Chronic Obstructive Pulmonology Disease
COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a broad term used to label progressive lung diseases causing airflow obstruction including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This condition is characterised by growing breathlessness and is diagnosed by spirometry or pulmonary function test.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is one of the most common lung diseases today and third leading cause of death worldwide and seventh leading cause of poor health worldwide.
Chronic Bronchitis Symptoms :
COPD symptoms often do not show up until substantial lung damage has occurred, and they usually get worse over time, mainly if there is an exposure to smoke. For chronic bronchitis, the chief symptom is mucus (sputum) production and daily coughing for at least three months in a year.
Some of common symptoms of obstructive lung disease include:
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing
- Having to always clear your throat due to excess mucus in your lungs
- Blueness of the fingernail beds or lips
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Swelling of ankles, feet or legs
- A chronic cough that may produce mucus (sputum) that may be clear, white, yellow or greenish
- Lack of energy
- Unintended weight loss
Individuals with COPD are also likely to suffer from episodes called exacerbations, during which their signs become worse than usual everyday variation and persist for at least quite a few days.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Causes :
The various risk factors that increase the chance of developing chronic bronchitis symptoms are as follows.
- Ciggarette smoke
- Air pollution – indoor and outdoor
- Long-term exposure to harmful pollutants in the workplace
- COPD most often happens in individuals 40 years of age and older
- Genetics can also be part of the cause in the development of COPD
- The majority of the people who have COPD (around 90% of them) have smoked
- Infectious diseases that harm the lung tissue in patients with asthma or hyperactive airways may also lead to obstructive lung disease
Obstructive Lung Disease Treatment :
Currently, there is no cure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but treatment can help in reducing the progression of the condition and also gradually control the symptoms. Once the patient is finished with the numerous diagnostic tests, the doctor may suggest one or more COPD treatments options depending on how severe the condition is. The main chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment options include:
- Quitting Smoking - If a person has COPD and they smoke, this is the most crucial thing they can do.
- Medications and Inhalers - This makes breathing easier.
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation - It is a specialized programme of exercise as well as education.
- Adult vaccination
- Oxygen and NIV in advanced cases
- A Lung Transplant or Surgery - This is only a possibility for a minimal number of individuals.
The doctor will discuss the possible treatment options with the patient to ensure that the COPD symptoms are efficiently controlled.
Follow up Care After Obstructive Lung Disease :
COPD patients need to follow up with doctor regularly for the assessment of his clinical condition and any adjustment in the medication. Any worsening of clinical condition should be consulted with doctor as early as possible to prevent adverse outcomes like hospital admission, ICU admission , ventilatory support- invasive or non invasive and sometimes death.
Dr Sheetal Chaurasia , Sr Consultant – Pulmonologist at Manipal Hospital Whitefield Bangalore , has vast experience in treatment of COPD and has done significant amount of research on this disease. Avail the consultation and opinion with experts regarding obstructive lung disease.
Connect anytime for Booking Appointment with Dr Sheetal Chaurasia Sr Consultant – Pulmonologist.
