Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease is a chronic lung condition caused by damage to the lungs. COPD is primarily caused due to a long-term exposure to air pollution, cigarette smoking, dust, chemical fumes and other irritants. Even though it causes mild symptoms in the beginning, COPD progresses or worsens over time if not managed properly.
COPD Symptoms
COPD symptoms are not noticeable until significant lung damage has already taken place. Signs and symptoms of COPD vary and develop slowly over time. Common symptoms of COPD include:
Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities
Wheezing sounds when breathing
Chronic cough accompanied with mucus (clear, white, yellow or green in colour)
Heaviness or tightness in the chest
Tiredness or fatigue
Swelling in the legs, ankles or feet
Unintentional weight loss
COPD Causes
The main cause of COPD is exposure to irritants that cause lung damage. Other causes of COPD include:
Air pollution
Exposure to dust and chemical fumes
Passive smoking
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (alpha-1), a genetic disorder that leads to lung damage.
COPD Risk Factors
While smoking is the most significant risk factor of COPD, not everyone who smokes develops COPD. Other risk factors of COPD include:
Age: COPD is more common in individuals aged 40 years and above. The lung function naturally declines with age, making an individual more susceptible to respiratory conditions like COPD.
Occupational exposure: Exposure to certain irritants like dust and chemicals can increase the risk of developing COPD.
Genetics: A genetic deficiency, also called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) increases the risk of COPD. AATD is a hereditary condition and results in low levels of the alpha-1 antitrypsin protein, which helps protect the lungs from damage.
COPD Diagnosis
Early diagnosis of COPD is essential for its effective management. COPD diagnosis includes:
Medical history and physical examination: A pulmonologist discusses family history and medical history in detail and learns about the symptoms. A physical examination assesses functioning of the lungs, breathing rate and the oxygen levels in the blood.
Spirometry: A type of lung function test that determines lung functioning and measures the amount of air that goes in and out of the lungs at the time of breathing.
Imaging scans: A chest X-ray or CT-scan creates detailed images of the lungs and detects abnormalities, if any. These scans ensure an accurate evaluation of the lung condition.
Arterial blood gas test: An arterial blood gas test detects the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, indicating the functioning of the lungs.
Blood tests: A blood test detects the levels of AAT protein to detect alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
COPD Treatment
COPD treatment focuses on improving the symptoms and reducing exacerbations. Common treatments include:
Medications
Corticosteroids and bronchodilators can reduce inflammation and help open the airways for enhanced airflow.
Oxygen therapy
If the oxygen levels in the blood are low, supplemental oxygen therapy helps ensure adequate oxygen supply to the body.
Pulmonary rehabilitation
A type of exercise and educational program involving breathing techniques and exercises to reduce COPD symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Surgery
A doctor may consider surgical interventions in severe cases of COPD. Surgical procedures such as, Lung Volume Reduction (LVR) removes damaged parts of lungs to reduce the trapped air.
COPD Prevention
COPD prevention involves taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of infection. The preventive measures may include:
Quitting smoking: Quitting the use of tobacco products, especially cigarette smoking is crucial to prevent COPD.
Avoiding exposure to irritants: In addition to avoiding smoking, minimising the exposure to air pollutants such as dust and chemical fumes is essential. It is particularly important for people working in occupational settings with a higher exposure to irritants.
Practice good hygiene: Maintaining good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently can prevent respiratory infections that worsens the symptoms of COPD.
Exercising regularly: Regular exercise helps improve lung function, strengthen respiratory function and improve overall fitness.
FAQs
Can the lungs recover from COPD?
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of COPD are breathlessness and chronic cough. Cigarette smokers are at the highest risk of COPD. Since the damaged airways don’t regenerate, COPD treatment focuses on relieving symptoms.
What is COPD caused by?
Prolonged exposure to lung irritants such as tobacco and chemical fumes damage the lungs and airways and is the main cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
What is the difference between COPD and asthma?
Asthma is typically diagnosed during childhood, while COPD is diagnosed at a later stage in life. Also, a person with asthma only experiences symptoms when triggered by an allergen and COPD symptoms are persistent and worsen with time.
Can you live a long life with COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder is linked to a modest reduction in life expectancy for non-smokers, but a very large reduction for present or former smokers. With adherence to the treatment plan, a person can live a long life with COPD.
