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SILENT BUT DEADLY-CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

The Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, abbreviated as COPD, is a group of progressive lung diseases. Numerous diseases get in action but emphysema and chronic bronchitis are most common. Most of the victims experience both of these conditions. It is one of the most common death causing diseases in Indonesia. While in the United States, about thirty million people have COPD. Here we will discuss the disease in detail.

In the first given condition, Emphysema, air sacs generally present in your lungs starts getting damaged or destroyed. This results in interfere with outward air flow or simply breathing out. Whereas, in the second given condition, Bronchitis, inflammation, and narrowing of the bronchial tubes occur. This allows the mucus present in the body to accumulate.

Causes of COPD

One of the main cause of this disease is tobacco smoking. Other main cause can be long term exposure to chemical irritants. Ninety percent of the people who have COPD are smokers. This clearly shows that the main cause of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is cigarette or tobacco smoking. More you smoke, more will be the chances of this death-defying disease. Generally, people having age forty or greater than it experiences the disease. Furthermore, exposure to chemical irritants and fumes that we normally find at the workplace can also cause COPD. A genetic tendency may also result in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. The disease frequently causes a deficiency of a protein called alpha 1 antitrypsin. This reduction results in weakening of the lungs and can also affect the liver. Remember, since the disease is not an infection or virus, hence, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease isn’t contagious.

Symptoms of COPD

As you know, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease makes difficulty in breathing. So the symptoms of the disease may be moderate at the start. In the beginning, it may cause coughing or shortness of breath. As the disease continues to develop more and more, the symptoms also become constant that results in increasing of hardness in breathing. Some people having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease also experience acute exacerbations. Other symptoms are listed below:

• Needing to clear your throat often
• Avoiding stairs
• Skipping physical activities
• Wheezing, especially during exhalations
• Chest tightness
• Chronic cough, with or without mucus
• Frequent colds, flu, or other respiratory infections
• Lack of energy

As the disease progress, the symptoms become harder and challenging. In the later stages, the symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Swelling of the feet, ankles, or legs
• Weight loss

Immediate medical care is required if the patient face these conditions.

• Heart racing
• Trouble catching the breath
• Cannot talk
• Gray fingernails or lips
• Feeling confused, muddled, or faint

Diagnosing and Treating COPD

The diagnosis usually involves imaging tests, blood tests, and lung function tests. The Diagnosis is based on the symptom, a physical exam, and the test results. You must tell the doctor if you are a smoker, exposed to lung irritants or secondhand smoke, family history of COPD, and asthma or any other respiratory disease or condition. The doctor may advise you tests like Spirometry, X-Ray, or CT-Scan.

There is no general and complete treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. However, treating it may reduce the symptoms, prevent complications, and slow the disease progression. Commonly used treatment methods are:

• Medication
• Oxygen Therapy
• Surgery
• Change in Lifestyle