COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a set of progressive lung disorders. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most frequent of these disorders. Both of these disorders are common in patients with COPD.
Emphysema gradually kills the air sacs in your lungs, interfering with outward airflow. Bronchitis is characterized by inflammation and constriction of the bronchial passages, allowing mucus to accumulate. COPD, if left untreated, can hasten disease development, cause cardiac difficulties, and worsen respiratory infections.
Causes
The most prevalent cause is long-term exposure to items that irritate your lungs. In the United States, this refers to cigarette, pipe, or other types of tobacco smoke. It can also play a role if you hang out with other smokers and breathe in secondhand smoke.
If you smoke and have asthma, your chances increase. If you smoke and have COPD, it tends to worsen more quickly. You may also get this illness if you have been exposed to dust, air pollution, or certain chemicals over an extended period. Your age can exacerbate COPD. Because it progresses slowly over time, most persons are at least 40 years old when symptoms appear.
Symptoms
The following are some of the most common COPD symptoms:
Increasing shortness of breath – this may occur just when exercising at first, and you may occasionally wake up at night feeling short of breath, a persistent chesty cough with phlegm that does not go away, frequent chest infections
wheeze, that doesn’t stop
The symptoms usually worsen with time and make daily activities more complicated, though medication can help reduce the progression.
There may be occasions when your symptoms abruptly worsen, known as a flare-up or exacerbation. It’s not uncommon to experience a few flare-ups per year, especially during the winter.
Prevention
The best method to avoid COPD is never to start smoking and to quit if you already do.
Tobacco smoke causes inflammation, which constricts the airways. Cilla are also damaged by smoke, making them incapable of clearing mucus and trapped particles from the lungs.
If you have difficulty quitting smoking, speak with your doctor about smoking cessation programs and products that can assist you. The best likelihood of success is to combine nicotine replacement therapy with counseling, group support, and medicines.
Wrapping it up
People suffering from debilitating conditions such as COPD may experience worry, tension, or depression occasionally. Make an appointment with your doctor or healthcare professional to discuss any emotional difficulties. They may be able to prescribe drugs to assist you in dealing with anxiety or sadness.
They may also suggest alternative techniques to help you manage. Meditation, particular breathing methods, or joining a support group could all be part of this. Be honest with your friends and family about your feelings and concerns. Allow them to assist in any manner they can.
