Dr. Sanderson explains what a woman should do once diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Dr. Sanderson:
The diagnosis of COPD, I think, that the important thing is to establish a relationship with their personal physician and develop an ongoing plan to manage her condition. Now, the management would include also avoidance of smoking and the air pollution, avoiding second-hand smoke, getting her immunizations, determine does she need an inhaler of some kind or a nebulizer, does she have more severe lung problems that would require supplemental oxygen.
She should anticipate getting on an exercise program so that she can maintain general fitness and muscle tone and maintain the quality of life that’s so often difficult in these individuals that are short of breath when they begin to exercise.
About Dr. Sanderson, M.D.:
Dr. David R. Sanderson, M.D., practices at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, specializing in pulmonary care. Dr. Sanderson attended the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University. He completed his residency and fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Visit Dr. Sanderson at Mayo Clinic