KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Breath is the basis of our existence and healthy lungs are primary to breathing activity.
- Yet, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can creep in stealthily and steal that basic ability.
- COPD brings with it an increased chance of heart failure and early death.
We often tend to believe that with old age one's lungs become diseased and do not perform as efficiently as they did when one was young. Or that continuous
What is
- Breathing difficulty,
- Cough,
- Mucous (sputum) production and
- Wheezing.
What causes COPD?
Those persons who have suffered long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke etc. In countries where smoke-free cooking setups are not the norm, COPD often occurs in people exposed to fumes from burning fuel for cooking and heating in poorly ventilated homes. The more worrisome part is that the damage does not stop there and since the heart and lung are part of the same setup, people with COPD are at increased risk of developing
Risk factors for COPD include:
- Exposure to tobacco smoke: The more years one has been smoking (the more packs you smoke), the greater your risk. Pipe smokers, cigar smokers and marijuana smokers as well as those exposed to large amounts of secondhand smoke also cannot hope to be spared either.
- People with
asthma : Asthma, a chronic inflammatory airway disease, may be a risk factor for developing COPD. Smoking coupled with asthmatic conditions is a deadly combination that allows COPD to take root. - Occupational exposure to specks of dust and chemicals: Working in factory environs where suspended particulate matter in form of cement dust, asbestos, cloth fibres, chemical fumes, vapours and specks of dust etc irritate and inflame your lungs, COPD is not too far away. In the developing world, people exposed to fumes from burning fuel for cooking and heating in poorly ventilated homes are at higher risk of developing COPD.
- Exposure to air pollution in the home or at work: This is another hazardous trigger for COPD.
Respiratory infections : Diseases involving the breathing tract such aspneumonia , and now SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) can also increase your risk.- Genetics: The uncommon genetic disorder alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is the cause of some cases of COPD. Therefore, stay aware of your family's medical history. Other genetic factors likely make certain smokers more susceptible to the disease.
Is COPD treatable?
- Medicine: This may be to treat symptoms such as coughing or wheezing.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation: A personalised treatment program that teaches you how to manage your COPD symptoms to improve your quality of life. Customised breathing exercises, tips and hacks on how to conserve your energy, and what types of food and exercise are right for you are imparted.
- Prevention and treatment of lung infections: Lung infections can cause serious problems in people with COPD. Stay up-to-date on certain types of crucial vaccines such as flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia vaccines. Respiratory infections should be treated with antibiotics, if appropriate.
- Supplemental oxygen: A portable oxygen tank may be needed if blood oxygen levels are low. All these will, of course, be decided by your treating doctor.
What happens when COPD advances?
When COPD is unmanaged, it can develop into more complicated health conditions like:
- Respiratory infections
- Heart problems
- Lung cancer
- High blood pressure in lung arteries (pulmonary hypertension)
- Depression
Signs and symptoms of COPD:
Remember, shortness of breath can be an important symptom of lung disease - which when left untreated can damage the heart and the vascular system. Be very careful as vital organs are involved. If you experience any of these symptoms or think you might be at risk for COPD, it is important to discuss this with your doctor.
- Chronic cough
- Shortness of breath while doing everyday activities (dyspnea)
- Frequent respiratory infections
- The blueness of the lips or fingernail beds (cyanosis)
- Fatigue
- Producing a lot of mucus (also called phlegm or sputum)
- Wheezing
The Bottom Line:
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.