Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

What is COPD?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties due to airflow obstruction. The most common forms of COPD are:

• Emphysema: Damage to air sacs (alveoli), reducing oxygen exchange.
• Chronic Bronchitis: Inflammation and mucus buildup in the airways.

Over time, COPD worsens and can lead to severe breathing issues if not managed properly.

Causes & Risk Factors

Several factors contribute to COPD development:

• Smoking (most common cause)
• Long-term exposure to air pollution, dust, and chemicals
• Genetic factors (Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency)
• Frequent respiratory infections in childhood
• Exposure to secondhand smoke or biomass fuel fumes

Symptoms of COPD

Early symptoms may be mild, but as COPD progresses, they become more severe:

• Chronic cough (often with mucus production)
• Shortness of breath, especially during activity
• Wheezing and chest tightness
• Frequent lung infections (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis)
• Fatigue due to reduced oxygen levels
• Cyanosis (bluish lips or fingertips due to low oxygen levels)
• Unintentional weight loss in advanced stages

⚠️ If breathing difficulties worsen or occur suddenly, seek immediate medical attention.

How is COPD Diagnosed?

Doctors use several tests to diagnose COPD and assess its severity:

• Physical Exam & Medical History – Checking for lung sounds and risk factors.
• Spirometry Test: Measures lung function and airflow obstruction.
• Chest X-ray or CT Scan: Detects lung damage or infections.
• Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test: Evaluates oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
• Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) Test: Detects genetic COPD risk.

Treatment & Management of COPD

Although COPD is not curable, treatments can improve symptoms and slow progression:

• Medications:
  • Bronchodilators (e.g., Albuterol, Tiotropium) to open airways.
  • Corticosteroids to reduce lung inflammation.
  • Antibiotics for respiratory infections.
• Oxygen Therapy: Helps when oxygen levels are low.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Improves lung function through exercise, breathing techniques, and lifestyle changes.
• Smoking Cessation: The most important step in managing COPD.
• Surgical Options:
  • Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS) for severe emphysema.
  • Lung Transplant in end-stage COPD.

Prevention & Lifestyle Tips

While COPD cannot be reversed, adopting healthy habits can improve lung function:

• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
• Stay physically active to maintain lung strength.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants.
• Avoid air pollution, dust, and strong fumes.
• Get flu and pneumonia vaccines to prevent lung infections.
• Practice breathing exercises to increase lung capacity.