COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) & Emphysema

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the name of a group of lung diseases that result in airflow blockage, making it difficult to breathe.  Types of COPD include emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and some types of asthma.  Smoking cigarettes and tobacco products is a main cause for COPD, as well as indoor and outdoor air pollutants, genetics, and respiratory infections.  The compassionate lung doctors at Northern Colorado Pulmonary Consultants offer help to people with breathing problems from COPD.  Our board-certified pulmonologists provide full evaluation, medical care, prevention and lifestyle recommendations for COPD, as well as resources to help you quit smoking.  Request an appointment online or contact us to schedule your preferred appointment to learn how the lung and breathing specialists at Northern Colorado Pulmonary Consultants can help you breathe easier and manage the symptoms of COPD. 

The caring lung specialists at Northern Colorado Pulmonary Consultants are board-certified fellowship-trained pulmonologists with expertise in providing medical care for the full spectrum of lung diseases and breathing disorders associated with COPD, including:

Emphysema

People with emphysema have difficulty exhaling air and emptying the lungs when breathing.  In turn, the lungs are unable to completely fill up with oxygenated air during inhaling or breathing in.  Because emphysema is a progressive lung disease that causes decreased blood oxygen levels over time, lung doctors may prescribe medications, oxygen, and rehabilitation.  Those with advanced emphysema may need lung reduction surgery or lung transplant.

Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis causes inflammation in the large airway passages of the lung.  The swollen and irritated airways cause coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and phlegm production.  People with chronic bronchitis may benefit from respiratory therapy, breathing exercises, physical activity, prescription inhaler medications, oxygen, or a combination of methods for easier breathing. Because chronic bronchitis can lead to pneumonia, it is important to contact us if your symptoms get worse.

Learn more about COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma in our Patient Education Library