Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. It is primarily caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke. Individuals with COPD are at increased risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer, and a variety of other conditions.
Causes
The primary cause of COPD is long-term exposure to lung irritants that damage the lungs and the airways. In the United States, the most common irritant that leads to COPD is tobacco smoke. Other irritants include:
- Air Pollution
- Workplace Exposure to dust, smoke, or fumes
- Genetic Factors: A deficiency in the protein alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) can cause COPD.
Symptoms
COPD symptoms often don't appear until significant lung damage has occurred, and they usually worsen over time. Common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Chronic cough that may produce mucus (sputum) that may be clear, white, yellow, or greenish
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Lack of energy
- Unintended weight loss (in later stages)
- Swelling in ankles, feet, or legs
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of COPD requires a detailed patient history and physical examination, including lung function tests, such as:
- Spirometry: The most common lung function test used to diagnose COPD.
- Chest X-Ray
- CT Scan
- Arterial Blood Gas Analysis
Treatment
While there's no cure for COPD, treatment can help control symptoms and reduce the risk of complications and exacerbations. Treatment options include:
- Smoking Cessation
- Medications, including bronchodilators and steroids
- Pulmonary rehabilitation program
- Oxygen therapy
- Surgical options, such as lung volume reduction surgery and lung transplant for severe cases
Prevention
The best way to prevent COPD is to never start smoking or to quit smoking. Other preventive measures include:
- Avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke, home and workplace air pollutants, and respiratory infections
- Regular exercise to strengthen the lungs and improve overall health
See Also
External Links
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Wikipedia's article - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
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