Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): prevention and treatment
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD) is a serious lung condition that makes breathing difficult, significantly affecting quality of life. At Elytis Hospitalour team of pulmonologists provide accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment for COPD, helping you breathe easier and regain your vitality.
Causes and risk factors of COPD
The main cause of COPD is smoking. Cigarette smoke irritates and inflames the airways, destroying the alveoli in the lungs responsible for oxygen exchange. Other risk factors include:
- Exposure to pollution, smoke and chemicals
- Repeated respiratory infections in childhood
- Genetic factors such as alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency
Symptoms of COPD
COPD symptoms include:
- Persistent cough, with or without expectoration
- Shortness of breath, especially on exertion
- Feeling tight in the chest
- Wheezing
It is important to consult a pulmonologist at Elytis Hospital if you have these symptoms, to get an accurate diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible.
Diagnosis of COPD at Elytis Hospital
The Elytis Hospitalour pulmonologists use advanced diagnostic methods such as:
- Spirometry: measures lung capacity and airflow and is essential in diagnosing COPD.
- Chest X-ray: may show changes in the lungs characteristic of COPD.
- Chest computerized tomography (CT) scan: provides detailed images of the lungs, helping to assess the severity of the disease.
- Blood tests: may identify infections or other associated conditions.
Treatment options and modern therapies available at Elytis
Although COPD cannot be cured completely, treatment can relieve symptoms, slow disease progression and improve quality of life. At Elytis Hospital, we offer a wide range of treatment options, tailored to each patient's needs:
- Medication: bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, antibiotics (for infections)
- Oxygen therapy: giving extra oxygen to improve breathing.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation: a personalized exercise and education program to help increase exercise capacity and manage symptoms.
- Surgery: in severe cases, lung volume reduction surgery or lung transplantation may be performed.
Elytis Hospital has state-of-the-art medical technology and a dedicated medical team, ensuring the best results in COPD treatment.
The importance of smoking cessation in preventing COPD
Quitting smoking is the most important measure to prevent COPD and slow disease progression. At Elytis Hospitalwe offer smoking cessation counseling and support, including behavioral therapies and medication.
COPD prevention
Besides quitting smoking, other COPD prevention measures include:
- Avoiding exposure to pollution, smoke and chemicals
- Flu and pneumococcal vaccination
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise
- Regular lung check-ups at Elytis Hospital, especially if you have risk factors
Elytis Hospital: the right choice for your lung health
The Elytis Hospital, pulmonology is a priority. Our pulmonologists, with their extensive experience and expertise, offer you a personalized approach, using modern technologies and advanced investigative methods, to ensure your long-term lung health.
Choose Elytis Hospital for:
- Accurate diagnosis: Spirometry, polygraphy and other powerful investigations give you a clear picture of your health.
- Personalized treatment: treatment plans tailored to your individual needs, whatever the stage of your disease.
- Active prevention: regular check-ups and assessments to detect lung diseases early.
- Multidisciplinary approach: we work with other specialties to provide a comprehensive and integrated treatment.
Don't let COPD "steal" your ability to breathe! Turn to the lung specialists at Elytis Hospital and receive high-quality medical care.
Latest medical review:
30.01.2025, Dr. Elena Cristina Mitrofan – Medic Primar Pneumologie