Breathless, Not Hopeless!

As seen in the February 2009 issue of Healthwise

It may begin as a morning cough. Then, it may progress to difficulty walking up a flight of stairs and performing everyday tasks like shopping, showering, and dressing. People over 40, who have a history of smoking, may have a life-threatening disease that will only get worse if not treated. They may have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or C-O-P-D. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, killing nearly 3 million people each year, according to the World Health Organization. Yet, many people don’t realize they have it. It’s important for COPD sufferers to know: “Even if you’re breathless, you’re not helpless.”

COPD is a common lung disease that blocks the airways, making breathing difficult. It may be caused by smoking or exposure to second hand smoke, fumes or chemicals, or to dusty places. The symptoms of COPD can be treated, but the disease will not go away. COPD can result in reduced blood oxygen levels, causing fatigue and leading to adverse health conditions, including heart disease.

Karen Block, owner of Endeavor Therapy & Sleep Center of Mequon, WI said the center’s therapists work with patients suffering from COPD and see the harsh effects. “Unfortunately, people don’t always see their doctor until their lives have been severely affected by COPD. When they come to us, they’re coughing, bringing up phlegm, and are short of breath,” said Block. “We want to get the message out that they can get COPD under control through pulmonary rehabilitation. We work to better the quality of life of the patient and their family. We often hear ‘I wish I had come to see you sooner.’”

Sometimes people associate their symptoms with aging. Symptoms include shortness of breath, a chronic cough or heavy mucus, colds that last for weeks instead of days, feeling out of breath doing daily activities such as bathing, eating, walking up the stairs, or to your car, weight loss or weight gain. Block said people who suspect they may have COPD should see their family physician for a simple lung function test, or visit Endeavor for a Free Lung Spirometry. COPD is incurable, but treatable. Research shows that the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the more successful the treatment.

Block states “Our goal is to raise awareness: if you are having symptoms, check it out. A positive diagnosis for COPD doesn’t have to mean a restricted lifestyle. There is hope.”

Endeavor Therapy and Sleep Center www.endeavortherapyandsleep.com offers a state-of-the-art facility, a professional, registered/licensed staff, and convenience, located just off I-43 in Mequon.  Patients are able to park right at the front door.  Patients receive one-on-one care, with billing and cost information provided upfront.  Call to ask about a carefully monitored therapy program, or for more information: 262-241-8892.  Endeavor is a member of the Midwest Rehabilitation Network, Inc., the largest network of independent, locally-owned rehabilitation providers in Wisconsin, with locations in 13 counties, including Ozaukee County.