Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)- It’s Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment 

Summary 

Copd is a very poorly reversible disease. A growing concern of health care problems  . One of the major causes for the increased death rate in the world. It is majorly diagnosed among the middle aged or elderly. Smoking is the main cause of Copd. It has no permanent cure but can be treated and is preventable.

What is COPD (chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a  poorly reversible disease of the pulmonary system.The air passages of the lungs are widely affected . This leads to inflammation ( swelling)  and narrowing of the airways. This prevents airflow to the lungs causing difficulty in breathing. So far there is no permanent cure for copd making it the leading cause of death in the United States.

 The causes and the effects of Copd-

The main cause of Copd is cigarette smoking or exposure to toxic agents in the environment. Copd is not only linked with the respiratory system but also affects other organ systems. It affects the cardiovascular system ( heart disease) , glaucoma ( eye disease), osteoporosis ( breakdown of bones)etc. . Copd gives rise to inflammation ( swelling) in the air pathways. This leads to loss of elasticity in the airways of bronchial trees making it difficult to breathe.

Symptoms of Copd-

• Frequent coughing with sputum production ( sputum is a mixture of saliva and mucus from the lungs produced while coughing.)
• Trouble while breathing
• Excessive sputum production
•  Lungs infection
• Lungs function continue to decline day by day .
• Shortness of breath while exercising or doing daily work.

Asthma  Vs Copd

Asthma is a long term chronic condition. It affects people of any age group. It causes swelling in the airways of lungs . It cannot be cured but preventive measures can be adapted. Its main  causes are air pollutants, allergens, smoking etc . Its symptoms are similar to symptoms of Copd-  wheezing ( a whistling sound produced during breathing. Coughing. Chest tightness ( pressure around the chest making it difficult in breathing)

Copd is chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. This leads to inflammation of the air passages causing narrowing of the bronchial tree. This creates difficulties for the patients in exhaling and inhaling . Main cause is cigarette smoking and various toxins.

Diagnosis and treatment –

Diagnosis – Spirometry is used to confirm copd diagnosis. Spirometry is used for testing and  providing diagnosis of the pulmonary system. It gives results about how well your lungs are working.

Treatment –

• Nicotine should be avoided i.e say no to cigarette smoking and tobacco.
• Doctors also prescribe varenicline  drugs to smokers .
•  Anticholinergic and antidepressants are also prescribed after counseling of the patients.
• Regular use of bronchodilators help to get relief.

How to manage exacerbation?

Exacerbation of copd is defined as an acute increase in symptoms of a patient. Symptoms include excessive sputum production, excessive wheezing while breathing, shortness of breath and tightness around the chest. Air pollutants can also trigger exacerbation.

It can be managed .  Doctors may increase daily dose and also start antibiotic therapy in case of fever and bacterial infection.

Conclusion

Copd remains one of the significant health care problems for years . Early identification can lead to early diagnosis and treatment.