What Is COPD? Types, Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

Are you facing problems in breathing? It could be because of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). It’s a life-threatening disease, and according to WHO (World Health Organisation), it claimed around 3.5 million lives in 2021. However, many people don’t know about it. That’s why we are here with this comprehensive blog about COPD. 

What Is COPD? 

COPD is a continuing lung condition caused by lung damage and is also known as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. This disease develops gradually over time and shows signs in adulthood. To be more precise, it is often noticeable at the age of 35. During this condition, the airways lose elasticity due to inflammation and scarring.

COPD Types

There are two types of COPD, and people suffering from this condition feature signs of both. 

Emphysema

Emphysema is a condition that damages the air sacs and walls of the lungs, making them less elastic. Over time, the air sacs can become overinflated. 

Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic Bronchitis is a long-term condition that involves bronchial tube inflammation and causes the linings of lung airways to swell and produce mucus. 

COPD Symptoms

Learning the COPD symptoms can help you identify and treat it sooner before the condition worsens. Scroll down to learn the symptoms:

• Cough with mucus for three months or even longer
• Difficulty in taking a deep breath
• Shortness of breathing when performing regular activities or even with mild exertion
• Wheezing, whistling or other lung sounds while breathing
• Barrel-shaped chest or chest tightness.
• Frequent lung infections
• Swelling in ankles, feet or legs
• Bluish skin

COPD Causes

We learned about COPD symptoms from the above section, but if you know its causes, you can stop them before they start. Keep reading to learn about COPD causes:

Air Pollution

Polluted air can send dust and particles like particulate matter into the air sacs. They can damage lung walls and result in lung diseases like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Genetic Disorder

One of the major causes of this condition is a genetic disorder like alpha-1 deficiency. It can leave the lungs vulnerable to damage, resulting in lung diseases.

Smoking

It’s no secret; almost everybody knows smoking damages the lungs and is harmful to health. It will inflame your airways, damage air sacs, and weaken the lung defences, leaving you vulnerable to this condition.

COPD Treatment

This is the final section of our blog, COPD treatment. If you are suffering from this condition, use the following methods to get well soon.

Quit Smoking

As we mentioned above, one of the major causes of this condition is smoking. So, leave it. Doing so will slow down the progression of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and help to treat it.

Inhaled Medications

Bronchodilators and steroids like Pulmicort, Alvesco, Aerospan, etc., will reduce inflammation and open your airways, relieving this disease. You can also opt for supplemental oxygen. Antibiotics like azithromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin, etc., are also available. 

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program that helps you strengthen your breathing muscles and teaches you how to manage this chronic lung disease. It includes exercises, education, breathing retraining, airway clearance, mental health support, etc. 

Positive Airway Pressure

When suffering from COPD, your lungs need positive airway pressure. This is a mode of respiratory ventilation. BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure) machines are used in this treatment method. 

Lung Volume Reduction

All those who are severely affected by this disease can opt for Lung volume reduction, also known as LVR. In this treatment, you undergo surgery or a valve procedure to reduce the air trapped in your lungs. 

Insights Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

In this blog, we learned about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including its treatment, causes, and symptoms. When facing this condition, consider a healthy diet and include protein, fibre, calcium, and healthy foods on your plate. Also, make sure to stay hydrated and keep your mucus thin. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between COPD and Asthma?

Asthma can be treated in childhood; however, COPD develops over time and is treated accordingly. 

2. How long do COPD patients live?

People might be able to live their 90s, but they need to be free from other health problems and maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

3. What to not drink in COPD?

When medicated with COPD, one should avoid drinking sodas, energy drinks, colas, and other aerated drinks.

4. Why is COPD worse at night?

Cholinergic tone follows a normal circadian rhythm during sleep, which can result in greater airflow limitation in COPD patients, worsening the condition.

5. What is the 6-minute walk test for COPD?

In this test, you walk normally for 6 minutes and monitor your body’s response to treatments for heart, lung and other health problems.