• Aug 24, 2021
    • 2 min read

Know More About COPD!

COPD is a progressive disease, provided with the right diagnosis and treatment, COPD is manageable.

Emphysema: The damage is to the alveoli (air sacs) causes emphysema.

Chronic Bronchitis: The damage to the bronchial tubes causes chronic bronchitis.

Refractory (non-reversible) asthma: This is a type of asthma that does not respond to usual asthma medications.

Symptoms Of COPD

  1. Chronic cough

  2. Fatigue

  3. Wheezing

  4. Cyanosis

  5. Excessive sputum

  6. Respiratory infections

  7. Shortness of breath

Stages of COPD

Mild:  The airflow is limited, but is not noticed much. Cough and mucus productions occurs every once in a while.

Moderate: The airflow is worse. Often felt short of breath after doing something active. This is the point where most people notice symptoms and get help.

Severe: The airflow and shortness of breath are worse. Impossible to perform normal exercise anymore. The symptoms flare up frequently, also called an exacerbation.

Very severe: The airflow is limited, the flares are more regular and intense, and the quality of life is poor.

Causes of COPD

  1. Smoking

  2. Exposure to pollution

  3. Alpha-1 deficiency

Risk factors of COPD

  1. Age

  2. Genetics

  3. Exposure to tobacco smoke

  4. People with asthma who smoke

  5. Occupational exposure to dust and chemicals

  6. Exposure to fumes from burning fuel

COPD and comorbid conditions

  1. Arthritis

  2. Depression

  3. Diabetes

  4. Sleep Apnea

  5. Heart disease

  6. High cholesterol

  7. High blood pressure

Diagnosis of COPD

  1. Spirometry

  2. Chest X-ray

  3. Blood tests

Goals of Treatment of COPD

  1. Relieving the symptoms

  2. Slowing the progression of the disease

  3. Improving exercise tolerance or the ability to stay active

  4. Preventing and treating complications

  5. Improving the overall health

Management of COPD

  1. Quitting smoking and other lung irritants

  2. Pulmonary rehabilitation

  3. Medications such as bronchodilators

  4. Oxygen therapy

  5. Surgery (Bullectomy, lung volume reduction surgery, lung transplant)

Source

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