What Is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease in which the lungs are damaged, leading to breathing problems. In COPD, the airways (the tubes that carry air into and out of the lungs) are partly obstructed, making it difficult to breathe. There are different kinds of COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. While smoking is the most common cause, there are other possible
causes of COPD. Common COPD symptoms may include:
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath, especially with exercise
- Wheezing (a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe)
- Sputum (mucus) production
- Coughing.
Depending on the severity of your COPD, your healthcare provider may recommend a number of medications as part of your COPD treatment, including:
- Bronchodilator medications (such as the two medications in DuoNeb)
- Steroids (such as inhaled steroids)
- A pneumococcal vaccine
- A yearly flu shot.
Lifestyle changes are also recommended
(see Living With COPD and COPD Rehabilitation). DuoNeb is a bronchodilator, which means that it helps open up the airways. It is approved for use in people who need two bronchodilator medications to control their COPD symptoms. DuoNeb is inhaled using a device called a nebulizer, which must be purchased or rented.
