this chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as. .and be known chronic obstructive pulmonary disease It is a potentially fatal disease in humans.
Most of the time this is due to Smoking habitSecond, exposure to biomass (smoke) at some point in life due to air pollution, this is especially true for people who grew up in rural areas where firewood is used for heating and cooking, which is also the case in Chile An important cause of the sequelae of tuberculosis is that it often produces symptoms of bronchial obstruction that are indistinguishable from other causes of COPD.
At RedSalud we have Bronchopulmonologist COPD specialist and Psychiatrist Used to treat addictive behaviors such as smoking. Appointment.
Table of Contents
What is COPD?
this chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD is a common lung disease in which Reduce air flow and cause respiratory problems.
In COPD, mucus clogs and damages the lungs, causing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, fatigue and difficulty breathing.
COPD comes in two forms: chronic bronchitis, which is accompanied by a prolonged cough and mucus, and emphysema, which involves damage to the lungs.
Most people with COPD suffer from both conditions.
he Smoking and pollution Air is the main cause, and people with COPD are at greater risk for other health problems.
Although there is no cure for COPD, its symptoms can be improved by quitting smoking, avoiding pollution, adhering to vaccinations, and engaging in effective pulmonary rehabilitation.
Get quality care at affordable prices through our network of clinics, medical centers and dental offices.
For more information click here
Causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
COPD may be caused by narrowing of the airways, destruction of parts of the lungs, or airway obstruction caused by secretions or inflammation.
Causes of these forms of COPD include:
- Exposure to tobacco through smoking or passive smoking.
- Exposure to dust, chemicals or fumes.
- Indoor pollution caused by the use of biofuels for cooking or heating.
- Disorders of fetal development and the first years of life, such as delayed birth or respiratory illnesses common in childhood.
- Asthma in children.
- Congenital alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
It’s important to note that smoking is the leading cause of COPD, meaning the more a person smokes, the more likely they are to develop the disease.
risk factors
Risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) include:
- Exposure to tobacco smoke, cigarettes or pipes.
- People with asthma.
- Prolonged exposure to dust or chemicals.
- Exposure to fuel combustion.
- Genetic factors, such as alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.
Precaution
Since the main cause of COPD is smoking, the best way to prevent the disease is not to smoke.
For smokers, quitting smoking is crucial. If you can’t quit smoking on your own, there are help programs, medical treatments, and medications to help you achieve this goal.
When COPD is caused by exposure to chemical gases or dust at work, it’s important to talk to your supervisor to improve working conditions.
It may involve the use of respiratory protective equipment and other methods to protect lung health.
Another preventive measure is annual influenza vaccination and pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
What are your symptoms?
The main symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) include:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Chronic cough.
- Feeling tired.
- Cough with phlegm.
- Frequent respiratory infections.
- respite.
- Difficulty breathing.
- fatigue.
Difficulty performing daily activities due to shortness of breath, and other symptoms such as depression and anxiety may also occur.
Likewise, pathology can cause financial problems due to limitations in work productivity and medical costs.
When COPD symptoms worsen rapidly, the exacerbations may last for several days and require additional medication.
People with COPD are also at greater risk for other health problems, such as:
- lung infection.
- Lung cancer.
- Heart disease (such as right heart failure).
- Muscle weakness.
- Osteoporosis.
- Arrhythmias.
- Malnutrition.
- Collapse of lung.
When should you consult a doctor?
If respiratory distress worsens significantly, an emergency physician should be consulted.
If you are experiencing symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), visit our emergency services at one of our RedSalud clinics nationwide.
We provide high-quality emergency services and exceptional care to patients with varying life-threatening conditions 24 hours a day. Check availability here.
Control and treatment of patients with COPD
To diagnose COPD, your doctor may order a lung function test called spirometry.
It assesses lung capacity by blowing forcefully into a machine, and the results are immediate.
Professionals may also listen with a stethoscope, order an X-ray or tomography scan, or use an arterial blood gas test to measure oxygen levels in the blood.
In addition to stopping smoking or breathing polluted air, COPD can be controlled and treated by:
- Inhaled bronchodilator drugs, which may be combined with corticosteroids.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation, breathing techniques and exercise capacity.
- Inhaled anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce respiratory inflammation
- Take antibiotics for a long time.
- Oxygen therapy, which gives low levels of oxygen to the blood.
- Mechanical breathing assistance.
How to live with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
Lifestyle changes can help improve symptoms of COPD, so it’s important to:
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid smoking areas.
- Get physically active.
- Protect yourself from lung infections.
- Get vaccinated against influenza, pneumonia and COVID-19.
- Avoid extreme cold or heat.
- Avoid smoking, cleaning the kitchen or chimney at home.
- Control stress and emotions.
- Eat healthy.
Iquique bronchopulmonary, Elqui bronchopulmonary, Valparaíso bronchopulmonary, Santiago bronchopulmonary, Vitacura bronchopulmonary, Providencia bronchopulmonary, Rancagua bronchopulmonary, Temuco bronchopulmonary, Magellan Bronchial lung.
