Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Treatment in Wendell, NC

Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are among the progressive lung diseases that make up COPD, which is characterized by ongoing airflow restriction and breathing difficulty. Long-term exposure to dangerous substances such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, or dust and chemicals from the workplace is the main cause of COPD. Over time, these irritants can harm the lungs, resulting in symptoms including wheezing, chest tightness, persistent mucus-filled coughing, and dyspnea.

Our Approach to COPD Care:

1. Early Detection and Diagnosis:
● We prioritize early detection through thorough evaluations, including lung function tests, imaging, and blood tests, to confirm a COPD diagnosis and determine its severity.

2. Personalized Treatment Plans:
● Smoking Cessation: We offer support and resources to help patients quit smoking, the leading cause of COPD.
● Medications: Our team prescribes bronchodilators and steroids to help manage symptoms and improve lung function.
● Pulmonary Rehabilitation: We coordinate rehabilitation programs designed to enhance lung capacity and overall physical fitness.
● Oxygen Therapy: For patients with advanced COPD, we provide oxygen therapy to ensure adequate oxygen levels in the blood.

3. Ongoing Support and Education:
● We empower patients with the knowledge to manage their condition effectively, emphasizing lifestyle changes and environmental modifications to reduce exposure to lung irritants.

4. Advanced Care Options:
● For severe cases, we discuss surgical options, such as lung volume reduction surgery or lung transplantation, in collaboration with specialists.

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of COPD or have been diagnosed with the condition, we invite you to schedule an appointment with our experienced healthcare providers. Together, we can create a management plan that addresses your unique health needs and helps you breathe easier.

At Wendell Family Medicine, Dr. Anna Marie Duncan, DO, is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for our patients, including those at risk of or living with chronic conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a progressive lung disease that can significantly impact quality of life, but understanding its causes is the first step in effective prevention and management.

The primary cause of COPD is smoking, including secondhand smoke exposure. We offer smoking cessation programs to help patients quit and reduce their risk. Exposure to lung irritants, such as air pollutants, dust, and chemical fumes in industries like construction, also increases COPD risk. We provide guidance on protective equipment, improving ventilation, and minimizing exposure to irritants. Genetic factors like alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency may also contribute, and we offer genetic counseling and screening for at-risk patients. Additional risk factors include age, obesity, and respiratory infections, which we address through holistic care, vaccinations, and asthma management plans.

We are committed to early intervention and personalized care for each patient. By understanding and addressing the causes of COPD, we aim to improve our patients’ quality of life and overall lung health. If you have concerns about COPD/asthma, please schedule a consultation with our experienced healthcare team. Together, we can develop a prevention or management plan tailored to your needs.

Our team is attentive to the range of symptoms that may indicate COPD, including:

● Shortness of breath, especially during activities such as walking or climbing stairs
● Persistent wheezing
● A feeling of tightness in the chest
● Chronic cough that may produce mucus
● Unexplained fatigue
● Noticeable weight loss

A thorough medical history is gathered to understand potential COPD risk factors, which include:

● Smoking history or exposure to secondhand smoke
● Occupational exposure to dust, fumes, and other lung irritants
● Family history of COPD or other respiratory conditions
● History of frequent respiratory infections

During your visit, our healthcare providers will conduct a detailed physical examination, looking for signs such as:

● Barrel chest, which may indicate air trapping in the lungs
● Reduced breath sounds upon auscultation using a stethoscope
● Clubbing of the fingers and toes, which can signal chronic oxygen deprivation

We employ pulmonary function tests to accurately assess lung function, including:

● Spirometry: This essential test measures airflow obstruction, a key indicator of COPD.
● Lung Volume Measurement: To evaluate the total capacity of your lungs.
● Gas Diffusion Test: To determine how efficiently your lungs transfer oxygen to your bloodstream.

To confirm a COPD diagnosis and rule out other conditions, we may recommend diagnostic tests such as chest X-rays or CT scans to detect lung abnormalities and exclude issues like lung cancer. Electrocardiograms (ECG) assess heart health, while blood tests check for genetic factors and oxygen levels. Arterial blood gas tests provide detailed lung function insights, and bronchoscopy may be used in specific cases to examine airways for other diseases. These evaluations ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.

Dr. Lisa A. Bledsoe, MD, is committed to providing comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs, helping to slow the progression of the disease and enhance quality of life.

We provide personalized respiratory care to manage symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, and cough using treatments such as bronchodilators and lifestyle adjustments. Our holistic approach addresses systemic effects like fatigue and weight loss with nutritional counseling and monitoring. We also focus on preventive care, vaccinations, and sleep management to reduce respiratory infections and improve sleep quality, helping patients maintain a better quality of life.

For patients experiencing more advanced symptoms such as hypoxemia, hypercapnia, or chronic respiratory failure, our team provides advanced therapeutic options, including oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation, to maintain optimal lung function and overall health.

Choose Wendell Family Medicine for compassionate, patient-centered care tailored to your health goals and lifestyle. Our experienced team utilizes the latest COPD management techniques and prioritizes ongoing education to provide exceptional care. We also offer resources and support groups to empower patients and families, enhancing their understanding and management of COPD for improved quality of life.

Take control of your respiratory health with expert COPD care at Wendell Family Medicine. Dr. Anna Marie Duncan, DO, and Dr. Lisa A. Bledsoe, MD, provide personalized treatment plans designed to improve lung function and enhance your quality of life. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are located at 2839 Wendell Blvd Suite 100, Wendell, NC 27591. We serve patients from Wendell NC, Archer Lodge NC, Hocutts Crossroads NC, Zebulon NC, Eagle Rock NC, Shotwell NC, Middlesex NC, and BEYOND.