Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a progressive disease that makes breathing increasingly difficult over time. This condition is closely related to emphysema and / or chronic bronchitis. These two conditions, either together or separately, can lead to a diagnosis of COPD. In all cases, the airways narrow, resulting in difficulty breathing. As a progressive illness, depending on the progression and the individual, it can become fatal. With the right treatment, catching the disease early, and various changes in daily habits, many individuals live long and happy lives. However, in severe cases, a lung transplant may be necessary and death is possible.

Destructive disease as is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

With such a drawn-out, destructive disease as is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, it is understandable that the possibility exists that a patient will have to stop working at some point. When this happens, many patients lose their health insurance coverage. Without adequate insurance coverage, many simply cannot afford their treatments and medications. Losing both the source of their income as well as the source of their healthcare coverage in one fail swoop is something few are prepared to deal with. There are alternatives to replace both income and healthcare coverage, such as disability, Medicaid, and state-funded assistance programs.

For many patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the idea of accepting what they view as public assistance is disdainful. However, when faced with a catastrophic illness such as COPD, choices can be limited. Luckily, many cases take … Read more ... “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – What It Means for You”