COPD is the Third Most Common Cause of Death Today
Chest Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Mecit Süerdem states that there are 5 million COPD patients in Turkey with the most optimistic estimate, and says that COPD is the third most common cause of death today.
COPD, which takes its name from the initials of "Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease", is now considered the third most common cause of death.
COPD, which is a disease that slows down the outflow of respiratory air from the lungs by narrowing the windpipes, begins with a complaint of shortness of breath due to insufficient breathing during exertion. In COPD, a chronic and progressive disease that causes shortness of breath, shortness of breath is often accompanied by cough and sputum production.
Explaining that the structures of the windpipes and air sacs (alveoli) are damaged by years of exposure to cigarette smoke and other harmful gases and dust, Süerdem said, "The disease caused by deterioration and narrowing in the structure of the windpipes is called 'chronic obstructive bronchitis', which is the destruction of very small windpipes and air sacs and Its disintegration is called 'emphysema'. "COPD is a term that covers these two diseases, and these two diseases often coexist," he said.
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At least 25 percent of smokers develop COPD
Saying that smoking is the most important cause of COPD, Süerdem said, “At least 25 percent of smokers; In other words, one in three or four smokers develops COPD. There are varying degrees of sensitivity to cigarette smoke exposure among individuals. It is the genetic characteristics that determine this situation. For this reason, while COPD does not develop in people who have smoked for many years, there may be patients diagnosed with COPD at a young age. COPD occurs after approximately 20 years of smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. The disease usually begins to show symptoms after the age of 40. The disease progresses insidiously because smokers generally ignore complaints such as shortness of breath, cough and phlegm due to exertion. "For this reason, when COPD is diagnosed, patients usually lose a significant part of their lung capacity," he said.
COPD is the disease with the fastest increasing death rate
Stating that COPD is a very important global public health problem for the whole world, Süerdem said, “According to the World Health Organization (WHO) reports, it is the disease with the fastest increasing mortality rate. It is estimated that there are approximately 600 million COPD patients in the world. In addition, it is thought that there are millions more COPD patients who are undiagnosed. Because COPD is an insidiously progressive disease and therefore two-thirds of patients are not diagnosed. While the prevalence of COPD is decreasing in developed countries, it is increasing in developing countries. With the most optimistic estimate, there are 5 million people with COPD in our country. The incidence of COPD will increase further in the next 30 years. COPD is seen much more frequently in men than in women. However, it is estimated that there will be a significant increase in women in the future. COPD is the third most common cause of death today. "All these figures show that the diagnosis and treatment of COPD causes a significant economic cost," he said.
Symptoms in the later stages of the disease
In the advanced stages of the disease, many discomforts other than shortness of breath, cough and sputum occur. Among these; profuse sweating, bruising on the tongue, lips, and fingertips; severe headache; palpitation; drowsiness during the day, insomnia at night; decrease in mental activities (forgetfulness, inattention); extreme irritability; severe weakness, fatigue; weakening; decreased sexual potency; stomach disorders, abdominal bloating and indigestion; constipation; numbness, tingling, burning sensation in hands and feet; tremors in hands; There is water collection (edema) in the feet.
There is no treatment to eliminate COPD
Providing information about COPD treatment, Süerdem said: “COPD treatment has two main goals. The first is to reduce complaints and improve the quality of life, and the second is to slow down the progression of the disease. There is currently no treatment to eliminate COPD. However, the progression of the disease can be largely prevented by avoiding smoking and other risk factors.”
What is a COPD exacerbation?
Professor said that COPD exacerbation is defined as periods when patients' complaints increase. Dr. Mecit Süerdem said, “Exacerbations are events that have significant negative effects on the course of the disease. Therefore, one of the main goals of COPD treatment is to prevent the development of exacerbations. During exacerbations, shortness of breath and cough increase, the amount of sputum increases and its color becomes darker. Some or all of these complaints may begin simultaneously in a patient. In addition, increased wheezing, feeling of distress and irritability, edema in the hands and feet, insomnia, feeling of severe weakness and fatigue, fever and palpitations may be observed. While exacerbations never occur in some COPD patients, they may occur several times a year in some patients. Patients usually have to apply to a healthcare institution during these periods. Generally, outpatient treatment can be done by increasing medications and adding new medications. "However, in cases where exacerbations are severe, treatment is possible with hospitalization."
Exacerbations are caused by viral and bacterial infections of the respiratory tract
Explaining that the most important cause of exacerbations is viral and bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, Süerdem said, “Viral infections can facilitate the development of bacterial infections. For this reason, it is recommended to get the flu vaccine every year in autumn to prevent exacerbations. Other important causes of exacerbations: "Staying in cold or dirty places for a long time, sinus infections, not using medications regularly and using respiratory devices with the wrong technique," he said.
