Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD is a respiratory condition that is a substantial contributor to morbidity and mortality. Often COPD remain underdiagnosed until it reaches more advanced stages. Here are some strategies that can help control flare-ups and exacerbations caused by COPD.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, commonly known as COPD, is a long-term lung condition that makes it difficult to breathe and worsens over time. It primarily includes two main conditions, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which cause inflammation and damage to the airways and lung tissue. Globally, COPD is the third leading cause of death, yet it often remains underdiagnosed until it reaches more advanced stages. Common symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness can gradually limit daily activities and significantly affect quality of life. Despite its serious nature, COPD is both preventable and treatable when detected early and managed properly.
There are several practical, evidence-based strategies for managing COPD and supporting those who live with it. From quitting smoking to preventing exposure to environmental pollutants, and from maintaining regular checkups to ensuring timely vaccinations, these strategies can help reduce flare-ups and hospital visits. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr. Sheetal Chaurasia, Consultant – Pulmonary Medicine, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, shares strategies to help someone with COPD.
Causes Of COPD
Dr. Sheetal Chaurasia states, “Cigarette smoking is the biggest risk factor for developing COPD.” Its growth is also influenced by other factors, such as exposure to biomass, poor air quality, indoor and outdoor air pollution, occupational exposure to harmful fumes, certain developmental disorders, and childhood illnesses.
Symptoms Of COPD
A loss in baseline health, a worsening of other comorbidities, a decreased capacity for activity, a worse quality of life, and an elevated risk of future flare-ups or even death are some of the long-term effects of these episodes. She adds, “Because of medical costs, hospital stays, missed work, and lower productivity for both the patient and carer, exacerbations add to financial pressures.” Thus, it is essential to detect and treat exacerbations as soon as possible or to avoid them completely.
Strategies To Control Exacerbations And Avoid Flare-Ups
Quit Smoking: The most crucial action to stop the disease’s progression and lower the chance of exacerbations.
Prevent Pollutant Exposure: When exposed to harmful fumes or poor air quality at home, use a mask and stay away from dust, smoke, and fumes or in the workplace, can help prevent flare-ups.
Frequent Medical Follow-Ups: It’s critical to maintain ongoing illness monitoring and treatment, which includes utilising prescribed COPD inhalers.
Vaccinations: Exacerbations of COPD are frequently brought on by infections. The risk of infections that cause flare-ups can be decreased by vaccination against avoidable illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza, H1N1, and pneumococcus.
Prompt Infection Treatment: To reduce the effect of an infection on COPD, the patient must receive treatment as soon as possible.
Avoid Crowded Areas: A lot of respiratory diseases are carried by airborne droplets. The risk of infection can be decreased by avoiding crowded areas and using social distancing techniques.
Handle Comorbid Disorders: Preventing COPD flare-ups requires effective management of underlying medical disorders, such as diabetes, renal disease, and heart disease.
