Contributed by: Rachana Arya
introduction
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term lung disease that restricts the flow of air in and out of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. The disease affects millions of people in the country.
In fact, India contributes a significant percentage of COPD-related deaths, which is estimated to be among the highest in the world. However, the good news is that this lung disease has a clear path to prevention and there are ways to slow its progression.
This blog provides information to help you understand who is at risk for COPD and what symptoms to look out for.
FAQ # 1: is COPD a widespread disease?
COPD is a common, preventable and treatable inflammatory lung disease worldwide, causing irreversible airway obstruction with periodic acute episodes of deterioration and exacerbations. Middle-aged or older adults are particularly affected.
The factor most commonly associated with pneumonia in COPD is harmful exposure to cigarette smoke.
FAQ # 2: What is the main cause of COPD?
In COPD, less air flows between the airways because of one or more of the following::
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- Decrease in the elasticity of the bronchi and air sacs
- Weakening or rupture of the inner walls of the air sacs
- Inflammation in the fragile airway walls
- Obstruction of the airways with mucus
FAQ # 3: What are the main irritants that can cause COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is caused by exposure to:
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- Cigar and cigarette smoke
- Secondhand smoke
- Pipe smoke
- Air pollution
- Dust, fumes, or smoke
FAQ # 4: What are some of the clinical symptoms of COPD?
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- Difficulty breathing
- cough
- Mucus production (sputum)
- Panting
FAQ # 5: How quickly do COPD symptoms appear?
The symptoms of COPD They often don’t manifest until there is significant lung damage and usually worsen over time, especially if exposure to smoking is continued.
FAQ # 6: What is the main risk factor for COPD?
The main risk factor for COPD is long-term exposure to cigarette smoking. The more years you smoke, the greater your risk of COPD.
FAQ # 7: Is COPD Serious?
People with COPD are at increased risk of developing various health conditions, including:
FAQ # 8: What are the two most common medical conditions that contribute to COPD?
The two most common COPD diseases are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. These two problems often occur at the same time and can vary in severity in COPD patients.
FAQ # 9: Can COPD be cured?
There is currently no cure for COPD. However, with the right treatment, most people not only avoid triggers, but COPD can improve their quality of life, get their symptoms well under control, and slow the progression of the disease.
FAQ # 10: Is COPD Treatable?
COPD is a progressive disease, which means that it gets worse over time. Nevertheless, COPD is treatable.
FAQ # 11: What are the Signs and Symptoms of COPD?
Signs and symptoms of COPD can include:
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- Panting
- shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Chronic cough
- Respiratory infections
- Low energy level
- Accidental weight loss
- Swelling of the ankles, feet, or legs
FAQ # 12: Does COPD Last For Days?
People with COPD are more likely to have exacerbations or relapses, which are intermittent periods during which their symptoms worsen than usual.
FAQ # 13: Is COPD Life-threatening?
During episodes of flare-ups, people with COPD may need additional home treatment or hospitalization for emergency care if their symptoms worsen. It is important to manage these episodes as they can cause a person’s COPD to progress faster. Severe relapses can lead to complications and even become life-threatening.
FAQ # 14: What complications can COPD cause?
Because COPD damages the lungs, it increases the risk of respiratory infections, including:
COPD can also cause many complications, including:
FAQ # 15: Can you have COPD and asthma together?
Given that COPD and asthma share symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing, chances are people have both conditions.
FAQ # 16: Are people with asthma at higher risk of developing COPD?
People with asthma may be at higher risk of developing COPD. The combination of asthma and smoking increases the risk of COPD even more.
FAQ # 17: How does COPD affect daily life?
People with COPD have difficulty doing normal daily activities, often due to shortness of breath and fatigue. It can lead to reduced productivity in the workplace and high costs for medical treatment.
FAQ # 18: When is COPD considered a medical emergency?
Get medical help immediately if:
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- You can’t catch your breath
- You experience a blue of your lips / fingernail beds
- You experience a fast heartbeat
- You feel foggy
- You have trouble concentrating
Final thoughts
There is currently no cure for COPD. The best way to deal with COPD is to focus on maintaining general health and quitting smoking.
Small changes like maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet high in lean protein, vitamins and minerals, and getting exercise every day can increase energy levels and reduce the risk of infection.
Get tested for COPD markers today!
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Reference: blog.healthians.com
