COPD: Terms to Know

Addiction - a compulsive need to use a substance such as tobacco, drugs or alcohol. Addiction can be physical or psychological. In physical addiction, the body becomes dependent on a substance and goes through withdrawal symptoms, such as diarrhea and shaking, if the substance is stopped. In psychological addiction, there is a strong craving for the substance and brain chemistry may have changed so a person believes he or she needs the substance to survive. 

Chest X-ray - it is a diagnostic test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce an image of internal tissues, bones, and chest organs (heart and lungs) onto film. It is used to determine the location, size, shape and qualities of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels.

Chronic obstructive  pulmonary disease (COPD) - it is a term that refers to a large group of lung diseases that can interfere with normal breathing. The two most common conditions of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Nicotine - a bitter-tasting compound or chemical naturally found in large amounts of tobacco leaves. Poisoning can result from ingesting (chewing nicotine gum or patches) too much of this compound.

Pulmonary rehabilitation - a program for people with COPD to help them lead more productive lives and function as normally as possible. Most programs include exercise, education, emotional support, breathing exercise, nutritional counseling, and may also include medical management.