Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung disease that causes difficulty breathing. It is a long-term disease that worsens with time and is characterized by inflammation and severely limited airflow in and out of the lungs.
COPD is an umbrella term that describes different breathing conditions – chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Although different, some patients with COPD have both chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Causes of COPD
- Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Other causes include:
- Long-term exposure to second-hand smoke
- Air pollution
- Long-term exposure to dust or workplace fumes
- Long-term biomass exposure, such as wood smoke
- Genetic disorder – α1 antitrypsin deficiency
Can Respiratory Tract Infections Cause COPD?
Respiratory infections such as influenza and pneumonia do not cause COPD. However, they make people with COPD very sick. This is why you must ensure that vaccinations against these infections are up to date.
Signs And Symptoms Of COPD
At the initial stage of the disease, there are usually no symptoms. However, as it progresses, some of these symptoms begin to manifest:
- Shortness of breath, especially with exercise
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Ongoing cough with phlegm production
- Difficulty with routine activities
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Muscle loss
The intensity of these symptoms varies based on the severity of the disease. COPD symptoms may be mild, moderate, severe, or very severe.
How The Normal Lung Functions
When you inhale air, it travels down the windpipe (trachea) and into the airways or bronchi of the lungs. Inside the lungs, the airways branch continuously, forming smaller bronchioles rich in blood supply. These bronchioles have millions of tiny air sacs, known as alveoli, at their ends. The alveoli air sacs are flexible and elastic in nature.
Inhaling inflates these sacs, while exhaling deflates them. Efficient air uptake into the lungs provides oxygen to the blood, which is then carried to all body parts.
How Does COPD Affect The Lungs?
In this condition, the airways are narrowed by inflammation and increased mucus production. The mucus-clogged airways do not allow adequate inflow of oxygen and outflow of carbon(iv)oxide. Eventually, the air sacs get damaged, and lose their elasticity and shape. They get larger, and air often gets trapped in them. The lungs cannot deflate efficiently, reducing oxygen supply to the body’s vital organs.
Diagnosis Of COPD
COPD diagnosis starts with history taking. Your doctor will ask questions about your medical history and symptoms to rule out possible causes of the disease. You may also undergo a simple and painless lung function test called spirometry. Your doctor may also recommend an arterial blood gas test and chest radiographic imaging.
Treatment Of COPD
Once diagnosed, treatment should start to slow down the disease and protect the lungs from further damage. There are effective medications that can also reduce the chances of developing COPD flares (acute exacerbation). Acute exacerbations of COPD are life-threatening and they need emergency treatment.
A Word From HealthFacts
Although there is no cure for COPD, you can take steps to manage your symptoms, stay active, and slow the disease progression. You can see your doctor early, adhere to your recommended treatment, and change your job if it is the cause of your condition.
Other self-management tips include consuming a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a positive outlook. You should also quit smoking.
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Till next time, stay informed and stay healthy!
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