What is COPD? What are the Symptoms of COPD? COPD Disease Treatment

“What is COPD?” The question can be answered as “Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes airflow from the lungs to be blocked.” Symptoms include difficulty breathing, cough, mucus (sputum) production, and wheezing. It usually occurs due to long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter. People with COPD have a higher risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer, and a variety of other conditions. Although COPD is a progressive disease that gets worse over time, it can be treated. With proper management, most people with COPD can achieve good symptom control and quality of life. It may also reduce the risk of other associated conditions.

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of long-term lung conditions that make breathing difficult and worsen over time. It includes:

• Emphysema: Emphysema is a disorder that occurs when the alveoli at the ends of the lungs’ smallest airways (bronchioles) are destroyed by exposure to irritating gases and particulate matter.
• Chronic bronchitis: Chronic bronchitis is inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs. It is characterized by daily cough and mucus (phlegm) production.

Most people with COPD have both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. However, the severity of each type may vary from person to person.

What are the Symptoms of COPD?

It usually does not occur until there is significant damage to the lung. COPD symptoms and its symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities
• Wheezing
• chest tightness
• Chronic cough that may produce mucus (phlegm) that may be clear, white, yellow or greenish in color
• Frequent respiratory infections
• lack of energy
• Unintended weight loss (in later stages)
• Swelling in ankles, feet, or legs

People with COPD may also experience periods called exacerbations; During these periods, symptoms become worse than normal daily variations and persist for at least several days.

What are the Symptoms of COPD?

It usually does not occur until there is significant damage to the lung. COPD symptoms and its symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities
• Wheezing
• chest tightness
• Chronic cough that may produce mucus (phlegm) that may be clear, white, yellow or greenish in color
• Frequent respiratory infections
• lack of energy
• Unintended weight loss (in later stages)
• Swelling in ankles, feet, or legs

People with COPD may also experience periods called exacerbations; During these periods, symptoms become worse than normal daily variations and persist for at least several days.

What Causes COPD?

Fumes from burning fuel for cooking and heating in poorly ventilated homes, mostly in developing countries Causes of COPD can be counted among them. Your lungs rely on the natural elasticity of bronchial tubes and air sacs to expel air from your body. COPD causes them to lose elasticity and become over-expanded, which causes some air to be trapped in your lungs when you exhale. Causes of airway obstruction include:

• Emphysema: This lung disease causes destruction of the fragile walls and elastic fibers of the alveoli. When you exhale, the small airways collapse and disrupt airflow through your lungs.
• Chronic bronchitis: In this condition, your bronchial tubes become inflamed and narrow, and your lungs produce more mucus, which can further clog the narrowed tubes. You develop a chronic cough as you try to clear your airways.

In about 1% of people with COPD, the disease is caused by a genetic disorder that causes low levels of a protein called alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAt). AAt is produced in the liver and secreted into the bloodstream to help protect the lungs. Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency can cause liver disease, lung disease, or both.

Treatment options for adults with COPD due to AAt deficiency include those used in people with more common types of COPD. Additionally, some people can be treated by replacing the missing AAt protein, which may prevent further damage to the lungs.

How is COPD diagnosed?

COPD diagnosis First, the doctor asks questions about medical history and any exposure to chemicals, dust, or fumes. He then performs a physical examination. At the end of all this, some tests are required to diagnose COPD. These may include:

• Lung (pulmonary) function tests: These tests measure the amount of air you can breathe in and whether your lungs are providing enough oxygen to your blood. During the most common test, called spirometry, it measures how much air the lungs can hold and how fast air is blown out of the lungs. For this, it is blown into a large tube connected to a small machine. Other tests include measuring lung volumes and diffusion capacity, six-minute walk test, and pulse oximetry.
• Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can show emphysema, a leading cause of COPD. X-rays can also rule out other lung problems or heart failure.
• CT scan: A CT scan of your lungs can help detect emphysema and determine whether you may benefit from COPD surgery. CT scans can also be used to screen for lung cancer.
• Arterial blood gas analysis: This blood test measures how well the lungs bring oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide.
• Laboratory tests: Laboratory tests are not used to diagnose COPD, but may be used to determine the cause of symptoms or rule out other conditions. For example, laboratory tests can be used to determine whether some people have the genetic disorder alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, which can cause COPD. This test may be done if you have a family history of COPD and are likely to develop COPD at a young age.

How Is COPD Treated?

It focuses on relieving symptoms such as cough and breathing problems and avoiding respiratory infections. COPD treatment The following methods are applied:

• Supplemental oxygen: If blood oxygen is low (hypoxemia), a portable oxygen tank may be needed to improve oxygen levels.
• Vaccinations: Respiratory infections are more dangerous if you have COPD. It is especially important to get vaccinated to prevent flu and pneumonia.
• Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation programs teach effective breathing strategies to reduce shortness of breath and gain conditioning. When the form is maintained, what can be done with the lungs you have can be increased.