Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease. This means that the condition worsens over time. Due to the nature of the disease, it is extremely important that a diagnosis be made relatively early to manage the level of lung damage. Milder symptoms are typically easier to treat and while they cannot be completely cured, they can be alleviated towards reasonable comfort.
Image Source: pulidolungclinic.com
Those diagnosed with COPD tend to have a higher risk of pneumonia. Unfortunately, these two respiratory conditions often form a vicious cycle, with one disease impacting the other. A medical review written in 2002 concluded that 70 to 75 percent of COPD exacerbations are linked to bacterial infections from pneumonia.
At the later stages of COPD, it is quite difficult to determine whether a person has pneumonia or is suffering from an exacerbation. Both conditions will include symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness. However, pneumonia will also manifest in high fever, chills, shaking, and chest pain when coughing or breathing.
Regardless of whether it is pneumonia or a COPD exacerbation, immediate attention is key to faster recovery. Early treatment lessens damage to the lungs inflicted by the existing COPD. The damage can take the form of dramatic inflammation within the lung tissue, which is irreversible.
Image Source: imte.ie
Those who suffer from COPD should consult with a medical professional about getting a pneumonia vaccine to reduce the risk. Other health organizations also recommend receiving a flu shot, since most people who develop pneumonia often do so after having the flu.
Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon specializes in pulmonary and respiratory conditions such as COPD and pneumonia. Like this Facebook page for more information about respiratory diseases.
Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon 
