Is CWP the same thing as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
No. Although CWP may share many of the symptoms of emphysema and/or chronic bronchitis (which are also known as COPD), CWP is not COPD and is not treated like COPD. What is the course of CWP? CWP starts with the inhalation and accumulation of coal dust in the lungs. For many, there are no symptoms or noticeable effect on quality of life. There may be a cough and sputum (mucus) from inhalation of coal dust, but this may be more a matter of dust-induced bronchitis. As CWP progresses and becomes PMF, a cough and shortness of breath develop, along with sputum and moderate to severe airway obstruction. Quality of life decreases. Complications of CWP include cor pulmonale. Smoking does not increase the prevalence of CWP, nor does it affect the development of CWP. But it may add to lung damage and contribute to the development of COPD. Coal workers who smoke are at much greater risk of developing COPD than nonsmoking coal workers. How does CWP affect my lungs? When coal dust accumulates in th
No. Although CWP may share many of the symptoms of emphysema and/or chronic bronchitis (which are also known as COPD), CWP is not COPD and is not treated like COPD. What is the course of CWP? CWP starts with the inhalation and accumulation of coal dust in the lungs. For many, there are no symptoms or noticeable effect on quality of life. There may be a cough and sputum (mucus) from inhalation of coal dust, but this may be more a matter of dust-induced bronchitis. As CWP progresses and becomes PMF, a cough and shortness of breath develop, as well as sputum and moderate to severe airway obstruction. Quality of life decreases. Complications of CWP include cor pulmonale. Smoking does not increase the prevalence of CWP, nor does it affect the development of CWP. However, it may add to lung damage and contribute to the development of COPD: coal workers who smoke are at much greater risk of developing COPD than nonsmoking coal workers. How does CWP affect my lungs? When coal dust accumulates
Related Questions
- Can I Take ZYBAN If I Have Mild-to-Moderate Chronic Bronchitis and/or Emphysema (Also Called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD)?
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Can rehabilitation programs based on exercise and education make a difference?
- Is CWP the same thing as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
