Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and the Ventolin Inhaler

Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPDs) such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis are a set of potentially serious breathing conditions that usually deteriorate as time goes by. This article goes into detail of what they are, what causes them and how the Ventolin inhaler can help to manage the symptoms associated with them.

What is COPD?

COPD is any disease where lung deterioration leads to difficulty in breathing, it is degenerative and can eventually lead to the death of the sufferer. COPD consists of permanent and irreversible damage to the lungs themselves or the airways that lead to them. This reduces the ability of your lungs to absorb oxygen and get rid of waste gasses from your body. COPD falls into a separate category from asthma due in part to the difference in effect treatments can have.


What causes COPD?

One of the most common risk factors for developing COPD is smoking. The chemicals found within cigarette smoke damage the cells in the lungs eventually leading to the person developing COPD after repeated exposures. Genetic variation will also naturally influence your chances of developing COPD. It is also thought that air pollution may play a part in developing the disease.

How can a V entolin inhaler help me to deal with a COPD?

As Ventolin helps to relax your airways a Ventolin inhaler may sometimes be suggested by your doctor if you have COPD. While this won't cure the underlying cause of the COPD it should help you to breath easier as air will flow to your lungs more efficiently. This will help to improve your quality of life and will mean that you can better achieve everyday tasks without getting out of breath.

In conjunction with the use of a Ventolin inhaler efforts are usually made to get you to quit smoking as this will slow down the progress of COPD. Different or additional medications may also be recommended by your doctor.

« Asthma and the Ventolin Inhaler Cystic Fibrosis and the Ventolin Inhaler »