Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Specialist in Los Banos, CA

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a group of progressive lung diseases that cause long-term breathing difficulties. It primarily includes chronic bronchitis (inflammation and narrowing of the airways) and emphysema (damage to the lung tissue, especially the air sacs or alveoli). COPD is characterized by airflow obstruction, which makes it hard to breathe, and is most commonly caused by long-term exposure to harmful substances, such as cigarette smoke.

At Los Banos Primary Care, we strive to educate our patients about the various risk factors of COPD. While tobacco smoking, including passive or second-hand exposure, is the primary culprit, other factors such as exposure to dust, chemical fumes, air pollution, and in certain developing countries, indoor air pollution from biomass fuels used for cooking and heating, can also contribute to the onset of COPD.

We also recognize that genetics can play a role in the development of COPD. This is especially true for individuals who develop the disease despite never smoking or being exposed to strong lung irritants in their work environment. The most notable genetic risk factor is alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.

One of the earliest signs of COPD, which our medical team can help identify, is a persistent cough, often producing a large amount of clear, white, or yellow mucus, sometimes referred to as a smoker’s cough. This cough tends to be worse in the morning and cold weather.

As COPD progresses, you may begin to experience shortness of breath, even during simple activities like walking or getting dressed. Accompanying the shortness of breath is often wheezing, a whistling sound that occurs when breathing, and a constricted sensation in the chest that makes breathing challenging.

At Los Banos Primary Care, we are aware that Frequent respiratory infections, including bronchitis, pneumonia, and colds, are also more common in those with COPD. These infections could worsen the already compromised lung function and take longer to heal.

In the later stages of COPD, many individuals experience fatigue, a symptom our healthcare professionals can help manage. Severe cases may also result in weight loss because breathing requires more energy.

Swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs is another common symptom and is a sign of right-sided heart failure – a common complication of advanced COPD. In some cases, a bluish tint to the lips or nail beds (cyanosis) may be observed, indicating low blood oxygen levels.

We believe early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to slow the progression of COPD and improve your quality of life. Thus, if you’re exhibiting any of these signs, especially if they are persistent or worsening, we urge you to seek medical attention at our clinic. Our professional and compassionate healthcare team is here to provide you with the proper diagnosis and management for COPD.

If you’re a smoker, our team will support you in your smoking cessation efforts as it is the most effective way to halt COPD progression and improve symptoms. To avoid infections that can exacerbate COPD, we also strongly advise getting vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia.

Treatment options for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) include pulmonary rehabilitation programs that focus on education, guided exercise training, nutrition advice, and counseling to enhance lung function and improve daily activities. A nutritious diet, consistent exercise, and weight control are examples of lifestyle changes that are crucial for reducing the symptoms of COPD and improving overall health. For patients with severe COPD who haven’t responded to other treatments, surgical interventions like lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) or, in some cases, a lung transplant may be discussed.

While we can control symptoms and enhance the quality of life, it is important to remember that these treatments cannot cure COPD. In close consultation with our patients, we decide on the best plan of action for their needs and situations.

Underlying Causes:

Chronic contact with lung irritants, particularly cigarette smoke, is the main cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This causes the airways in the lungs and air sacs to deteriorate gradually and irreparably, which makes breathing difficult for a long time. Conversely, asthma is a long-term inflammatory condition that affects the lungs’ airways; it is typically identified in children, though it can begin at any age. Triggers including allergies, physical activity, chilly weather, or stress cause the airways to become temporarily blocked.

Symptoms:

Our team can help diagnose and manage the symptoms of both COPD and Asthma. COPD symptoms often include persistent shortness of breath, especially during exertion, frequent coughing (with or without mucus), wheezing, and frequent respiratory infections. Intermittent wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, particularly at night or in the early morning, are all signs of asthma.

Disease Progression:

A chronic illness, COPD progressively gets worse over time., leading to permanent damage to the lungs. Our skilled healthcare providers can help manage these conditions and monitor their progression to ensure that you receive the most effective treatment.

Treatment:

We focus on comprehensive treatment plans that are tailored to each patient’s needs. For COPD, this includes managing symptoms, slowing the progression of the disease, improving exercise tolerance, preventing and treating complications, and reducing mortality risk. For asthma, our treatment approach focuses on controlling the disease and preventing asthma attacks through the use of controller medications, quick-relief inhalers, and in some cases, long-term oral medications or allergy treatments. 

At Los Banos, our primary care physician, Dr. Mand, is committed to delivering quality care for COPD management, regardless of your concerns. She works closely with you and any specialists involved in your treatment to ensure comprehensive care. Contact us today or book an appointment, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 1120 West I St Suite B, Los Banos, CA 93635. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Los Banos CA, Volta CA, Santa Nella CA, Trent CA, and surrounding areas.