COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

What is COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)?

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a group of chronic inflammatory lung diseases that makes it difficult for you to breathe. It is a long-term condition, and it can worsen over time.

Naturally, the elasticity of your bronchial tubes and air sacs enables the lungs to bring in and force out air. But, with COPD, the airways and air sacs lose their elasticity, making it hard to breathe correctly. The airways will be inflamed and clogged with mucus.

Two conditions that tag along and contribute to COPD are:

• Chronic bronchitis: A disease where the linings of your bronchial tubes or airways are inflamed and irritated.

• Emphysema: A condition that damages the air sacs (alveoli) and the walls, making them less elastic.

What are the causes of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)?

COPD is caused by exposure to lung irritants for a long time, and a significant factor is smoking. Cigarette smoking or other types of tobacco are proven to be the cause of COPD that damages the lungs and airways.

Not every smoker develops clinical COPD, but many will have reduced lung function. Exposure to other irritants like pollution, second-hand smoke, or chemical fumes can contribute to COPD. A genetic disorder called alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is another cause.

Some common risk factors include:

• Asthma

• Genetics

• Smoking

• Exposure to chemical fumes and dust

Symptoms of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

You may not notice the symptoms of COPD at the onset of the disease. With time, you may suffer significant lung damage, and you may see signs like:

• Shortness of breath

• Constant coughing with mucus

• Wheezing

• Tightness in the chest

• Fatigue

• Swelling in ankles or feet

• Frequent respiratory infections

Diagnosis of COPD

Your physician will assess your symptoms and diagnose COPD by analyzing your medical history, conducting a physical exam, and performing other tests. If COPD is undiagnosed, it can lead to complications like respiratory infection, lung cancer, heart disease, or even depression.

To diagnose COPD, your physician will conduct a physical exam before other tests to listen to your lungs and heart, check your blood pressure and pulse, and examine your nose and throat.

Some tests that help diagnose include:

• Spirometry

• Lung function tests

• Chest x-ray or CT scan

• Pulse oximetry

• Blood test

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

Treatment for COPD

Various treatment methods for COPD, even for severe conditions, will help you improve your symptoms, reduce the risk of complications, and enhance the possibility of a better life.

Your physician will ask you to quit smoking if you are a smoker, avoid lung irritants, and maintain a healthy diet. Some treatment methods recommended include:

• Bronchodilators

• Combination inhalers

• Antibiotics

• Anti-inflammatory medication

• Flu vaccines

• Pulmonary rehabilitation

• Oxygen therapy

Surgery options for severe cases of COPD include:

• Bullectomy

• Lung volume reduction surgery

• Lung transplant