Introduction

Prologue

Part 1:What is COPD?

Questions 1–15 define COPD and its causes, and provide fundamental information

about the disorder, including:

• What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder?

• Is there a cure for COPD?

Part 2:COPD Complications and Associated Diseases

Questions 16–25 discuss and define respiratory failure, hyperinflated lungs, pneumonia,

and other complications of COPD, including:

• Are there complications from COPD?

• Is depression a problem in patients with COPD?

• What is pulmonary bulla?

Part 3: Lung Function Monitoring

Questions 26–31 describe diagnostic tests and discuss their importance, including:

• Is early detection of COPD helpful?

• What are pulmonary function tests?

• What is spirometry?

Part 4: Living with COPD

Questions 32–53 cover exacerbation of COPD, the steps in a COPD action plan,

and outline a checklist of medical tests and procedures, and other patient advice,

including:

• I’m usually short of breath, even with minor exertion. How do I know if my

COPD is getting worse?

• I don’t want to bother my doctor unnecessarily about my illness. When should I

call him about my symptoms?

• What is a “COPD action plan”?

Part 5: Smoking and COPD

Questions 54–56 correct myths about smoking and COPD, and provide realistic

and helpful advice for quitting, including:

• I’ve been smoking for 30 years and have already been diagnosed with COPD.

Isn’t the damage already done? Do I have to quit smoking?

• How do I stop smoking?

Part 6: Medical Treatment of COPD

Questions 57–73 define beta antagonists, steroids, expectorants, and provide specific

treatment suggestions for different level COPD sufferers, including:

• What are bronchodilators?

• Why do I need a flu vaccine?

Part 7: Oxygen Therapy for COPD

Questions 74–76 suggest general guidelines for proper care and safety of oxygen and

oxygen medical equipment, and define oxygen related therapy, including:

• What is supplemental oxygen therapy?

• When does a patient require oxygen therapy?

Part 8: Rehabilitation for COPD

Questions 77–83 discuss the steps in a pulmonary rehabilitation program, and

answer common concerns about COPD rehabilitation, including:

• What is pulmonary rehabilitation?

• Am I a candidate for pulmonary rehabilitation?

Part 9: Surgical Treatment of COPD

Questions 84–92 explain bullectomy and other surgical treatments of COPD,

including:

• Am I a candidate for lung-volume reduction surgery?

• Who is a candidate for lung transplantation?

Part 10:Nutritional Guidelines for People with COPD

Questions 93–100 discuss the effects of deficient diets, anabolic steroids, alternative

medicines, and other nutrition related aspects of COPD, including:

• What is the impact of nutrition on immunity?

• My doctor says that I’m malnourished. What should I do?

Appendix

Glossary

Index