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<\/a>\u201cIt\u2019s extremely important to recognize the symptoms of COPD,\u201d explained Charles Almeda, Associate Director of Respiratory Care at Flushing Hospital. \u201cToo often, individuals don\u2019t think much of these symptoms and by the time they are diagnosed, the disease has progressed significantly. Fortunately, COPD can be detected early and managed.\u201d<\/p>\nFlushing Hospital\u2019s Department of Respiratory Care boasts a Pulmonary Laboratory that uses state-of-the-art equipment to test for COPD. The tests, which are ordered by your physician, may include a simple pulmonary stress test (a six minute walk), a noninvasive pulse oximetry test (which measures one\u2019s red blood cells), or a pulmonary diffusion capacity test to determine how well oxygen moves into and out of the lungs.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile lung damage is irreversible, it can be managed with different treatment options,\u201d said Almeda. \u201cAt Flushing Hospital, we provide a multidisciplinary approach to manage COPD including education, breathing techniques, nutritional advice, and oxygen therapy, which administers oxygen to the lungs, and medication.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the American Lung Association, individuals should be aware of the risk factors associated with COPD. Smoking, air pollution, and genetics are all factors that can contribute to the development of COPD. To help prevent COPD and lead a longer, healthier life, it is recommended that individuals, especially those over 45 years old, pay attention to their risk-factors and seek a physician as soon as possible for treatment.
\nIf you are at-risk for COPD or have been experiencing symptoms of COPD, please speak with your doctor or make an appointment to see one of our pulmonary specialists here at Flushing Hospital\u2019s Ambulatory Care Center.\u00a0 Appointments can be made at 718-670-5486, Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 6:00pm.<\/p>\n
If your doctor requires that you undergo pulmonary function testing and you would like your test to be performed by one of Flushing Hospital\u2019s highly qualified respiratory therapists, call the facility\u2019s Pulmonary Lab at 718-670-8888, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00am to 4:30pm. The laboratory also tests for several other respiratory conditions, including asthma and chronic bronchitis.<\/p>\n
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Breathing should be easy. However, nearly 24 million Americans experience shortness of breath\u2014a common sign of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD reduces air that flows in and out of the lungs, which can result in a variety of symptoms\u2014constant … Continue reading