Thomas C. Corbridge, M.D., is a medical expert for GSK and pulmonologist in Chicago, Illinois
Thomas C. Corbridge, M.D., is a medical expert for GSK and pulmonologist in Chicago, Illinois, affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Northwestern Memorial Hospital. He is also an adjunct professor of pulmonary and critical care at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He received his medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and has been in practice for almost 30 years.
LIVING WITH COPD DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN A LIFE OF BREATHLESSNESS.
Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD affects nearly every aspect of daily life. Yet, nearly half of the 27 million living with the condition wait years before receiving a proper diagnosis and managing symptoms.
The symptoms – feelings of breathlessness or shortness of breath – can worsen over time and potentially lead to hospitalization and even death. In fact, COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a major cause of disability. Nine out of 10 people with COPD admit they are not completely open with their doctor when discussing their symptoms. Even more concerning, one in four patients hospitalized for a COPD flare-up to die within a year.
While many people with COPD accept breathlessness and difficulties completing daily activities as part of normal aging, these can be a sign of COPD disease progression and should be discussed with a physician. So, what should people living with COPD do? There is a need to speak openly about the impact that COPD symptoms have on day-to-day life.
Visit www.COPD.com for additional information about COPD, which includes information and resources that patients and their loved ones can use to better manage COPD.
