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What is COPD?

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Let us examine what this means. ‘Chronic’ means something that lasts a long time. ‘Obstructive’ in this context, means blocking of the airway tract. ‘Pulmonary’ means involving the lung and we all know what disease means. It is usually caused by inflammation - the way your body reacts to allergic or harmful substances. When this inflammation lasts a long time, it starts affecting our tissues themselves and they start changing.

 

Symptoms of COPD include difficulty in breathing, frequent cough, mucus or sputum production, and wheezing. This is usually caused by continued exposure to irritants like particulate matter, usually from cigarette smoke.

 

COPD is considered a factor in increasing the risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer and other health conditions. Chronic bronchitis and Emphysema are two conditions that are intrinsically linked to the development of COPD. Refractory asthma, which does not respond to normal asthma treatment is also under the umbrella of COPD, though less common.

 

What is Chronic bronchitis?

Chronic bronchitis refers to changes in the lining of your airway tubes, that carry air to the alveoli or air sacs (bronchial tubes), due to your body’s reaction to irritant substances. It is characterized by a daily cough with mucus production.

 

What is Emphysema?

Emphysema results when the air sacs (alveoli) in your lung get destroyed due to damage from exposure to irritants.

 

What are the risk factors that cause COPD?

COPD is caused by either the action of irritants on your airways or due to the function of your airways getting limited due to genetic or other conditions. The most common cause is irritants, especially smoking.

  • Smoking
  • Exposure to harmful chemicals or dust in the environment
  • A genetic condition called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
  • Air pollution
  • Passive inhalation of smoke
  • Chemicals, dust & fumes
  • Childhood respiratory infection

 

What are the signs and symptoms of COPD?

  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Tight feeling in the chest
  • Long-lasting cough with white, yellow or greenish sputum
  • Recurring infections
  • Low energy for daily activities
  • Weight loss
  • Swellings in ankles, face or legs

 

Exacerbations are episodes when the symptoms get worse for a period of time.

 

What tests are done by the doctor to diagnose COPD?

  • Spirometry - A machine that measures how much air your lungs can hold and how fast you can breathe out
  • Chest Xrays - To rule out heart and lung problems (including Emphysema)
  • CT Scans to study surgical necessity or the presence of lung cancer
  • Arterial blood gas tests to study how well your lungs can exchange O2 and CO2
  • Lab tests to rule out Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

 

How is COPD treated?

COPD is not completely treatable, but there are ways to ensure it does not keep getting worse:

  • Stopping smoking
  • Avoid exposure to passive smoke, chemicals or dust
  • Take medications as directed by your doctor
  • Light frequent exercise
  • Controlled coughing
  • Drink lots of water
  • Healthy diet
  • Steaming and humidifiers

 

Your doctor may recommend other treatments to help relieve the symptoms and slow down the disease like:

  • Bronchodilators
  • Corticosteroids
  • Combination inhalers
  • Antibiotics
  • A drug called Roflumilast prevents flare-up in chronic bronchitis
  • Flu & Pneumonia vaccines
  • Lung exercises and rehabilitation
  • Oxygen therapy
  • Surgery

 

In severe cases, the following may be suggested:

  • A surgery called bullectomy to remove large air sacs
  • Lung volume reduction surgery
  • Lung transplant

 

 

When should I seek immediate help?

If you have the following advanced symptoms, consult your doctor right away:

  • Severe shortness of breath
  • Difficulty in walking or talking
  • Fast heartbeats or irregular heartbeats
  • Blue colour of lips or nails
  • Breathing is fast and hard, even with medications

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