A Brief Overview of COPD and its treatment

COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a progressive and chronic inflammatory lung disease which causes the obstruction of airflow from the lungs.

Symptoms of COPD:

• The most common symptoms are difficulty in breathing and wheezing. The patient also complains of cough ad mucus formation. The illness mostly occurs when one is exposed long term to harmful and irritating gases, and especially cigarette smoke. Those who stay in rooms that have poor ventilation are also very much likely to suffer from it. Moreover, there is also a significant risk of developing heart disease.
• The patient may also complain of tightness of chest and the mucus formation poses difficulty. In advanced situations, mucus has to be removed from the lungs every morning. The patient may also complain of swelling in the ankles and feet and there could be a lack of energy that the person experiences.
• On the other hand, emphysema and chronic bronchitis are also known to contribute to COPD as the inflammation of the bronchial tubes leads to the disturbance of airflow which carry air to and from the air sacs of the lungs. In this condition, the alveoli and the end of the smallest air passage of the lungs are destroyed because of the exposure to cigarette smoke.The good news is that COPD, although perhaps not completely curable, can be managed well and the risks associated with it can be significantly reduced. However, smokers who have smoking histories may develop reduced lung function. The air sacs inside the lungs are affected because of it which have thin walls that are full of capillaries and they are responsible for the exchange of gases inside the lung. Much depends on the elasticity of the air sacs to make this exchange of air happen but COPD causes them to lose the elasticity and that results the air remaining trapped in the lungs when exhaled. However, COPD develops slowly over the years, and one could be about 40 years old when COPD symptoms begin to show.Those with COPD also have a risk of developing Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency and this occurs in about 1% of the people with COPD. This mostly results from a genetic disorder which results in reduced production of a protein called Alpha 1 antitrypsin which is made by the liver to protect the lungs. Hence, with this disease, the lungs as well the liver are affected.The risk factors to COPD are many and they include the exposure to tobacco smoke. Those who smoke cigarettes, pipes or even marijuana are at risk. Those who already have asthma and still tend to smoke have a far greater risk of acquiring COPD. Those who have to work in an occupation where there is exposure to dust and chemical fumes, will also irritate and inflame the lungs. Those exposed to fumes from burning fuel in developing countries, like cooking in front of coal may also develop COPD.COPD and it importance in health COPD can get worse with time, so other than the treatment involved it is essential that regularized healthy routine and lifestyle is maintained. You have a higher chance of combating COPD symptoms by getting checked regularly and therefore maintaining a stable flow of activities that allow you to combat COPD even further.One might have to opt for Oxygen Therapy for COPD treatment or even opt for lung transplant in acute cases. At Portea Home Services, professionals will visit home to ensure that recuperation from COPD and the administration of medicines are performed with care for maximum COPD management. Doctor consultations are also necessary in such cases in order to work out the best course of treatment in the near future.
• Reference:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/symptoms-causes/syc-20353679