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).
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.
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:
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 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.