COPD

Alternative Names

COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

What is COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also called chronic obstructive lung disease, is a term for a collection of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airways disease. People with COPD have troubles with inhaling/exhaling. This is known as airflow obstruction.

Signs and symptoms

In general, symptoms of COPD do not appear until important lung damage and they usually worsen over time. You can notice the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Chronic cough
• The inflamed and narrowed airways of the lungs

Possible complications

COPD may lead to:

• Respiratory infections such as frequent colds, the flu or pneumonia
• High blood pressure in the arteries (pulmonary hypertension)
• Heart problems
• Depression

What causes

COPD is an obstruction in the lungs the reason of those were asthmatic bronchitis and emphysema.

Chronic asthmatic bronchitis leads to inflammation and narrowing. This makes you cough and wheeze. Chronic asthmatic bronchitis also increases mucus production that continue to block the narrowed tubes.

Emphysema damages the tiny air sacs in your lungs (alveoli). Emphysema weaken the alveoli walls and makes them less elastic, so they collapse with exhalation.

The long-term exposure to airborne irritants such as tobacco smoke, dust, chemical fumes, air pollution can definitely cause COPD.

Prevention

Smoking is the biggest risk factor for COPD. So, to avert this disease you should quit smoking or not start doing this.

You should wear a mask to protect yourself from occupational exposure to chemical fumes and dust.

Treatment

If you have COPD the best treatment for you is stop smoking. It will permit not to worsen the disease.

You may take some medications and therapies:

• Bronchodilators help relieve coughing and shortness of breath and make breathing easier.
• Inhaled steroids can reduce airway inflammation and help you breathe better. But prolonged use of these medications can weaken your bones and increase your risk of high blood pressure, cataracts and diabetes.
• Antibiotics can help fight bacterial infections but are recommended only when necessary.
• Oxygen therapy if there is not enough oxygen in your blood.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation program that combines education, exercise training, nutrition advice and counseling.

Surgery (lung volume reduction surgery and lung transplant) is an option for some people with severe emphysema forms.