A Common Disease Many People Have Never Heard Of (2/2)

Air pollution can also cause the disease. Miners and others who work around some kinds of dust and chemicals are at higher risk. And children who repeatedly suffer lung infections have a greater chance of developing the disease as adults. Genetics may also play a part.

Doctors can perform a quick breathing test with a machine called a spirometer that can help diagnose C.O.P.D. But experts say people are often not tested or treated correctly for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Patients may not consider a continuous cough serious enough to seek medical attention. Or doctors may misdiagnose it as asthma or another infection.Some of the early warning signs are a cough that will not go away and an increase in mucus production. Another sign is difficulty breathing after minor activity like walking up stairs.

There are ways to slow the progress of the disease. Doctors say the most important thing is to stop smoking. There are medicines that can reduce inflammation and open air passages. Also, exercise is often advised. If the disease is severe, a doctor may order oxygen treatment or even operations to remove damaged lung tissue.

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空气污染也能引起这种疾病。 矿工和其他经常在灰尘和化学物质的环境中工作的人, (得病的)风险更大。并且，多次肺部感染的儿童在成年期患此病的可能性更大。另外，遗传可能也起到一定的作用。

医生可以通过一个叫做肺活量记的医疗设备来做一个快速的呼吸测试，以此来诊断是否患了慢性阻塞性肺疾病。但是专家说通常人们不做检测或没有对慢性阻塞性肺疾病做出正确的治疗。

患者可能认为咳嗽不止不足已严重到要进行医疗诊治，或者医生可能将其误诊为哮喘或其它感染。这种疾病的早期征兆是咳嗽不止和呼吸道粘液增加。另一个征兆是象上楼这样的小规模运动后也会感到呼吸困难。

有延缓疾病进展的方法。医生说戒烟是最重要的。有些药物可以减轻炎症和通畅呼吸道。并且，进行锻炼也是常见的建议。如果该病比较严重的话，医生可能要（给病人）进行氧气治疗或施行手术切除受损的的肺部组织。