Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a term used to describe group of lung diseases that cause limitation in lung airflow and breathing related problems. It is characterized by symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, sputum production and cough. It usually occurs in people who are 40 and older.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease includes two key components which are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. In chronic bronchitis, the airways that carry air to the lungs get inflamed, which results in increased production of mucus. This blocks the airways, making it hard for you to breathe. In emphysema, the air sacs in your lungs are damaged and lose their stretch. This results in shortness of breath. The damage airways cannot be regenerate, but you can take steps to prevent further damage.

Causes of COPD

The main cause of COPD is the long term exposure to substances that irritates your lungs such as smoke and pollution. Tobacco smoking is the principal underlying cause. Common risk factors include:

Smoking

Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of COPD. Tobacco smoke irritates the airways and destroys the lungs. It can also occur in people who have never smoked or have quit. Avoid secondhand smoke. Breathing in someone else’s smoke can be dangerous too. Secondhand smoke comes from the tip of burning cigarettes and smoke breathed out by a smoker.

Pollution

Indoor and outdoor air pollution is also a common risk factor. Exposure to indoor air pollution from burning wood and fuel for cooking and heating is also a risk factor. Other risk factor includes exposure to harmful components, for e.g. occupational exposure to dust, inhaling chemicals fumes (cadmium), or air pollution.

Genetics

The most common genetic disorder is alpha-1antitrypsin deficiency. It is a rare condition in which your body does not produce enough of a protein alpha-1antitrypsin. It is an important cause of emphysema in non smokers.

Symptoms of COPD

It takes many years for the lung disease to start causing symptoms. Most patients won’t notice them until the condition has caused major damage. Many of the symptoms of COPD are similar to other conditions. People often mistake their symptoms as sign of asthma, chronic lung infection, or heart disease. The main symptoms of COPD are: * Wheezing * Chest tightness * Shortness of breath (Dyspnea) * Production of phlegm * Coughing * Fatigue: you may find it harder to do your normal daily activities. * Cyanosis: bluish or purple discoloration of the skin or mucous membrane caused by insufficient oxygen.

Diagnosis

For proper diagnosis, you doctor will do a physical examination and will ask you a few questions about your past health. He will confirm whether you smoke or have ever smoked. He may also check if you have been exposed to dust or fumes.

Spirometry

It is the most common test done to diagnose COPD. Spirometry is a term given to lung function test that involves breathing into the machine called spirometer. Your doctor will ask you to blow as long and as hard as you can into a machine that measures how much air you can inhale (breathe in), exhale (breathe out) and how quickly you can exhale.

Arterial blood gas test

It is a type of blood test that measures the oxygen and carbon dioxide level in blood.

Other tests that may help in diagnosing the condition are chest X-ray, CT scan, Blood test, and sputum analysis.

Treatment of COPD

There’s no cure, but proper medications and lifestyle changes can control symptoms. The best way is to quit smoking. If you smoke, get help from your doctor in quitting. If you don’t smoke, avoid being around people who are smoking. Other methods that may help you manage your symptoms are:

Medicines

There are several types of medicines available to open airways and lessen inflammation. Many medications are taken using an inhaler (puffer). Inhaled medicines go straight to your lungs. Common medication includes:

Bronchodilators: Bronchodilators relax the muscles around the airways, providing relief from cough and shortness of breath. These are best administered by a puffer.

Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are taken to reduce the inflammation in the lung. These can be given intravenously, orally, or by inhalation.

Antibiotics: These are given to treat lung infections, such as pneumonia or acute bronchitis.

Surgery

In severe cases of COPD when medicines no longer work for you, surgery may be prescribed by your doctor. It involves a lung reduction operation or a lung transplant.

Lung volume reduction surgery: It involves removal of the damaged parts of lungs so that the remaining lungs work properly.

Oxygen therapy

Oxygen therapy is indicated in patients with chronic lung disease. It increases the amount of oxygen in your blood.

Vaccinations

Getting the vaccines for influenza (flu) and pneumococcus can prevent you from getting dangerous respiratory infections.

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