COPD Treatment

When looking for family medicine doctors in the Versailles-Midway area that can treat COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), look no further than Versailles Family Medicine, with locations at 460 Wilson Avenue in Versailles and at 324 North Gratz Street in Midway.  COPD is commonly misdiagnosed.  To diagnose your condition, we will review your signs and symptoms, discuss your family and medical history and discuss any exposure you’ve had to lung irritants, especially cigarette smoke. 

Versailles Family Medicine may order several tests to further diagnose your condition, which may include.

• Lung (pulmonary) function tests | These tests measure the amount of air you can inhale and exhale and whether your lungs deliver enough oxygen to your blood.
• Chest X-ray | A chest X-ray can show emphysema, one of the main causes of COPD.  An X-ray can also rule out other lung problems or heart failure.
• CT scan | A CT scan of your lungs cam help detect emphysema and help determine if you might benefit from surgery for COPD.
• Arterial blood gas analysis | This blood test measures how well your lungs are bringing oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide.
• Laboratory tests | Lab tests aren’t used to diagnose COPD, but they may be used to determine the cause of your symptoms or rule out other conditions.  For example, lab tests may be used to determine if you have the genetic disorder alpha-1-antitrysin deficiency, which may be the cause of COPD in some people.

When you are diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, you likely will have many questions. Not all people with COPD have the same symptoms and treatment may differ from person to person.  Versailles Family Medicine will talk with you about your treatment options.

Versailles Family Medicine will discuss the following facts with you about COPD:

• If you have COPD, airways in your lungs may become partly blocked from swelling or mucus, making it more difficult to breathe.
• Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of COPD.
• The most common symptoms are a cough that doesn’t go away, coughing up lots of mucus, shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness in the chest and limitations in activities.
• The goal of COPD treatment is to ease your symptoms, slow the progress of COPD, prevent or treat any complications and improve your overall quality of life.
• It goes without saying that good nutrition is important for everyone. If you have COPD, a balanced diet can give you more energy and improve your health.

It is important that you consult us at your earliest convenience. Chronic lower respiratory disease, including COPD, is the third leading cause of death in the United States.  More than 50% of adults with poor pulmonary function are not aware that they have COPD.

PA-C Jared Harper, PA-C Claire Schack and PA-C Elizabeth Watts see patients in our Versailles office.  PA-C Jenna Daniel and APRN Lena Nickell see patients in our Midway office.  Dr. Brian Smith and APRN Sammi Nichols see patients in our Versailles and Midway offices. 

For the best COPD treatment, contact Versailles Family Medicine online or by calling (859) 879-0111 and arrange an appointment.