Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD)

Generally associated with cigarette smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive inflammatory lung disease that causes breathlessness, cough, mucus and wheezing. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the common conditions that contribute to COPD and vary in severity depending on the individual. Testing for COPD may include pulmonary function tests (PFTs). 

Treatment of COPD

With proper management, most people with COPD can achieve good symptom control and quality of life, as well as reduced risk of other associated conditions.

Summa Health COPD Clinic

The Summa Health COPD Clinic helps diagnose, treat, and manage ongoing care related to COPD across Summa Health’s care continuum. It’s made up of a dedicated team of experts, including a COPD clinic coordinator, a COPD navigator, pulmonologists, and advanced practice providers.

Our COPD clinic offers:

• Expedited appointments (within 7 days) after discharge from hospitalization for acute exacerbation of COPD
• Expedited sick appointments for those patients with a change in their respiratory symptoms
• New patient appointments for those newly diagnosed or wishing to establish care with a pulmonology provider
• Routine follow up and ongoing management of baseline disease
• Resources and outreach to additional programs
  • Smoking cessation classes
  • Pulmonary rehab
  • Afterhour contact with our Clinical Access Center
  • CHIP (COPD Home Intervention Program) through Summa Health at Home
• Appointments at Summa Health System – Akron and Barberton Campuses, as well as virtual appointments on a case-by-case basis

During your COPD Clinic appointment, you will meet with a pulmonologist or nurse practitioner to discuss the disease process. Follow-up testing may be ordered and/or reviewed, including pulmonary function tests, oxygen testing, and chest imaging (CT scan, CXR). We also collaborate with additional sub-specialty providers as needed. A plan of care and treatments then will be ordered and reviewed, and we will inform your primary care or referring provider of your follow-up plans. 

Even with compliance to a plan of care, patients with COPD are at risk for “flare ups”, or exacerbations, so an action plan also will be provided. It will help you identify some of the early signs of a potential problem, how to take action on your own, and when to reach out to your provider.

Managing COPD Exacerbations

Managing exacerbations is an important part of living with COPD and Summa Health is here to give you strategies to effectively control exacerbations. Check out the video below for more information.