According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, an estimated 15 million Americans suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, most commonly known as COPD, and millions more are likely to have it but are unaware of it.

In comparison to the general population, veterans are three times more likely to develop COPD, as presented in a study conducted at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

COPD is a serious lung disease that makes breathing more and more difficult over time. When COPD is severe, even the most basic tasks can become a challenge to do.

Symptoms of COPD include: constant coughing, shortness of breath while doing activities you used to be able to do, feeling like you can’t breathe, not being able to take a deep breath, wheezing and a combination of all of the above.

Allergy Sleep & Lung Care patient, Rafael Oliveri, is a retired Colonel Pilot who served in World War II. Oliveri sought out Allergy Sleep & Lung Care in order to find an answer to his concerning breathing problems, as he was not a smoker and did not have a family history of COPD.

After undergoing treatment through Allergy Sleep & Lung Care, Oliveri is feeling more positive and comfortable about his quality of life now that breathing is no longer a difficulty.

“I highly recommend Dr. Ahmad,” said Oliveri, “He’s a very smart, wise, good doctor. People that work with him are outstanding too. They know what they are doing, which is very important.”

Imtiaz Ahmad, M.D., has been practicing pulmonary, critical care, internal and sleep medicine in Lee County since 2004. He has extensive clinical and academic experience and believes in a proactive approach to healthcare.

“As with all of our patients, my priority in working with Mr. Oliveri was to get him back to normalcy,” Dr. Ahmad said. “Breathing is meant to be a natural function, it should be thoughtless. Patients with COPD come to us seeking relief which becomes our primary goal during treatment.”

Allergy Sleep & Lung Care offers state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and treatment options for COPD, including inhaled and oral medications, supplemental oxygen and lifestyle coaching like exercise and diet planning.

Contact us to learn more.