COPD is short for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and this is really a group of diseases that cause problems related to breathing and airflow blockage. Emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and even some cases of asthma are included in the COPD group.
COPD is generally caused by smoking and other air pollutants, but respiratory infections and genetic factors also play a role. As with many other health issues, early detection can change the course and progress of the disease, so don’t hesitate to see a doctor if you have problems.
Is COPD serious?
In 2011, chronic lower respiratory diseases was the third leading cause of death in the USA. More than half of adults with this type of problem weren’t aware of having COPD.
The most important thing to avoid the disease is to not smoke, and to stay away from other air pollutants. Quitting can be hard, but your health care provider can help you.
Top 10 hospitals for COPD ranked by US News
There are thousands of health care providers who do a fine job of helping people with COPD. The following list is the top ten in the USA, ranked by US News.
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
- National Jewish Health, Denver – University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado
- Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Duke University Hospital, Durham, North Carolina
- US San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, California
- Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania – Penn Presbyterian, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- New York – Presbyterian University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell, New York, New York
- Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Washington University, Saint Louis, Missouri
- UPMC – University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Out of state medical transportation to a specialist
In advanced cases of COPD, breathing can be a struggle and oxygen a necessity. Med Transport Center has extensive experience of helping people with COPD travel to specialist care, home to family, and even on vacation. If you need help getting state to state or from one coast to the other, call us at 800-311-3412 for a free quote and more information.
The Med Transport Center coaches have oxygen concentrators, and each transport is accompanied by an experienced nurse. There is also a doctor standing by for phone consultation in case anything happens along the way.
Our medically equipped coaches are large and comfortable with hospital beds, onboard kitchens and bathrooms, and entertainment. Two professional drivers take turns getting you where you need to be. Call 800-311-3412 and we’ll tell you more!