Learn About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease


Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease. It causes obstruction and narrowing of the respiratory tract due to prolonged damage to the respiratory system, and makes it hard to breathe. It develops as a significant and chronic inflammatory response to inhaled irritants including Chronic bronchitis, Bronchiectasis and Emphysema.

MAIN SYMPTOMS OF COPD

In the early stages of COPD, there may be no symptoms or symptoms can be quite mild, beginning with coughing and shortness of breath. As it progresses, it can get progressively worse and become increasingly difficult to breathe. Following are the main symptoms of COPD:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chronic Coughing
  • Produces large amount of Sputum
  • Chest tightness
  • Lack of energy, especially during physical activities

WHAT CAUSES COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) occurs when the lungs and respiratory tract become damaged and inflamed. It is usually associated with long-term exposure to substances that irritate and damage the lungs. The main causes may include:

  • Long-term Cigarette Smoking (including secondhand smoke)
  • Occupational exposure to workplace dusts and chemicals
  • Air pollution
  • Genetics

RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) develops slowly but can cause many complications, they include:

  • Increase risk of lung infection
  • Pneumonia
  • Heart Disease
  • Lung cancer
  • Depression

PREVENTION

1. Smoking cessation and avoid secondhand smoke
Unlike some diseases, COPD has a clear cause which cigarette smoking is the main cause of the disease. Smoking cessation can effectively reduce the patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cough and sputum, can also delay the deterioration of the disease. Also, stay away from secondhand smoke which can increase the risk of COPD.

2. Occupational health
Wear suitable respiratory protective equipment. such as a mask to prevent dust exposure.

3. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise can help to enhance personal physique in order to enhance immunity.

TREATMENTS OF COPD

COPD has no cure yet, and doctors do not have any ways to repair the damage to the lungs. However, suitable treatments and lifestyle changes can help patients to ease symptoms, control the disease and reduce the risk of complications.

Medications, oxygen therapy, and surgery are some forms of treatment.

  • Smoking cessation
    It is the most important thing patient can do to slow the disease and improve their quality of life. Consult the doctor and professional who can help the patients find the ways that makes it easier to stop smoking.
  • Medicines
    Doctors may use several kinds of medications to treat the symptoms and complications of COPD such as Bronchodilators, Steroids, Expectorant and Pectoral. Patients may take some medications on a regular basis.
  • Long-Term Oxygen Therapy
    If there is not enough oxygen in the blood of patients during sleep or exercise, they may need supplemental oxygen. Some patients with COPD use oxygen only during exercises or during sleep. Others may use oxygen all the time. By using Home use and Portable oxygen concentrator, oxygen therapy can help the patients to breathe better and improve the disease symptoms.
  • Surgery
    Surgery is an option for some people who have severe COPD that has not improved with other treatments.