include one or more of the following:

Smoking cessation

Not smoking is the best way to prevent COPD from worsening. Your Vibrant Health Care specialist can refer you to smoking cessation programs or offer treatments to help you quit smoking.

Medications

Taking certain medications help treat symptoms and complications associated with COPD. Your doctor lets you know which medicines are right for you.

Inhalers

Using an inhaler helps relieve symptoms of COPD, including shortness of breath and other breathing problems, especially during physical activity. 

Oxygen therapy

Oxygen therapy, or using supplemental oxygen, helps deliver more oxygen to your lungs to better manage COPD symptoms.

Regenerative medicine

Regenerative medicine, or stem cell therapy, has the potential to regenerate lung tissue in people with COPD and other medical conditions associated with breathing problems. Research is ongoing in this realm.

Don’t let COPD symptoms prevent you from enjoying life to its fullest when simple treatment options are available at Vibrant Health Care. Schedule an appointment over the phone or online to learn more about your options.