COPD: Symptoms, causes, treatment

  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious respiratory disorder characterized by the presence of chronic, often progressive narrowing of the airways leading to breathing difficulties. In this article, we will introduce the symptoms, causes and treatment of COPD.

   What is COPD?

  COPD is a group of lung diseases that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. In chronic bronchitis, the mucous membrane in the bronchi is chronically inflamed and produces excessive mucus. In emphysema, the walls of the alveoli (alveoli), which are responsible for exchanging gases with the blood, become damaged, leading to a lengthening and widening of the airways.

   Symptoms of COPD

Symptoms of COPD vary and can vary from person to person. The most common symptoms are:

• Prolonged cough, often with mucus production

• Shortness of breath, especially during exertion, which usually worsens over time

• Wheezing breath

• Sensation of tightness in the chest

• Fatigue and weakness

• Weight loss, especially in advanced cases

  
  

   Causes of COPD

  The most important risk factor for COPD is smoking. Most people with COPD are current or former smokers. Other risk factors include:

• Exposure to air pollutants, both at work and at home

• Frequent respiratory infections in childhood

• Genetics - some people may be genetically predisposed to developing COPD

  
  

   Treatment of COPD

  COPD is a chronic disease that cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be effectively controlled, and disease progression can be slowed with appropriate treatment. The main goals of COPD treatment are:

• Reduction of symptoms

• Improving exercise tolerance

• Improving quality of life

• Preventing and treating exacerbations

• Slowing the progression of the disease

  
  

   Treatment of COPD may include:

• Quitting smoking: This is the most important step you can take to stop the progression of COPD.

• Medications: Bronchodilators are often used to treat COPD to expand the airways and make breathing easier. In some cases, anti-inflammatory drugs are also used.

• Oxygen therapy: For people with advanced COPD and low blood oxygen levels, oxygen therapy can help make breathing easier.

• Rehabilitation: Pulmonary rehabilitation programs can help improve exercise tolerance and quality of life for people with COPD.

• Surgery: In some cases, such as emphysema, surgery may be the ultimate solution to remove damaged parts of the lungs.

  In summary, COPD is a serious, chronic disease that requires long-term care and management. Early detection and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for people with COPD. If you have a persistent cough, shortness of breath or other COPD symptoms, contact your doctor.