Understanding Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) with Howard Waksman, MD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is an umbrella term for lungs with persistent diminished capacity and function caused by other lung-compromising conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

Simply put, COPD makes it hard to breathe, and if ignored, will only get worse over time. Early symptoms are generally painless but definitely disruptive, and often don’t show up until COPD is more advanced:
- Persistent phlegmy cough, referred to as “smoker’s cough”
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath that worsens with activity
- Trouble catching one’s breath
- Fatigue
- Frequent respiratory infections

Cigarette smoking is the main cause of COPD and its component diseases. Every COPD patient is different, but kicking the habit improves the prognosis at ANY stage.

Pulmonologist Howard Waksman, MD, and the team at Deborah offer personalized plans for treating, managing, and even slowing COPD’s progression.