Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD is a long-term lung disease that affects millions of Americans. It is commonly not recognized until the symptoms are more pronounced. Do not be afraid to look into seeing a pulmonologist if you do cough, wheeze, or feel short of breath. So recognizing and managing the symptoms can be a game-changer for your quality of life.”
At Nova Pulmonary and Sleep, we specialize in helping diagnose and treat chronic respiratory diseases and COPD. We have your back. If you’re in Northern VA, you are home. We are here to support your respiratory health by caring and informing.
What Is COPD?
COPD is a blanket term that mainly contains two lung conditions:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD is a long-term lung disease that affects millions of Americans. It is commonly not recognized until the symptoms are more pronounced. Do not be afraid to look into seeing a pulmonologist if you do cough, wheeze, or feel short of breath. So recognizing and managing the symptoms can be a game-changer for your quality of life.”
At Nova Pulmonary and Sleep, we specialize in helping diagnose and treat chronic respiratory diseases and COPD. We have your back. If you’re in Northern VA, you are home. We are here to support your respiratory health by caring and informing.
What Is COPD?
COPD is a blanket term that mainly contains two lung conditions:
Chronic Bronchitis
Inflammation of the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs, and mucus production.
Emphysema
Destroys the tiny air sacs (alveoli) where oxygen is exchanged in the lungs.
COPD is a condition that makes it hard to breathe and get enough oxygen to the body. It’s a progressive disease, so symptoms get worse over time if it’s not effectively treated.
Causes and Risk Factors
The most common cause of COPD is long-term exposure to lung irritants, with cigarette smoke being the leading contributor. However, other risk factors include:
- Long-term exposure to air pollutants, dust, or workplace fumes
- History of frequent childhood respiratory infections
- Genetic conditions such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- Asthma that is not well-controlled
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 15 million Americans have received a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with many more likely to be undiagnosed and living with the disease.
Common Symptoms of COPD
Identifying the early signs of COPD will help to intervene sooner and improve the outcome. You may need to see a lung specialist if you have:
- Persistent cough with or without mucus
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Wheezing or noisy breathing
- Chest tightness
- Fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance
Patients in later stages can suffer weight loss, with swollen ankles, or with blue lips or fingernails from not having enough oxygen.
When to See a Pulmonologist
If you have any of the symptoms above, particularly if you are a former or current smoker, it’s essential to schedule an evaluation with a local pulmonologist. Nova Pulmonary and Sleep offers a modern diagnostic approach to measuring your lung function and developing a personalized action plan.
You should consider scheduling a visit if you live in:
- Vienna, VA
- Leesburg, VA
- South Riding, VA
- Ashburn, VA
- Fairfax, VA
- Tysons Corner, VA
- Chantilly, VA
- Brambleton, VA
- Broadlands, VA
- Purcellville, VA
Diagnosing COPD
The diagnosis is based on a detailed history and the signs. The most common type of test is spirometry, a simple breathing test that gauges how much air you can inhale and exhale, and how hard and fast you can exhale.
Other diagnostic tools include:
- PFT, a detailed test to assess lung function, air flow, lung volumes and diffusing capacity
- Chest X-ray or CT scan to assess lung structure
- Arterial blood gas analysis to evaluate oxygen and carbon dioxide levels
- Pulse oximetry for ongoing oxygen monitoring
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency testing (for younger individuals, or those without a smoking history)
Treatment Options for COPD
COPD cannot be cured, but it can be treated and managed with lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes procedures. Here are the main approaches:
1. Smoking Cessation
The most important thing someone can do to manage COPD is to stop smoking. It slows the progression of the disease and increases respiratory function. Nova Pulmonary and Sleep offers smoking cessation services with advice and medication.
2. Inhalers and Medications
COPD medications help open airways, reduce inflammation, and prevent flare-ups. These include:
- Bronchodilators (short- and long-acting)
- Inhaled corticosteroids
- Combination inhalers
- Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors for severe cases
Your pulmonologist will tailor medications based on the severity of your symptoms.
3. Pulmonary Rehabilitation
This is a medically supervised program that combines:
- Exercise training
- Nutrition counseling
- Breathing techniques
- Education about lung health
Pulmonary rehab has improved exercise capacity, reduced hospitalizations, and enhanced overall quality of life.
4. Oxygen Therapy
If blood oxygen levels are low, supplemental oxygen may be prescribed. Some patients require it only during activity or sleep, while others need it continuously.
5. Vaccinations and Infection Prevention
Preventing respiratory infections is crucial. COPD patients should stay up-to-date on:
- Flu shots
- Pneumococcal vaccines
- COVID-19 vaccines
Prompt treatment of infections can help prevent dangerous exacerbations.
6. Advanced Therapies
In severe cases, other interventions may include:
- Lung volume reduction surgery
- Endobronchial valves
- Lung transplantation
Your pulmonologist will determine if you are a candidate for these based on your health and progression of disease.
Managing COPD Day-to-Day
Successfully living with COPD involves more than just medication. Here are practical tips for daily management:
- Avoid exposure to pollutants, dust, and strong odors
- Use a rescue inhaler as directed for symptom relief
- Eat small, nutritious meals to avoid bloating and fatigue
- Practice breathing exercises, such as pursed-lip breathing
- Stay active with approved physical activity to improve lung capacity
- Track symptoms and peak flow readings to catch flare-ups early
- Stay connected with your healthcare provider for regular follow-up
COPD and Sleep Issues
Patients with COPD often experience sleep apnea or disrupted sleep due to low oxygen levels at night. A sleep specialist may recommend:
- Overnight pulse oximetry
- Polysomnography (sleep study)
- CPAP or BiPAP machine for overnight breathing assistance
Who We Are. At Nova Pulmonary & Sleep Specialists, our background allows us to treat these two areas together for a comprehensive approach to your health.
The Link Between COPD and Other Lung Conditions
It’s not uncommon for patients with COPD to also be monitored for conditions like:
- Asthma (especially in overlap cases)
- Lung nodules that may appear during routine imaging
- Lung cancer, particularly in smokers
- More information on interstitial lung disease (ILD) in differential diagnosis
Routine assessment by a pulmonologist is an essential aspect of care.
Why Nova Pulmonary and Sleep?
If you are searching for an experienced Pulmonologist or Sleep Doctor in Northern Virginia, Nova Pulmonary and Sleep offers customized, doctor-directed care dedicated to long-term health. Below is a list of why patients throughout Vienna, Leesburg, Ashburn, South Riding, Chantilly, and the surrounding area select us:
- State-of-the-art treatment of asthma, COPD, lung nodules, and sleep apnea
- Advanced diagnostics and tailored treatment plans
- A comfortable and compassionate clinic environment
- Strong patient education and continuity of care
We want to allow every patient to breathe easily, day and night.
Relax Already with Professional COPD Treatment in Northern Virginia
Don’t brush off COPD symptoms. If you are suddenly feeling more out of breath, coughing more, or having trouble sleeping, then early advice from a lung and sleep specialist could have an impact. Our Nova Pulmonary and Sleep providers will offer the best care possible to help treat your COPD and get you back on track.
Ready to take control of your lung health?
Visit www.novapulmonary.com to schedule an appointment or learn how we can support your journey to better breathing.
