A medical professional based in Houston, Dr. Alex Lechin specializes in pulmonology and sleep disorders. He has been the director of the Texas Institute of Chest and Sleep Disorders since 1995, and a clinical assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston since 1997. Dr. Alex Lechin is also a clinical researcher with an interest in conditions such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, sleep apnea, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
COPD consists of a group of lung conditions that lead to breathing difficulties, the two most common being emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema affects the alveoli (air sacs in the lungs) which become damaged, leading to lower levels of oxygen reaching the bloodstream. Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes which causes the build-up of mucus in the airways, leading to breathing difficulties. Unlike acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis usually develops slowly over time. Both conditions are most often found among smokers, although other factors may also contribute.
COPD is more common in middle-aged and older adults, with a significantly higher incidence in smokers. Usually, chronic bronchitis leads to emphysema, so it’s typical for patients to present both conditions. With time, the breathing problems tend to worsen, and there is no cure for COPD. However, treatment can help manage the symptoms and keep the condition under control.
In the initial phases of the condition, symptoms are moderate, such as occasional shortness of breath and a mild though recurrent cough. It isn’t uncommon for people to be unaware they have the condition in these early stages. However, without treatment, the symptoms can get worse and can include chest tightness, chronic cough, lack of energy, frequent colds, and in later stages weight loss, fatigue, and swelling of the feet, ankles, or legs may occur.
Given that smoking is the number one cause of COPD, the main lifestyle change people with the condition should do is quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Depending on the severity of the condition, the treatment can consist of oxygen therapy and medication, or surgery in the most severe cases.
COPD consists of a group of lung conditions that lead to breathing difficulties, the two most common being emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema affects the alveoli (air sacs in the lungs) which become damaged, leading to lower levels of oxygen reaching the bloodstream. Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes which causes the build-up of mucus in the airways, leading to breathing difficulties. Unlike acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis usually develops slowly over time. Both conditions are most often found among smokers, although other factors may also contribute.
COPD is more common in middle-aged and older adults, with a significantly higher incidence in smokers. Usually, chronic bronchitis leads to emphysema, so it’s typical for patients to present both conditions. With time, the breathing problems tend to worsen, and there is no cure for COPD. However, treatment can help manage the symptoms and keep the condition under control.
In the initial phases of the condition, symptoms are moderate, such as occasional shortness of breath and a mild though recurrent cough. It isn’t uncommon for people to be unaware they have the condition in these early stages. However, without treatment, the symptoms can get worse and can include chest tightness, chronic cough, lack of energy, frequent colds, and in later stages weight loss, fatigue, and swelling of the feet, ankles, or legs may occur.
Given that smoking is the number one cause of COPD, the main lifestyle change people with the condition should do is quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Depending on the severity of the condition, the treatment can consist of oxygen therapy and medication, or surgery in the most severe cases.
