COPD Care & Clinic Tomball
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease that makes it difficult to breathe due to a chronic inflammation of the lungs that obstructs airflow from the lungs. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the two most common types of COPD. Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation that increases swelling and mucus in the airways, which causes airways to narrow. This makes it harder for air to be pushed through the lungs. Emphysema is a condition in which the walls of the air sacs inside your lungs are damaged, often by cigarette smoke, gases, chemical fumes, particulate matter, and other irritants.
COPD Risks & Treatment
People who smoke or are around second-hand smoke are at high risk of developing COPD. The risk increases if there is long-term exposure to lung irritants such as chemicals, air pollution, and dust.
COPD is a progressive disease—it develops slowly and gets worse over time. Severe COPD can interfere with basic daily tasks; however, it can be treated and managed with medication. When properly managed, people with COPD can improve their quality of life and achieve good symptom control.
Common Symptoms of COPD
COPD symptoms and their severity and frequency vary from person to person. Often COPD symptoms do not appear until lung damage has occurred or worsen over time. Signs and symptoms of COPD may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chronic coughing that may produce mucus
- Tightness or pain in the chest
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Trouble sleeping due to shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing
- Inability to take a deep breath
People with COPD are also likely to experience episodes called exacerbations, during which their symptoms become worse than the usual day-to-day variation and persist for at least several days
Diagnosis & Treatment for COPD
Early diagnosis is key when treating COPD. TrendHealth Clinics provides comprehensive COPD care in Tomball, such as smoking cessation and medication that can help manage COPD symptoms, slow progression, reduce complication risks, and improve quality of life. We may suggest the following COPD treatments or medications:
- Stop smoking
- Bronchodilators—Inhaler that relaxes the muscles around the airways. There are both short- and long-acting options.
- Oral or inhaled steroids—Controls the inflammation in the lungs to help make breathing easier.
- Combination inhalers, which combine bronchodilators and inhaled steroids
- Lung therapy—Oxygen and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are beneficial for people with moderate or severe COPD.
We may also recommend lifestyle changes to help treat and manage your COPD, such as stop smoking, regular exercise, and eating a healthy diet.
When to Visit TrendHealth Clinic
TrendHealth Clinics can diagnose, treat, and manage your COPD symptoms. Visit our COPD clinic in Tomball if:
- You have a chronic cough that doesn’t get better
- You have excess mucus production or changes in the mucus (for example, color or viscosity)
- You suffer from shortness of breath or tiredness
- You are wheezing or have noisy breathing
- You are coughing up blood
- You have COPD and need help managing your symptoms
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms regularly, we recommend you make an appointment to see our caregiving team immediately. Early diagnosis of COPD can allow you to receive treatment sooner, which can help slow the progression of the disease before it becomes severe or life-threatening.
We will help you best manage your COPD by reviewing your medication and determining if other treatments are necessary.
Call or Schedule an Appointment with TrendHealth Clinic
You can make an appointment with TrendHealth Clinic by doing one of the following:
Call TrendHealth
Call us at 346-246-3424 to speak with one of our care managers who will be happy to schedule an appointment with one of our healthcare providers. We often have same-day and next-day appointments available.
Schedule an Appointment Online
To complete our online registration to book an appointment, click here.
Schedule a TeleHealth Visit
Schedule a TeleHealth Visit from the comfort of your home in Houston or anywhere in Texas. A TeleHealth Visit is appropriate for a variety of care needs. To learn more about setting up a TeleHealth visit with a member of our care team or the types of TeleHealth Visits that are available, click here.