The Quiet Killer: Emphysema/Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

This work covers emphysema and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), offering new hope and insight for sufferers and their loved ones. COPD/emphysema, the fourth most common cause of death, is America’s most rapidly growing health problem, claiming approximately 110,000 lives each year. Although much has been done to improve the length and the quality of life in people with COPD/emphysema, including ambulatory oxygen and pulmonary rehabilitation, the disease continues to progress. With the intention of providing COPD patients with new and helpful information regarding this degenerative disease, the American Institute of Life-Threatening Illness and Loss compiled this work to inform COPD patients and their families about the growing options available for COPD sufferers. Divided into two sections, this work covers managing the advanced stages of the illness, as well as palliative care and end-of-life issues. It includes information about living with mechanical ventilation as well as nontraditional approaches to COPD treatment, hospice care, and patient advocacy.