COPD
What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a term used to include progressive lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis or a combination of both. COPD is a disease that makes it difficult for the lungs to empty air from it. This happens as a result of narrow airways that lead to airflow obstruction. In turn, you may experience breathlessness or tiredness as your body tries harder to breathe.
Chronic Bronchitis
It is caused by an inflammation of the breathing tubes and increased phlegm in the airways. The swelling and phlegm causes the airway to become smaller, simultaneously obstructing the airflow.
Emphysema
Emphysema is a result of damage to the alveoli (air sacs). There are over 300 million air sacs in the lungs and when their walls are damaged they lose their elasticity and trap air inside. This extra air remains in the lungs even after exhalation and an extra effort is required to breathe. This leads to shortness of breath.
Diagnosing the problem
A common mistake that people make is to assume that the breathlessness and coughing are a mere consequence of aging. In the early stages of COPD, the symptoms are barely noticeable. If you feel that you may have any of the following symptoms, it is imperative that you talk to a doctor. You may ask the doctor about taking a spirometry test. The symptoms are as follows:
- Increased breathlessness
- Frequent coughing
- Wheezing
- Tightness in the chess
A spirometry is a simple and painless breathing test used to diagnose COPD. The patient is asked to breath as hard as he can into a machine. The machine measures the amount of air that is being forced out of the lungs in a second and the total amount of air that can be forced out of the lungs. The results from the test tell you whether your airways have narrowed.
Treatment Options for COPD
- Quitting Smoking: If you smoke, quitting is the most important step to take.
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation: This program includes exercise training, education, and counseling to help you manage COPD.
- Oxygen Therapy: Supplemental oxygen can help improve breathing and blood oxygen levels.(Buy now)
- Lung Transplantation: This is a more advanced treatment option for severe COPD cases.