COPD

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a group of progressive lung diseases. The foremost common are emphysema and bronchitis. Many of us with COPD have both of those conditions. Emphysema slowly destroys air sacs in your lungs, which interferes with outward airflow. Bronchitis causes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes, which allows mucus to create up. COPD makes it harder to breathe. Symptoms could also be mild initially, beginning with coughing and shortness of breath. Because it progresses, it can become increasingly difficult to breathe. You may experience wheezing and tightness within the chest. Some people with COPD have exacerbation or flare-ups of severe symptoms. The top explanation for COPD is smoking. Long-term exposure to chemical irritants also can cause COPD. It’s a disease that takes an extended time to develop. The diagnosis usually involves imaging tests, blood tests, and lung function tests. There’s no cure for COPD, but treatment can help to ease symptoms, lower the prospect of complications, and usually improve quality of life. Medications, oxygen therapy, and surgery are some sorts of treatment. Untreated, COPD can cause heart problems and worsening respiratory infections. About 24 million people within us have COPD. As many as half are unaware that they need it. What are the symptoms of COPD? At first, symptoms of COPD are often quite mild. You would possibly be inclined to dismiss them as chilly. Early symptoms include • occasional shortness of breath, especially after exercise • mild but recurrent cough • needing to clear your throat often, the especially very first thing within the morning You might start making subtle changes, like avoiding stairs and skipping physical activities. Symptoms can get progressively worse and harder to ignore. Because of the lungs become more damaged, and you'll experience: • shortness of breath, after even mild exercise like a walking up a flight of stairs • wheezing, or noisy breathing • chest tightness • chronic cough with or without mucus • need to clear mucus from your lungs a day • frequent colds, flu, or other respiratory infections • lack of energy In later stages of COPD, symptoms can also include: • fatigue • swelling of the feet, ankles, or legs • weight loss Immediate medical aid is required if: • you have bluish, or gray fingernails or lips, as this means low oxygen levels in your blood • you have trouble catching your breath or cannot talk • you feel confused, muddled, or faint • your heart is racing Symptoms are likely to be worse if you currently smoke or are regularly exposed to smoke. Learn more about the symptoms of COPD » What causes COPD? In developed countries just like us, the only biggest explanation for COPD is cigarette smoking. About 90 percent of individuals who have COPD are smokers or former smokers. Among smokers, 20 to 30 percent develop COPD. Many others develop lung condition or have reduced lung function. Most people with COPD are over 40 years old and have a minimum of some history of smoking. The longer you smoke, the greater your risk of COPD is. additionally to cigarette smoke, cigar smoke, pipe smoke, and secondhand smoke can cause COPD. Your risk of COPD is even greater if you've got asthma and smoke. You can also develop COPD if you’re exposed to chemicals and fumes within the workplace. Long-term exposure to pollution and inhaling dust also can cause COPD. In developing countries, alongside tobacco smoke, homes are often poorly ventilated, forcing families to breathe fumes from cooking and heating fuel. There could also be a genetic predisposition to developing COPD. Up to five percent of individuals with COPD have a deficiency during a protein called alpha-1-antitrypsin. This deficiency causes the lungs to deteriorate and can also affect the liver. There could also be other genetic factors at play also. COPD isn’t contagious. Diagnosing COPD There’s no single test for COPD. The diagnosis is predicated on symptoms, a physical exam, and test results. When you visit the doctor, make certain to say all of your symptoms. Tell your doctor if: • you’re a smoker, or have smoked within the past • you’re exposed to lung irritants on the work • you’re exposed to the ton of secondhand smoke • there’s a case history of COPD • you have asthma or other respiratory conditions • you take over-the-counter or prescription medications During the physical exam, your doctor will use a stethoscope to concentrate to your lungs as you breathe. Supported all this information, your doctor may order a number of these tests to urge a more complete picture: • A spirometry may be a noninvasive test to assess lung function. During the test, you’ll take a deep breath then blow into a tube connected to the spirometer. • Imaging tests include a chest X-ray or CT scan. These images can provide an in-depth check of your lungs, blood vessels, and heart. • An blood gas test involves taking a blood sample from an artery to live your blood oxygen levels. These tests can determine if you've got COPD, or perhaps another condition, like asthma or coronary failure.