Doctor talks challenges of living with COPD

JACKSON, Tenn. — Roughly 14 million americans have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, a lung disease that can make it tough to breathe.

Many people live with relentless worry about their next flare-up, which can sometimes lead to hospitalization.

Living with copd can feel like a constant struggle. These flare-ups aren’t just inconvenient; they can lead to more frequent and severe flare-ups and a high risk of hospital admission.

Just one flare-up increases the likelihood of recurrent flare-ups and related hospital admissions.

Pulmonologist Dr. Alexis Smith discusses the challenges facing those living with COPD to help manage copd and try to break the cycle of flare-ups.

“As we’re trying to keep patients out of the hospital, the research would suggest that this inflammation is predominantly driven by a type of white blood cell count called an eosinophil. And we have blood tests available in the office that can determine a level of eosinophils and therefore patients who are at increased risk of these flare ups,” said Dr. Smith.

A blood test in routine screenings, combined with a doctor’s evaluation and diagnostic tools, can help identify if inflammation is making COPD worse.

By understanding the underlying cause of flare-ups, a doctor can develop a targeted treatment plan to manage COPD and potentially reduce the frequency of exacerbations.

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