COPD, a smoking-related condition, affects millions in the US each year and is the third leading cause of death in the US and fourth leading cause of death in Canada. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Asthma affects the treatment of COPD. It is a progressive lung disease that makes breathing difficult and is a major cause of disability. This disease develops slowly and it often worsens over time. The impact of this condition is such that it can limit one’s ability to do routine activities. Usually this condition is diagnosed in middle-age or older adults.
Causes of COPD
Although smoking is the biggest cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease but there are few other factors too that causes COPD in people. Some of the other factors that cause COPD include:
- Lack of protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin
- Exposure to heavy smoke and pollution
- Continuous exposure to certain smokes or gases in the workplace
- Regular use of cooking fire without proper ventilation
COPD and Breathing
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is known to cause changes in lungs and airways such as the walls of the air sacs are destroyed, airways and air sacs lose their stretch ability, the airways walls thickened and inflamed, airways become clogged with mucus. People suffering from COPD may suffer from any of these changes in lungs that further reduce flow of air in and out of the lungs. Due to this the body is deprived of much-needed oxygen.
Symptoms of COPD
Knowing the symptoms of COPD is a vital part of managing the illness because it will help in beginning the treatment early. Early treatment is effective and preserves the lung functioning for the long term. Timely and precise assessment of the symptoms will help in better manage of the treatment. Some of the symptoms associated with the disease include:
- Fatigue
- Respiratory infections
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Breathing problem
Test of COPD
Doctors carefully examine the patients and carry out few tests to diagnose the COPD. A stethoscope is used by the doctor to listen to the lungs but sometime it is difficult to detect the problem with stethoscope so doctor may recommend Spirometry test. In this test the patient blow out as hard as possible into a small machine that tests the capacity of the patient’s lung. Imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans are also proves helpful in detecting COPD. Some patients are recommended for arterial blood gas test to measure the oxygen and carbon-di-oxide amount in the blood.
Treatment of COPD
There is no cure of COPD but patients can relieve the symptoms and prevent the disease from getting worse. Quitting the smoking habit is the best way to slow the lung damage. Besides, some of the medications are found effective in controlling the COPD symptoms. Combivent and Flovent are some of the drugs that effectively control COPD symptoms.