ABSTRACT – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long term inflammatory condition of lungs that causes obstruction in...
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long term inflammatory condition of lungs that causes obstruction in air flow and breathing problems.
Two main forms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are:
Chronic Bronchitis
Emphysema
CAUSES –
Smoking
Air Pollution
Genetics
Occupational exposure
Infections
Medical conditions like Asthma and Airway Hyperreactivity
Low birth weight
Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –
Weight loss and lack of energy
Shortness of breath
Sputum production
Difficulty in breathing out
Chest tightness and wheezing
Tripod positioning
Blueness of the lips or fingernail beds
Cor Pulmonale due to high pressure on lung arteries
Frequent respiratory infections
Edema in ankles, feet or legs
Acute exacerbation of COPD is the sudden worsening of COPD symptoms characterized by change in color of sputum, increased sputum production etc.
DIAGNOSIS –
Spirometry
COPD Assessment Test (CAT) to determine the severity of disease.
Chest X-ray and Complete Blood Count (CBC) to exclude other conditions.
CT scan of chest
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency test
TREATMENT –
There is no cure for COPD but it can be prevented, delayed and symptoms also can be treated.
Avoid smoking
Vaccinations at proper time interval
Reduction in exposure to environmental air pollution
Exercise
Supplemental Oxygen
Medications
Bronchodilators
Corticosteroids
Antibiotics
Mucolytics
Surgery
People suffering from advanced COPD may require:
Palliative care
Morphine to improve shortness of breath
Noninvasive ventilation
Guiding people with proper action plan for exacerbation
RISK FACTORS –
Increasing age
Genetics
Exposure to tobacco smoke, dusts, chemicals and fumes from burning fuel
Asthmatic patients who smoke
PREVENTION –
Avoid smoking
Educating workers, using respiratory protective equipment and managing risk at work places
Reduce exposure to cooking and burning fuel smoke through improved ventilation and chimneys at home
Measures for control in air pollution
Using solar cooking and electrical heating instead of traditional biomass or wood
COMPLICATIONS –
Lung Cancer
Cardiac problems
Respiratory tract infections
Depression
Cor Pulmonale
EPIDEMIOLOGY –
The prevalence of COPD globally, is increasing every year due to increase in pollution.
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