Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, known as COPD, is a common lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. It is caused by damage to the lungs that blocks airflow and, over time, can lead to other health problems.
The good news is that there are easy, effective steps you can take to protect your lungs from COPD. November is COPD Awareness Month, so New Mexico Living sat down with Dr. Cory Hicks from the New Mexico Cancer Center and Health Specialists of New Mexico to talk about symptoms and ways to combat COPD.
With COPD, lung and airway diseases restrict your breathing. Common types of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Some of the common symptoms include the following:
- Frequent coughing or wheezing.
- Trouble taking deep breaths.
- Shortness of breath.
- Excess phlegm or mucus.
COPD can be caused by smoking tobacco, exposure to environmental or workplace breathing hazards, secondhand smoke, asthma, and other factors. To reduce the risk of getting COPD, stop smoking, avoid secondhand smoke, and limit time in places that have bad air quality.
To learn more read the entire story at: https://www.krqe.com/new-mexico-living/new-mexico-cancer-center-and-health-specialists-of-new-mexico-talk-copd-prevention-symptoms/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGsTttleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHWrHMGZHe1sQX-eaV4nfs_fMsxpmEccuoLfVfOdfwXLAGvPpTCh8zcxJVA_aem_XQbqbpuGeWZd2jptZb271A