COPD: Sleeping Giant, Hidden Killer

Tips for Quick Diagnosis

November 8, 2007 - By Vernon R. Pertelle

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. COPD is projected to be a global burden disease by the year 2020. Every four minutes, someone in the U.S. dies as a result of this disease.

COPD is a condition characterized by airflow obstruction that interferes with normal breathing. The disease is commonly referred to as chronic bronchitis or emphysema.

Early Diagnosis is Vital, Quick, and Accurate

Similar to other chronic diseases, COPD, if left undiagnosed, can progress to severe stages in which patients require supplemental oxygen.
Nearly 24 million Americans suffer from the effects of COPD, yet only half of them are diagnosed early. This statistic is particularly tragic because once lung capacity is lost it cannot be regained. Many medical professionals are unaware that early diagnosis of COPD is not only vital; it is also quick and accurate.

The following Five-Question checklist, courtesy of the COPD Foundation, provides a helpful starting point for diagnosing COPD:

Do you cough several times, most days?
Do you bring up phlegm or mucus most days?
Do you get out of breath more easily than others your age?
Are you older than 40?
Are you a current or former smoker?

If your patient answers yes to three or more of these questions, they should be evaluated with pulmonary function testing, arterial blood gas and/or pulse oximetry at rest and with activity. The positive benefits of early detection can last decades.

New Treatment Options Let Patients Maintain Active Lifestyle

With recent advances in oxygen technologies, the stigma of placing a patient on supplemental oxygen is no longer a concern: newer technologies let the patient ambulate and live a more normal life while using supplemental oxygen. This is particularly important as more and more patients are diagnosed with COPD at a younger age. Active baby boomers do not want to be tethered to a filing-cabinet sized oxygen machine. And they don't have to.
In fact, the FAA has approved newer oxygen technology for use in-flight, allowing COPD patients travel around town and around the world.

With early diagnosis, quick treatment, and the latest technology, COPD patients can manage their disease and maintain active healthy lifestyles.
For more information on COPD, check out www.copdfoundation.org. More information on oxygen concentrators can be found at www.sequal.com.

Vernon Pertelle, MBA, RRT is widely recognized as a leader in the home medical equipment industry. He has more than 20 years experience and is the senior director/assistant vice president for Tri-City Healthcare District where he is responsible for home care, hospice, rehabilitation services, the center for wound care & hyperbaric medicine, occupational medicine & wellness, case management and discharge planning. Prior to Tri-City he served as corporate director of respiratory care and HME services at Apria Healthcare. He joined Board of Directors at SeQual Technologies in March 2006. He can be reached at VRPertelle@aol.com.