A common lung condition, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes breathing difficulties and reduces quality of life for millions of people around the world. Although COPD cannot be cured, it can be managed with proper treatment and lifestyle changes.
COPPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, refers to two main types of lung diseases: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Both of these diseases damage the airways and the air sacs in the lungs, making breathing difficult.
The main cause of COPD is smoking. Smoking damages the lungs and increases the risk of developing COPD. Other factors that can contribute to COPD include:
Exposure to air pollution, dust, chemicals, or fumes
Genetic factors, such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Age, as COPD is more common in older people
History of respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis
The symptoms of COPD vary from person to person, but they usually include:
Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or in cold weather
Coughing, with or without mucus
Wheezing, or a whistling sound when breathing
Chest tightness or pain
Fatigue or weakness
Frequent respiratory infections
Weight loss or loss of appetite
COPD can be diagnosed by a doctor based on the medical history, physical examination, and some tests. The tests may include:
Spirometry, which measures how much air you can breathe in and out, and how fast
Chest X-ray, which shows the condition of your lungs and chest
Blood tests, which check the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, and the presence of any genetic factors
Sputum culture, which analyzes the mucus you cough up for any signs of infection
COPD cannot be cured, but it can be treated to relieve the symptoms, prevent complications, and slow down the progression of the disease. The treatment options for COPD may include:
Medications, such as bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics, or mucolytics, that help open up the airways, reduce inflammation, fight infection, or thin the mucus
Oxygen therapy, which provides extra oxygen through a mask or a nasal cannula, to improve the oxygen levels in the blood
Pulmonary rehabilitation, which is a program that combines exercise, education, and counseling, to improve the physical and mental health of people with COPD
Surgery, such as lung volume reduction surgery or lung transplant, that removes or replaces the damaged parts of the lungs, in severe cases of COPD
The best way to prevent COPD is to avoid smoking or quit smoking if you are a smoker. Other preventive measures include:
Avoiding exposure to air pollution, dust, chemicals, or fumes, by wearing a mask or using a ventilation system
Getting vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcal infections, which can worsen COPD
Eating a healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation
Drinking plenty of water, to keep the lungs hydrated and the mucus thin
Exercising regularly, to strengthen the muscles and improve the blood circulation
Managing stress, to reduce the negative effects of stress on the lungs and the mood
Your quality of life can be negatively affected by COPD. It is possible to live well with COPD with proper diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Consult your doctor or health care professional if you have any questions or concerns about COPD.
