COPD(Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

When it comes to COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, not many people are aware of this condition. COPD is a chronic medical condition characterized by the inflammation of lungs. The inflammation interferes with the functioning of the lungs resulting in breathing problems. An early diagnosis and timely medication can improve the condition to a great extent. However, lack of proper knowledge and myths surrounding COPD often make the situation worse. In this article, we will discuss some myths and facts related to COPD to help people understand the condition better.

COPD is a case which makes it harder to breathe. The symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath are light at first. With passage of time, these symptoms worsen and make it increasingly difficult for the patient to breathe.

The patient may experience wheezing and feel heavy on the chest. Some patients suffering from COPD experience flare-ups of severe symptoms or exacerbations.The main cause of COPD is cigarette smoking and therefore, people who are used to smoking for a longer time may suffer from this diesease. It is a disease that takes time to build up inside one’s body. COPD can further cause heart problems and worsen respiratory diseases.

Symptoms of COPD include

• Shortness of breath(Intially on slight exertion & Later even at rest)
• Mild and reoccurring cough with mucus
• Constant need to clear your throat
• Noisy breathing/Wheezing
• Loss of energy or feeling fatigued
• Swelling of ankles, legs or feet
• Sudden weight loss

Risk factors for COPD include:

• Exposure to tobacco smoke: The most significant risk factor for COPD is long-term cigarette smoking. The more years you smoke and the more packs you smoke, the greater your risk. Pipe smokers, cigar smokers and marijuana smokers also may be at risk, as well as people exposed to large amounts of secondhand smoke.
• People with asthma who smoke: The combination of asthma, a chronic inflammatory airway disease, and smoking increases the risk of COPD even more.
• Occupational exposure to dusts and chemicals: Long-term exposure to chemical fumes, vapors and dusts in the workplace can irritate and inflame your lungs.
• Exposure to fumes from burning fuel: In the developing world, people exposed to fumes from burning fuel for cooking and heating in poorly ventilated homes are at higher risk of developing COPD.
• Age: COPD develops slowly over years, so most people are at least 40 years old when symptoms begin.
• Genetics: The uncommon genetic disorder alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is the cause of some cases of COPD. Other genetic factors likely make certain smokers more susceptible to the disease.