What Is COPD?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term, progressive lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. It’s not a single condition but a term that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

• Emphysema damages the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs, reducing their ability to transfer oxygen into the blood.
• Chronic bronchitis causes ongoing inflammation and excess mucus in the airways, making it harder to move air in and out.

Over time, COPD can limit daily activities, reduce exercise tolerance, and significantly affect quality of life.

How Common Is COPD?

COPD affects an estimated 16 million Americans, with many more undiagnosed. It is a leading cause of disability and the third leading cause of death in the U.S. The good news: early diagnosis and comprehensive management can slow its progression and help patients maintain active, fulfilling lives.

Common Symptoms of COPD

COPD symptoms often develop slowly and may be mistaken for “getting older” or being “out of shape.” Signs include:

• Persistent cough (often called a “smoker’s cough”)
• Shortness of breath, especially with activity
• Wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing
• Chest tightness
• Fatigue or reduced stamina
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Excess mucus or phlegm production

In advanced stages, COPD can cause unintended weight loss, swelling in the ankles or legs, and low oxygen levels.

What Causes COPD?

The most common cause of COPD in the U.S. is long-term exposure to lung irritants, with cigarette smoking being the leading risk factor. Other causes include:

• Secondhand smoke exposure
• Occupational dust and chemicals (construction, mining, manufacturing)
• Air pollution
• Chronic respiratory infections
• Genetics — including alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a rare inherited form of COPD

The Functional Medicine Perspective on COPD

While conventional medicine often focuses on inhalers and oxygen therapy, functional medicine takes a broader view — looking at root causes, lifestyle factors, and systemic inflammation.

Key considerations in COPD care from a functional medicine approach:

• Reducing inflammation — Systemic inflammation worsens lung damage and can be triggered by diet, stress, and chronic infections.
• Supporting immune resilience — Preventing respiratory infections is critical to avoiding COPD flare-ups.
• Improving oxygen delivery — Strategies to enhance circulation, nitric oxide production, and lung function can make daily activities easier.
• Optimizing nutrition — The right diet can improve energy, muscle strength, and lung efficiency.

How We Support Patients with COPD

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we use a personalized care model to complement traditional pulmonary treatments. Our program may include:

1. Nutritional Support for Lung Health

• High-antioxidant foods (berries, leafy greens) to combat oxidative stress
• Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce airway inflammation
• Adequate protein to maintain muscle mass, which supports breathing muscles

2. Breathing Exercises

Techniques like pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing can improve oxygen exchange and reduce breathlessness.

3. Gentle Physical Activity

Low-impact exercise such as walking, stationary cycling, or resistance training helps maintain strength and stamina without overstraining the lungs.

4. Gut-Lung Connection Care

The gut microbiome influences immune and inflammatory responses. Addressing gut dysbiosis (see our blog on Fixing Gut Dysbiosis to Help Autoimmune Issues) may help improve overall lung health.

5. Circulatory Support

Improving nitric oxide production through diet or therapy (see our blog on Nitric Oxide Deficiency and Hypertension) may enhance oxygen delivery to tissues.

6. Integrative Therapies

Some patients benefit from red light therapy or PEMF therapy to support circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote energy production at the cellular level.

Preventing Flare-Ups

COPD symptoms can worsen suddenly during a flare-up or “exacerbation.” Prevention strategies include:

• Staying current with flu and pneumonia vaccines
• Washing hands regularly and avoiding sick contacts
• Wearing a mask in dusty or polluted environments
• Managing allergies and sinus issues to reduce airway irritation

A Patient Example

One of our patients, a 68-year-old man with moderate COPD, came to us frustrated by his limited endurance. He was already using inhalers but still struggled with fatigue.

We implemented a plan that included anti-inflammatory nutrition, nitric oxide–rich foods, guided breathing exercises, and weekly red light therapy sessions. Within 8 weeks, he reported fewer coughing spells, improved stamina during walks, and a better overall mood.

The Bottom Line

COPD is a serious condition, but with early detection, medical treatment, and supportive lifestyle strategies, it’s possible to slow its progression and enjoy a better quality of life.

If you or a loved one is living with COPD, our St. Louis-based functional medicine team can help create a personalized lung health program. We also offer telemedicine consultations for those outside the area.

Internal Link Opportunities:

• Link “gut dysbiosis” to Fixing Gut Dysbiosis to Help Autoimmune Issues.
• Link “circulatory support” to Nitric Oxide Deficiency and Hypertension.
• Link “integrative therapies” to How a Red Light Therapy Bed with PEMF May Help Long COVID.

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