Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term inflammatory lung condition that causes airflow obstruction in the lungs. Symptoms that occur include difficulty breathing, coughing, phlegm production, and wheezing.
This happens because it is caused by long-term exposure to irritant gases or small particles, which most often come from cigarette smoke. People with COPD have a higher risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer, and many other conditions.
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two most common conditions that cause COPD. Chronic bronchitis is inflammation of the lining of the bronchi, which are the tubes that carry air to and from the alveoli, or air sacs, in the lungs. This condition is characterized by daily coughing and phlegm.
Emphysema is a condition in which the alveoli of the lungs are damaged by exposure to cigarette smoke, other irritating gases, or small particles. With proper treatment, most people with COPD can experience good symptom control and quality of life, as well as a reduced risk of developing other related health conditions.
Reason
The main cause of COPD in developed countries is smoking. In developing countries, besides smoking, COPD can also occur in people who are exposed to smoke from fuel for cooking and heating, in homes that have poor ventilation.
Types of airway obstruction that can occur include:
- Emphysema. This lung disease is caused by damage to the walls and elastic fibers in the alveoli. Small airways can collapse on exhalation, which restricts the flow of air out of the lungs.
- Chronic bronchitis. In this condition, the bronchial tubes become inflamed and narrowed, and the lungs produce excess phlegm. This can narrow the passage, and coughing may occur as a mechanism to clear the airway.
Several factors that can increase the risk of developing COPD are:
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
- People with asthma who smoke
- Exposure to dust or chemicals due to work
- Expose to fumes from fuel
- Age
- genetic factor
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of COPD often do not appear until significant lung damage has occurred. In addition, signs and symptoms may worsen over time, especially if exposure to secondhand smoke continues. For chronic bronchitis, the main symptoms are cough and sputum production for at least three months of the year, for two consecutive years.
Other signs and symptoms of COPD include:
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
- A lot
- Chest feels tight
- The feeling of wanting to expel phlegm every time you wake up in the morning, due to excess phlegm production in the lungs
- Long-term cough due to phlegm production which can be clear, white, yellow or greenish
- Blueness of the lips or tips of the nails
- Frequent respiratory tract infections
- Lack of energy
- Unintentional weight loss
- Swelling of the ankles, feet or legs
People with COPD are more likely to experience episodes called exacerbations, in which symptoms can be more severe than usual, and persist for at least a few days.
Diagnosis
To determine the diagnosis of COPD, the doctor will evaluate the signs and symptoms experienced, discuss the history of the disease and family history, discuss exposure to lung irritants, especially cigarette smoke.
Some of the supporting examinations that can also be carried out include:
- Pulmonary function test examination. Pulmonary function tests measure the amount of air that can be inhaled and exhaled and whether the lungs are delivering sufficient oxygen to the bloodstream.
- Lung X-ray. X-rays of the lungs can show emphysema, one of the causes of COPD.
- Computerized Tomography (CT) scans. A CT- scan of the lungs can also detect emphysema or other lung disorders.
- Arterial blood gas analysis. This examination shows the function of the lungs in delivering oxygen to and removing carbon dioxide from the bloodstream.
Treatment
There are several types of treatment that can be done in COPD, including:
- Quit smoking. The most important step in treating COPD is to stop smoking. It is the only way to avoid worsening COPD, which can reduce the ability to breathe.
Your doctor can suggest some nicotine replacement strategies or medications you can use, as well as ways to prevent smoking again.
- Treatment. Doctors can prescribe several types of treatment to deal with complaints and complications from COPD. Treatment given can be aimed at overcoming complaints of coughing and shortness of breath, facilitating breathing, reducing airway inflammation, and preventing recurrence of complaints.
- Breathing therapy. Respiratory therapy may also be recommended by a doctor, which may include oxygen therapy or a pulmonary rehabilitation program.
- Surgery. Surgery for COPD is generally rarely performed and is aimed at people with severe emphysema and who do not show improvement with medication. Types of surgery that can be performed include lung volume reduction surgery or lung transplantation.
Prevention
Most people with COPD have a direct relationship with smoking, and the best way to prevent COPD is to not smoke at all or to quit smoking immediately if you have a smoking habit.
For long-term smokers, quitting smoking can be difficult. However, it is very important to identify the smoking cessation program that is most suitable for each person, in order to avoid the risk of COPD.
Exposure to smoke, chemicals, and dust is another risk factor for COPD. If the work involves these irritants, discuss things that can be done to avoid exposure to these substances, such as using personal protective equipment.